Core Viewpoint - Efficient merchant management is crucial for the sustainable profitability and steady development of online malls, regardless of whether it is a single store, a chain, or a multi-merchant platform [1]. Group 1: Single Store Management - The focus for single-brand or merchant-operated official malls is on simplifying operations, enhancing efficiency, and precise marketing [2]. - Integration of product and order management is essential, allowing centralized management of product information and seamless order processing, which significantly reduces labor costs [2]. - Establishing a proprietary membership system is a key advantage of independent malls, enabling targeted management for repeat purchases and precise marketing [2]. - The system should provide a variety of marketing tools for agile deployment of promotional activities, ensuring ease of operation to avoid missing optimal marketing opportunities [2][4]. Group 2: Chain/Multiple Outlet Management - For merchants with multiple stores or outlets, the challenge lies in balancing unified standards with regional flexibility [5]. - Centralized management is necessary to ensure consistency in membership systems, points rules, and value policies, with product information maintained by headquarters [5]. - Local outlets require autonomy to handle local orders and inventory, necessitating a system that supports tiered permissions for efficient local management [5]. - Headquarters can plan large marketing campaigns that can be executed across all outlets, while allowing for localized promotions to meet regional market demands [6]. Group 3: Platform Operation (Merchant Onboarding) - For platforms aiming to create a "self-operated + third-party onboarding" model, the core management focus is on empowering merchants, standardizing processes, and ensuring a quality experience [8]. - Each merchant should have an independent backend management system to autonomously manage products, orders, and data, providing them with sufficient operational autonomy [8]. - The platform must establish a robust review mechanism and clear commission settlement rules to maintain credibility and consumer experience [8]. - Integrating resources to provide marketing support and data guidance for merchants is essential for mutual growth and platform expansion [8]. Group 4: Tools for Efficient Management - Selecting a user-friendly, powerful, and flexible management tool is critical for all types of operations [10]. - Ideal tools should be low-code or no-code, allowing merchants to operate without technical backgrounds, thus saving development costs and time [10]. - The system should offer modular functionalities for different management needs, ensuring smooth upgrades as business scales [10]. - A clear and straightforward backend design enhances operational efficiency by simplifying management of core modules like products, orders, and marketing [10]. - Cost-effectiveness is vital, with tools available that cater to various development stages, ensuring low initial investment and flexible future expansion [10]. Group 5: Summary of Merchant Management - Merchant management in online malls reflects the essence of refined operations, with the choice of management strategies and tools being key to cost reduction, enhanced customer experience, and business growth [12]. - Understanding specific business needs and selecting simple, practical, and cost-effective management systems can significantly improve operational efficiency [12].