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新华网财经观察丨买得起机器,换不起耗材
Xin Hua Wang· 2025-09-17 02:01
Core Viewpoint - The rise of smart home appliances has led to a burgeoning "consumables economy," where the cost of replacement parts and consumables significantly impacts consumer experience and industry development [3][25]. Group 1: Consumer Experience - Many consumers find that while the initial purchase price of smart appliances like water purifiers and air purifiers is low, the ongoing costs for replacement parts can be substantial, often exceeding the cost of the appliance itself over time [3][6]. - For instance, the average annual cost for replacing filters in a water purifier can range from 600 to 1200 yuan, accounting for 62% to 78% of the total lifecycle cost of the product [6][25]. Group 2: Pricing and Business Model - The business model of "hardware loss, consumables profit" has become a common challenge for consumers, as companies often set high prices for original consumables [3][25]. - Original consumables are priced significantly higher on e-commerce platforms, with examples including a water purifier filter priced at 459.08 yuan and a robotic vacuum cleaner mop priced at over 20 yuan [6][21]. Group 3: Consumer Complaints and Industry Practices - There are numerous complaints regarding the frequency of replacement alerts for filters, with many consumers reporting that they are prompted to replace filters even when usage levels do not warrant it [20][21]. - Companies often enforce the purchase of original consumables through technical means, such as requiring specific NFC tags for the appliances to function properly, which limits consumer choice and increases costs [21][25]. Group 4: Industry Solutions and Innovations - To address the high costs associated with consumables, industry experts suggest standardizing consumable interfaces and promoting transparency regarding replacement cycles [28][29]. - Some companies are already taking steps to open up their consumable interfaces, allowing third-party products to be used, which could help reduce costs for consumers [32][33].