Core Viewpoint - The rapid growth of the food delivery market has led to significant job creation and improvements in labor rights, with platforms like Taobao Shanguo and Meituan actively enhancing rider protections and income opportunities [1][4][5] Group 1: Employment and Labor Rights - Taobao Shanguo reported over 2 million active riders in August, creating more than 1 million new jobs compared to the previous year [1] - The overall employment landscape has improved, with the food delivery sector contributing to a significant increase in job opportunities and income for riders [4] - The number of riders earning over 10,000 yuan per month has increased to 2.8 times compared to last year [4] Group 2: Market Growth and Competition - The food delivery market has seen a doubling in scale, with daily orders increasing from around 100 million in May to over 200 million currently, peaking at nearly 300 million [1] - New platforms have entered the market, leading to healthy competition and innovation in service delivery, with significant growth in night orders across various cities [2] - The introduction of "warehouse stores" has met consumer demand for timely delivery, contributing to increased consumption [2] Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Spending - Online retail sales grew by 6.3% year-on-year, accounting for 24.9% of total retail sales, indicating strong digital consumption [1] - A study from Peking University found that every 1 yuan spent on Taobao Shanguo coupons generates an additional 6.76 yuan in overall consumption [2] Group 4: Business Model Innovation - Platforms are innovating their business models, such as Taobao's new membership system that integrates various services to enhance consumer engagement [3] - Differentiated strategies are emerging among platforms, with Meituan focusing on local commerce and Taobao Shanguo leveraging Alibaba's ecosystem [3] Group 5: Societal Impact - The competitive landscape has created shared value, benefiting not only the platforms but also the broader community, including small businesses and indirect employment opportunities [4][5] - The food delivery sector's growth has positively impacted the restaurant industry, with many small businesses experiencing a revival [4]

Core Insights - Recent initiatives by Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com to disclose algorithms aim to enhance transparency and reduce information asymmetry in platform operations [1][2] - Despite these efforts, the complexity and ambiguity of algorithms still leave merchants with limited bargaining power, often resulting in unclear profitability and increased operational costs [1] - The purpose of algorithm disclosure should be to promote healthy industry development, rather than allowing companies to shift operational costs and evade social responsibilities [1] Summary by Sections Algorithm Transparency - Meituan has established an algorithm disclosure area, while Ele.me has engaged in discussions about algorithm transparency and thematic research [1] - JD.com has committed to creating a simple and transparent subsidy mechanism [1] Merchant Challenges - Many platforms have opaque fee structures and traffic mechanisms, leaving merchants in a passive position regarding cost analysis and business decisions [1] - Complex algorithms often transfer costs, such as shipping, that should be borne by the platforms onto merchants, further squeezing their profit margins [1] - Merchants face a dilemma: accept the rules and potentially increase revenue without profit, or refuse participation and risk a significant drop in orders [1] Call for Fairness - The industry must recognize that algorithm disclosure should lead to fair and reasonable rules, not serve as a shield for companies to pass on costs [1] - Platforms are urged to establish a more open and diverse governance mechanism to facilitate effective communication among merchants, delivery personnel, and consumers [1] - The ultimate goal is to create fair, reasonable, and empathetic algorithm rules that benefit all parties involved [1][2]

Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by the food delivery industry, particularly the struggle between maintaining customer flow and achieving profitability, leading to a "loss-making for visibility" dilemma for many businesses [1] - It emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in the competitive logic of the industry from "price competition" to "quality and service competition" to escape the cycle of low prices, low quality, and low profits [1][2] Industry Challenges - A restaurant in Yichang, Hubei, received 4,158 orders in June, generating over 160,000 yuan in revenue, but incurred losses exceeding 10,000 yuan after costs [1] - Consumers may enjoy low prices in the short term, but could face risks such as declining service quality and increased food safety concerns in the long run [1] - Delivery riders are experiencing increased workloads and safety risks due to a surge in orders, despite a rise in average daily income [1] Proposed Solutions - The article suggests that the industry must focus on creating value through quality and service rather than relying on subsidies [2] - Platforms should shift their focus from "subsidy competition" to technological innovation and service quality optimization [1] - Examples include Meituan using AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency for restaurants and JD.com providing social insurance and professional training for delivery riders [1] Future Outlook - A transition towards a high-quality development model is necessary for the food delivery industry and the broader instant retail sector, promoting a sustainable and healthy future [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing issue of price discrepancies between dine-in and takeout orders in the food delivery industry, highlighting the challenges faced by consumers and businesses amid stricter regulations [1][2][3]. Pricing Discrepancies - Consumers in Zhengzhou report significant price differences between dine-in and takeout meals, with examples showing a 30% increase in takeout prices compared to in-store prices [1]. - The average markup for takeout in the restaurant industry is around 30%, with delivery platforms taking a commission of 20% to 25% [1][2]. - Some restaurants choose to maintain consistent pricing between dine-in and takeout, focusing on quality to attract customers [2]. Business Challenges - Restaurant owners face high costs associated with participating in delivery platform promotions, which can reduce their profit margins significantly [2]. - The cost structure for takeout includes platform commissions, delivery fees, and operational costs, leading to higher prices for consumers [2][3]. Legal Perspective - According to legal experts, the dual pricing strategy does not constitute consumer rights infringement as businesses have the right to set prices based on their costs [3]. - However, if businesses misrepresent the quality or quantity of food, it could lead to consumer rights violations [3]. Delivery Thresholds - Some businesses set minimum order thresholds for delivery to ensure profitability, as low-value orders do not cover operational costs [3][4]. - Analysts argue that these thresholds are a logical business strategy to maximize efficiency and reduce resource waste [4]. Regulatory Response - The market regulatory authority has engaged with food delivery platforms to ensure compliance with laws and to promote fair competition within the industry [4][5]. - There is optimism that regulatory measures will help address various issues in the food delivery sector, leading to a more orderly market environment [5].

聪明人，曾经是美团王兴对这位年轻人的评价。那是2019年，王兴在社交媒体中这样写道： "接下来几年，看拼多多的黄铮和淘宝/天猫的蒋凡这两个非常聪明的人较量，应该很精彩。" 01 战火 "我天生就是一个混蛋，一个天才的混蛋。唯一的义务就是施展自己的才华。" 卡波特这句狂妄的宣言，你可以在很多天才或者少年有成的人身上看到写实版。 乔布斯相信人们不知道自己想要什么，直到你展示给他们看。对待员工同样粗暴，会因为在电梯里偶遇的人无法回答他的某个问题而辞退对方。他的效仿 者遍布全球，尤其在中国互联网创业烈火烹油的年代，年轻的创业者们都愿意贴上类似的混蛋标签，以彰显自己的天才特质。 但蒋凡从来都不是。 这位1985年出生在新疆乌鲁木齐的学霸，有着完美的精英式履历：高中毕业保送到复旦大学、大学毕业后被李开复招进谷歌中国、接着在李开复的创业工 场做出"友盟"，三年后以8000万美元的价格卖给阿里，自己也成为阿里人。 几年之后，看戏人成为戏中人。 蒋凡挥师来到王兴门前，要抢即时零售的地盘。2025年5月，淘宝闪购上线，9月，蒋凡在阿里财报电话会中公布数据：日订单峰值1.2亿单，周日均订单 8000万单，月度交易买家数突破3亿。 ...

最近一段时间，数以百万的餐饮商家卷入以"补贴"为名的漩涡。在这个当口，许多中小餐饮商家要同时 面对两道选择题：外卖生意，做还是不做？做的话，卷还是不卷？ "标价20多元的面，毛利剩一块" "看似是平台出几百亿在补贴消费者，但商家却出了大头。"说话间，李新宇打开了某平台的商家后台， 向记者展示起外卖订单的"B面"。他在河南商丘经营着一家韩餐店，堂食与外卖各占日常流水的一半。 转自：北京日报客户端 编者按 一段时间以来，外卖平台企业为争夺即时零售流量入口，反复发起"百亿补贴""大额神券"等外卖大额补 贴活动，使大量餐饮企业陷入"不参与就没流量，参与就破价亏损"的恶性循环，滋生一系列畸形现象。 5月以来，国家市场监督管理总局两次约谈相关平台，但外卖平台补贴大战仍然此起彼伏，给餐饮市场 带来深刻影响。 正常的市场竞争不应该遏制，但有必要对非理性竞争行为加以引导。"价格战"本质是一种低效甚至无效 竞争，"百亿补贴"或许一时让消费者得利、商家涨单、骑手增收，但几乎每一轮烧钱大战过后，都伴随 着新的负面效果。而爆单留下的非理性消费、客单利润摊薄、骑手疲于奔命、商品质量与服务下降等后 患，则需要市场和消费者用更长时间消化。 ...

