Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and strategic missteps faced by the company Yunji, highlighting its initial success, subsequent stagnation, and the implications of its long-term strategy in the competitive landscape of the vacuum cleaner market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Performance and Market Position - Yunji once surpassed competitors like Stone in market share, achieving a peak valuation of 300 billion yuan in 2021, but has since seen its valuation drop to below 100 billion yuan by 2024 [3][4]. - The company has been criticized for its slow pace of innovation and product development, leading to missed opportunities in a rapidly evolving market [3][4][19]. - Despite its challenges, Yunji has established a closed-loop system for self-research, production, and sales, aiming for long-term sustainability and brand integrity [4][19]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Production Issues - Yunji's decision to self-manufacture has led to significant production challenges, including low product yield and inventory management issues, resulting in stock shortages and excess inventory [8][12][14]. - The company faced multiple instances of product recalls and rework due to quality control issues, with return rates as high as 80% for certain models [16][18]. - The self-manufacturing approach, while aimed at protecting proprietary technology, has proven costly and inefficient compared to utilizing established contract manufacturers [9][12][18]. Group 3: Marketing and Distribution Strategy - Yunji's marketing strategy has been inconsistent, with multiple shifts in distribution rights that alienated potential partners and led to lost market opportunities [20][22][23]. - The company initially focused on direct sales but later attempted to re-establish a distribution network, which resulted in a loss of trust among distributors [21][22]. - Marketing efforts have been heavily reliant on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, neglecting the potential of Douyin, which limited brand exposure and sales conversion [26][33][34]. Group 4: International Expansion Challenges - Yunji was late to enter international markets, missing opportunities as competitors like Ecovacs and Roborock established strong footholds abroad [42][44]. - The company faced significant hurdles in product localization and market adaptation, leading to poor sales performance in overseas markets [45][46]. - Despite these challenges, Yunji has seen rapid growth in international revenue, reaching 800 million yuan by 2024, indicating potential for recovery [49]. Group 5: Internal Management and Organizational Issues - The rapid expansion of Yunji's workforce led to internal conflicts and a lack of cohesive strategy, hindering effective decision-making and product development [54][56]. - The company's leadership has been characterized by a strong focus on product quality, which, while beneficial, has resulted in lengthy development cycles and missed market opportunities [60][62]. - The emphasis on maintaining high brand standards has created a culture of risk aversion, stifling innovation and responsiveness to market demands [63][64].