Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by the plumbing installation industry in Henan Province, particularly due to the slowdown in the real estate market, prompting businesses to adapt their strategies [3][4][5]. Group 1: Market Conditions - The plumbing installation market experienced a significant downturn starting in 2024, with a noticeable decline in customer numbers due to reduced real estate transactions [4]. - By 2025, the market was described as "cold," with business volume dropping to about half compared to peak times [4][5]. - The shift in focus from urban housing to rural self-built homes has become a necessity for businesses like that of Song Ming, with rural projects now accounting for over half of their business [5]. Group 2: Business Adaptation - To cope with the changing market, companies are transitioning from traditional marketing methods to online strategies, including social media and live streaming [6][8]. - Collaborations with professional teams and leveraging platforms like Douyin (TikTok) have expanded business reach beyond local markets [8]. - The younger generation's purchasing habits are influencing the industry, with a preference for efficiency and direct pricing, leading to a faster transaction process [9][10]. Group 3: Future Trends - The industry is expected to evolve towards full-service providers, moving away from single-service businesses, as consumer preferences shift towards convenience and comprehensive solutions [10]. - Despite challenges, the trend towards integrated service models is seen as an inevitable progression, even in smaller markets [10].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by the plumbing installation industry in small towns due to a slowdown in the real estate market, leading to a significant shift in business strategies [1][3]. Group 1: Market Conditions - The plumbing installation business has seen a drastic reduction in orders, with business volume dropping to about half compared to peak times [3]. - The real estate market slowdown has resulted in fewer customers for plumbing services, particularly in county-level cities where new property developments have stagnated [3][4]. - By 2025, the market is expected to remain cold, with no signs of recovery during traditionally busy seasons [3]. Group 2: Shift to Rural Self-Build Market - In response to the declining demand in urban areas, companies are increasingly focusing on the rural self-build housing market, which now constitutes over half of their business [3][5]. - Rural self-build projects typically involve larger homes, leading to higher material consumption compared to urban projects, which helps mitigate the impact of reduced order quantities [4][6]. Group 3: Adaptation to Online Marketing - Traditional marketing methods, such as phone calls and flyers, are becoming less effective, prompting companies to embrace online marketing strategies [7][10]. - Collaborations with professional teams that utilize social media platforms like Douyin (TikTok) for marketing have expanded business reach significantly [9]. - Companies are also developing their own online marketing capabilities, including live streaming and daily content updates on social media [9][10]. Group 4: Changing Consumer Behavior - The consumer demographic is shifting, with younger generations (80s, 90s, and soon 00s) preferring efficiency and convenience over traditional shopping methods [11][12]. - The purchasing process has accelerated, with customers expecting immediate pricing and less negotiation compared to previous generations [13]. - The trend towards full-service home renovation companies is expected to grow, making it increasingly difficult for specialized plumbing businesses to survive [13][14].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by the plumbing installation industry in Henan Province, particularly due to the slowdown in the real estate market, prompting businesses to adapt their strategies [1][3]. Market Conditions - The plumbing installation market experienced a boom in previous years, driven by a surge in housing projects, but has since faced a significant decline starting in 2024, with a noticeable drop in customer numbers due to reduced real estate activity [3][4]. - By 2025, the market is described as "cold," with business volume estimated to be "half" of what it was during peak times [3][4]. Shift in Business Focus - In response to the shrinking market for commercial housing, companies are shifting their focus towards rural self-built homes, with this segment now accounting for over half of their business, potentially reaching two-thirds [3][4]. Customer Dynamics - Rural self-built homes typically require more materials than commercial housing, which helps to offset lower profit margins per project due to competitive pricing [4][6]. - The traditional business model of relying on walk-in customers is becoming obsolete, as most potential clients are now engaging through online channels [6][7]. Marketing Strategies - Companies are increasingly adopting online marketing strategies, including partnerships with professional teams to leverage social media platforms like Douyin (TikTok) for customer engagement [6][7]. - The shift in consumer demographics, particularly the younger generation, is influencing purchasing behaviors, with a preference for efficiency and convenience over traditional comparison shopping [7][8]. Industry Evolution - The plumbing installation industry is expected to evolve towards a model where businesses offer comprehensive services rather than focusing solely on individual components, reflecting a broader trend in consumer preferences for "whole-house management" services [7][8].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by the plumbing installation industry in Henan Province due to a slowdown in the local real estate market, prompting businesses to adapt their strategies to survive [1][4][6] Industry Trends - The plumbing installation market experienced a boom in previous years, driven by a surge in housing projects, but has since faced a significant decline in demand starting from 2024 [4][5] - The real estate market's stagnation has led to a sharp decrease in customers for plumbing services, with business volume dropping to about half of its peak [4][5] Strategic Shifts - Companies are shifting focus from urban residential projects to rural self-built houses, with rural projects now accounting for over half of their business, potentially reaching two-thirds [4][5] - The characteristics of rural self-built houses, such as larger sizes and higher material consumption, provide a buffer against the decline in order volume [5] Marketing Adaptation - Traditional marketing methods like phone calls and flyers are becoming less effective, leading companies to embrace online marketing strategies, including live streaming and social media [6][9] - Collaborations with professional teams that utilize platforms like Douyin (TikTok) for marketing have expanded business reach significantly [7][8] Consumer Behavior Changes - The consumer demographic is shifting towards younger generations, who prioritize efficiency and convenience over traditional shopping methods, impacting sales strategies [9] - The trend towards "whole-house management" services is expected to grow, as consumers prefer comprehensive solutions rather than dealing with individual service providers [9]