Core Insights - The fierce competition in the food delivery market has intensified, with major players like JD, Meituan, and Taobao aggressively subsidizing to attract users, leading to significant shifts in consumer behavior and restaurant revenue dynamics [2][4][10]. Delivery Market Dynamics - JD's entry into the food delivery market initially raised expectations, but the subsequent price wars have led to increased subsidies from competitors, resulting in a surge in daily active users for Taobao and significant growth in active users for JD [2]. - Meituan reported over 64 million daily orders in Q2, indicating a robust demand for delivery services [2]. Impact on Dining Experience - The rise of low-cost delivery options has shifted consumer preferences, with many opting for delivery over dining in, leading to a noticeable decline in in-store customers for many restaurants [3][5]. - Restaurant owners have reported a significant drop in dine-in customers, with some noting that their revenue from dine-in has decreased substantially due to the rise in delivery orders [4][5]. Financial Implications for Restaurants - Many restaurants are experiencing a decline in revenue despite an increase in delivery orders, as the actual income from delivery orders is often significantly lower than dine-in sales due to platform fees and discounts [4][6][10]. - For instance, a restaurant may receive only 22 yuan from a 40 yuan delivery order, compared to the full amount received from dine-in customers [4]. Consumer Behavior Changes - Consumers are increasingly adopting a "price comparison" mentality, often choosing to order delivery even when they are physically near the restaurant, leading to a rise in self-pickup orders [8][14]. - The prevalence of large discount coupons has further incentivized consumers to prioritize delivery and self-pickup over traditional dining [10][11]. Challenges for Small Restaurants - Smaller, non-chain restaurants are particularly vulnerable in this competitive landscape, as they lack the flexibility to adjust pricing and promotions in response to aggressive discounting by larger chains [6][14]. - Many small restaurant owners express confusion and frustration over the sustainability of their business models in light of the ongoing price wars and rising operational costs [12][16]. Future Outlook - The survival of restaurants may increasingly depend on their ability to adapt to the changing market dynamics, with a potential focus on high-quality dine-in experiences or specialized offerings that cannot be easily replicated through delivery [17][18]. - The ongoing evolution of consumer preferences and competitive strategies will likely continue to reshape the restaurant industry landscape, raising questions about the long-term viability of traditional dining establishments [18].

Core Viewpoint - The current era is characterized by low costs for ordinary people to "lie flat," which can be seen as both a benefit and a sign of the disappearance of other benefits [4][8]. Group 1: Delivery Industry Insights - The low cost of food delivery in China is attributed to a significantly lower labor cost, averaging around $1 per delivery compared to $5 in the U.S. [9]. - Delivery riders face harsh penalties for delays, with a 20% deduction for being late by 3 minutes and a 50% deduction for being over 3 minutes late [9]. - A significant portion of delivery riders, nearly 45%, are aged between 31 and 45, with 37% working over 10 hours a day, yet only 2% earn over 10,000 yuan per month [9]. - Restaurants bear more than half of the costs for user subsidies, leading to a dilemma where they must choose between participating in subsidies for order growth or maintaining profitability [9][10]. - Major tech companies like Didi, Alipay, and Douyin have previously attempted to enter the food delivery market but exited due to low profitability [13][14]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The ongoing food delivery competition is driven by companies seeking to use delivery services as a means to attract customers to their core businesses, rather than a genuine interest in the delivery market itself [15][18]. - The absurdity of the current delivery war lies in the fact that no major player is truly committed to making food delivery profitable, as evidenced by the historical losses incurred by companies in this space [15][18]. - The competitive landscape reflects a broader trend across various industries where all parties involved are pressured to perform, leading to a cycle of "survival of the fittest" [15][16]. Group 3: Societal Reflections - The notion of "lying flat" is not a new concept but rather a response to the overwhelming pressures of modern life, where individuals feel trapped in a cycle of relentless competition [32]. - The current era offers a unique opportunity for individuals to pursue personal interests without the immediate pressure of societal expectations, contrasting sharply with previous generations [34][35]. - The narrative of success has shifted, with the current generation facing different challenges compared to those who thrived during the previous economic boom [24][34].

