Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the pricing practices of the company "Aihuishou," particularly the discrepancy between online estimated prices and the lower prices offered in physical stores, leading to widespread consumer dissatisfaction [1][2][3]. Pricing Discrepancies - Consumers have reported significant differences between online valuations and in-store offers, with some cases showing reductions of nearly 50% from the initial online estimate [2][3]. - For example, a phone estimated at 5060 yuan online was offered at approximately 4500 yuan in-store, while another case saw a drop from 2560 yuan to 1300 yuan, representing a 49.84% decrease [1][2]. - Common reasons cited for these price reductions include claims of "screen damage" and "scratches," which consumers often dispute as being unnoticeable [5][7]. Consumer Complaints - The company has faced over 20,000 complaints on the Black Cat Complaints platform, primarily related to malicious price reductions and poor after-sales service [9]. - Many consumers express frustration over the inconsistency between online and offline pricing, with reports of being charged significantly more for repurchasing previously sold items [7][10]. Business Model and Financial Performance - Aihuishou's parent company, Wanwu Xingsheng, reported a revenue of 4.99 billion yuan for Q2 2025, a 32.2% year-on-year increase, with projections for Q3 revenue between 5.05 billion and 5.15 billion yuan [10]. - Despite this growth, the company has faced cumulative losses exceeding 4 billion yuan over seven years, with a notable loss of 246.8 million yuan in 2022 [10]. Market Competition and Challenges - The company is experiencing increased competition from other platforms, leading to a decline in its market position as consumers opt for direct peer-to-peer sales to avoid price reductions [10][17]. - Analysts suggest that the company's reliance on high online estimates to attract customers, followed by in-store price reductions, may not be sustainable in the long term [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant discrepancies between online and offline pricing practices of Ai Huishou, leading to widespread consumer dissatisfaction and complaints about price manipulation [2][3][4][9]. Group 1: Pricing Discrepancies - Consumers have reported that the online estimated prices for devices are often significantly higher than the final offers made in-store, with some cases showing reductions of nearly 50% [3][4]. - Specific examples include a phone estimated at 5060 yuan online being sold for approximately 4500 yuan offline, and another device dropping from 2560 yuan to 1300 yuan after in-person evaluation [4][6]. - The reasons given for these price reductions often include vague claims of "screen damage" or "scratches," which consumers find difficult to verify [6][8]. Group 2: Consumer Complaints - A total of 20,347 complaints related to Ai Huishou have been recorded on the Black Cat Complaints platform, primarily concerning malicious price reductions and poor after-sales service [9]. - The founder of Ai Huishou, Chen Xuefeng, has faced backlash on social media, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the company's pricing practices and service quality [11][13]. - Instances of severe pricing errors have also been reported, such as a consumer being charged 160,000 yuan for a phone listed at 16,000 yuan, prompting an apology from the CEO [15]. Group 3: Business Model and Market Position - Ai Huishou has faced increasing competition from other platforms, leading to a decline in its market position as consumers opt for direct peer-to-peer sales to avoid price manipulation [12]. - The company reported a revenue of 4.99 billion yuan for the second quarter of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 32.2%, but has struggled with cumulative losses exceeding 4 billion yuan over the years [12]. - The founder's significant stock sales prior to the company's IPO have raised concerns about the company's long-term viability and commitment to improving customer experience [11][12]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Challenges - The article notes that government policies promoting recycling and trade-in programs have temporarily boosted consumer interest in platforms like Ai Huishou, but this may not be sustainable if subsidies decrease [17]. - Analysts suggest that the company's pricing strategy, characterized by high online estimates followed by low offline offers, may ultimately harm its reputation and profitability [16].