Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "delivery war" among major platforms like Meituan, Alibaba, and JD has led to a surge in order volumes, but this has not translated into significant profit growth for merchants, raising concerns about the sustainability of such aggressive subsidy strategies [1][12][15]. Group 1: Order Volume Surge - Meituan reported a daily order volume exceeding 150 million, while Alibaba's Taobao and Ele.me announced a record of over 80 million daily orders [3][4]. - Many merchants experienced a doubling of order volumes, with some stores reporting over a thousand orders in a single day, leading to chaotic scenes in stores [2][3]. - The influx of orders has resulted in operational challenges for merchants, with some unable to fulfill orders in a timely manner, leading to increased customer complaints and dissatisfaction [5][6]. Group 2: Rider Income Growth - Riders' daily order volume increased by 33%, and their income surged by 111%, with some riders earning over 400 yuan in additional subsidies during peak activity days [4][12]. - The number of active riders has also seen significant growth, with a 120% increase in crowd-sourced riders since the launch of Taobao's flash purchase service [4]. Group 3: Profitability Concerns - Despite the surge in order volumes, many merchants reported that their profit margins remained thin, with some experiencing a 10% increase in negative reviews due to delays in order fulfillment [5][6][7]. - Merchants are facing increased operational pressures, with staffing levels needing to double to manage the order influx, yet still struggling to meet demand [6][7]. Group 4: Industry Impact and Future Outlook - The aggressive subsidy strategies are seen as a threat to traditional dining establishments, as they divert customers from dine-in to delivery services, potentially harming the overall restaurant ecosystem [7][8]. - Experts suggest that the current subsidy-driven growth is unsustainable and may lead to a "three losses" scenario where platforms, merchants, and consumers all suffer in the long run [9][10]. - There are calls for platforms to reduce commission fees and for regulatory bodies to intervene to ensure fair competition and a balanced market environment [10][18].