Core Insights - The competition in the food delivery market has intensified, with Dazhong Dianping (大众点评) announcing the relaunch of its quality delivery service, leveraging AI and real user reviews to enhance decision-making for consumers [2][4] - Dazhong Dianping plans to distribute 25 million various types of quality delivery coupons to encourage user engagement and support local restaurants [2][3] - Meituan (美团) is also enhancing its AI capabilities for consumer services, indicating a broader trend of technological upgrades in the industry [2][5] Company Strategies - Dazhong Dianping's quality delivery service now covers over 1,400 restaurants on the 2025 "Must Eat List" and nearly 30 restaurants on the "Black Pearl" list, showcasing a significant expansion of its offerings [2][6] - The platform emphasizes the importance of real user reviews, with a reported 3.63 billion genuine evaluations, reflecting a 60% year-on-year increase in the number of authentic reviews [6][7] - Meituan has initiated a "Dine-in Boost" plan, distributing up to 50,000 yuan in support funds to quality dining establishments, aiming to increase foot traffic and sales [3][7] Market Dynamics - The local lifestyle service market is experiencing heightened competition, with major players like Alibaba and Meituan investing heavily in user acquisition and retention strategies [4][8] - The ongoing battle for market share has led to significant financial commitments, with estimates suggesting that Meituan, JD, and Alibaba have collectively invested over 100 billion yuan in subsidies for the food delivery sector [8][9] - Goldman Sachs projects a 30% year-on-year growth in industry order volume, indicating a robust demand despite the competitive landscape [9]

Core Insights - Alibaba's Gaode Map launched the world's first user behavior-based ranking list, "Gaode Street Ranking," and initiated a "Good Store Support Plan" with over 1 billion yuan in subsidies to encourage offline consumption, aiming to bring 10 million customers daily to the service industry [1] - Meituan faces intensified competition in both its in-store and delivery services from new entrants like Gaode and established players like JD and Taobao [1][5] - Meituan's financial performance has been negatively impacted by the competition, with a significant drop in net profit and adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2025 [1][2] Delivery Competition - Meituan's revenue for the first half of 2025 was 91.84 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.7%, but net profit fell by 96.8% to 365 million yuan, and adjusted EBITDA decreased by 81.5% to 2.782 billion yuan [1] - The sales cost for Meituan rose by 27% to 61.4 billion yuan, with the proportion of sales costs in revenue increasing from 58.8% in Q2 2024 to 66.9% in Q2 2025 [2] - Sales and marketing expenses grew by 51.8% to 22.5 billion yuan, reflecting increased spending on promotions and user incentives due to fierce competition [2] Rider Welfare and Support - Meituan has expanded occupational injury insurance to all riders in 17 provinces and cities, with plans to roll out pension insurance subsidies nationwide by the end of 2025 [3] - Meituan's CEO reported that the company served 770 million users and connected 3.36 million riders monthly, with peak daily orders for instant retail exceeding 150 million [3] - JD has also enhanced rider benefits, including full insurance coverage and seasonal subsidies for riders during extreme weather [3][4] In-store Business Challenges - Gaode's entry into the in-store business poses a new challenge for Meituan, which relies on this segment for revenue growth amid increasing competition [5][6] - Gaode's Street Ranking covers over 7 million restaurant locations and has launched various behavior-based rankings, indicating a strong commitment to the in-store market [6][7] - Meituan's core local business revenue was 65.347 billion yuan in Q2 2025, a 7.7% year-on-year increase, but operating profit dropped by 75.6% [7]