Group 1 - The emergence of long payment terms in industries like automotive and real estate is attributed to the power imbalance between upstream and downstream players, where stronger companies exploit their position to delay payments, effectively using suppliers' capital for free [1][2] - In the automotive industry, manufacturers leverage their dominant position to impose long payment terms on parts suppliers, which can lead to significant financial strain on those suppliers [1] - The real estate sector also exhibits similar dynamics, where developers collect funds from consumers early in the construction process while delaying payments to contractors and suppliers, creating extended payment cycles [1] Group 2 - Retailers historically have utilized long payment terms to minimize initial capital investment, allowing them to expand rapidly at the expense of suppliers, who often face severe cash flow issues [2] - The practice of extending payment terms can lead to significant financial distress for suppliers, with examples of companies like LeEco facing severe consequences due to unpaid debts [2] - Companies with strong market positions, such as Gree and Kweichow Moutai, can demand upfront payments, highlighting the disparity in bargaining power within supply chains [2][3] Group 3 - Long payment terms effectively serve as a subsidy from weaker parties to stronger ones, enabling the latter to expand their credit capacity while exacerbating competition and harming the overall industry [3] - Historical issues with payment delays, such as the triangular debt problem from the 1980s, continue to plague industries, with many businesses relying on a cycle of credit to survive [3] - Recent government initiatives aim to address payment term issues by mandating that large enterprises pay small and medium-sized enterprises within 60 days, introducing penalties for late payments to encourage compliance [3][4]