Core Insights - The ongoing competition among food delivery platforms has led to significant changes in consumer behavior and business operations, with many small businesses experiencing increased order volumes but reduced profit margins [4][5][8]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The competition among major food delivery platforms, including Meituan, Ele.me, and JD, has intensified, resulting in a shift in market share, with Ele.me gaining an advantage over Meituan [2][3]. - Delivery riders have reported a decrease in order volumes by 20-30% since the peak in July, with a notable drop in delivery fees and incentives [2][3]. - Consumer preferences have shifted, with 80% of surveyed individuals indicating a change in dining habits, leading to increased reliance on food delivery services [8]. Group 2: Business Impact - Many small businesses are experiencing a paradox where order volumes have doubled, but profit margins have shrunk significantly, with some reporting that 30% of their orders result in losses [4][5][6]. - The cost of labor has increased due to the surge in order volumes, leading to higher operational costs for businesses [6][7]. - Despite the challenges, some businesses are still optimistic about the potential for increased customer traffic through delivery platforms, hoping for continued subsidies to attract more customers [7][8]. Group 3: Financial Performance - The financial performance of the major delivery platforms has deteriorated, with Meituan's net profit dropping by 89% and JD's by 50.8% in the second quarter [8][9]. - Analysts predict that the ongoing competition could result in a loss of approximately 92 billion yuan over the next year, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the current subsidy war [9].