Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of price control measures implemented by e-commerce platforms, particularly during the "Double Eleven" shopping festival, which restricts merchants' pricing strategies and affects consumer purchasing behavior [1][5][9]. Group 1: E-commerce Platform Dynamics - E-commerce platforms like JD.com are enforcing "lowest price" policies, requiring brands to maintain uniform pricing across platforms, which limits competition and creates challenges for merchants [1][4]. - The "Double Eleven" shopping festival has evolved from a simple discount day to a complex event that significantly influences consumer habits and business operations, becoming the largest shopping festival globally [3][4]. - The current phase of the festival emphasizes brand value and user experience rather than just gross merchandise volume (GMV), reflecting a shift in focus amid regulatory scrutiny [4][8]. Group 2: Merchant Challenges - Merchants face a dilemma due to price constraints imposed by platforms, which can lead to penalties for non-compliance, effectively binding them to platform demands [4][5]. - Many brands are heavily reliant on specific platforms for sales, making it difficult to resist pricing pressures despite potential disagreements [4][6]. - The practice of price control is seen as a "business shackle" that stifles innovation and competitiveness among merchants [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer Impact - Consumers are losing their ability to compare prices effectively, as platforms enforce uniform pricing, leading to a perception that promotional events lack genuine discounts [6][9]. - The homogenization of prices across platforms diminishes the excitement and value traditionally associated with shopping festivals like "Double Eleven" [6][9]. - The article highlights concerns that such practices may violate legal standards regarding fair competition, as established in previous antitrust cases [6][7]. Group 4: Industry Recommendations - Experts advocate for a return to fair competition, urging platforms to allow merchants greater autonomy in pricing and promotional strategies to foster a healthier market environment [7][8]. - Regulatory bodies are encouraged to strengthen enforcement against anti-competitive practices, ensuring that platforms do not impose unfair pricing constraints on merchants [8][9]. - The focus should shift back to enhancing consumer experience and operational efficiency rather than relying on restrictive measures to maintain market share [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The automatic price adjustment feature of Ctrip has caused significant frustration among hotel operators, leading to regulatory scrutiny and potential changes in the online travel industry landscape [2][10][18]. Group 1: Ctrip's Automatic Price Adjustment - Hotel operators have reported that Ctrip's "automatic price adjustment" feature frequently alters room prices without their consent, often resulting in prices that do not even cover costs [2][6]. - The process to disable this feature is complicated and time-consuming, leading to further dissatisfaction among hotel managers [10][12]. - Regulatory bodies have taken notice, with the Zhengzhou Market Supervision Administration recently addressing Ctrip for violating e-commerce laws by unreasonably restricting merchants' pricing rights [11][18]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions and Industry Response - Ctrip has faced multiple regulatory meetings, indicating a growing intolerance from authorities regarding its practices [3][5]. - The regulatory body has mandated Ctrip to rectify its practices, including revising contract terms and optimizing its pricing tools to protect merchant rights [11][18]. - New competitors like JD.com and Douyin are entering the market, offering favorable terms to hotel operators, which could shift the balance of power away from Ctrip [13][14][17]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The entry of new players is seen as a positive development for hotel operators, providing them with more options and reducing reliance on a single platform [17][20]. - The competitive landscape is expected to evolve, focusing more on service quality, technological innovation, and ecosystem development [18][20]. - As the market transforms, consumers may benefit from more transparent pricing and improved service quality, marking a shift away from the previous dominance of platforms like Ctrip [20].

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