Group 1: Core Insights - The article discusses the shift from "involution" competition to high-quality development in various industries, emphasizing the need for fair competition and innovation [1][2][7] - E-commerce platforms are adjusting their "refund only" policies to protect merchants' rights and promote a healthier consumption ecosystem, leading to a significant decrease in related disputes [3][4][6] - The focus is on transforming price competition into value creation, encouraging businesses to enhance product quality and innovate rather than engage in price wars [8][12] Group 2: Industry Changes - The adjustment of the "refund only" rule has resulted in a 60% decrease in related cases in Beijing's internet courts compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend for merchants [3][6] - E-commerce platforms like Taobao and Douyin are implementing measures to support merchants and prevent price manipulation, fostering a more sustainable business environment [8][9] - The eyewear industry in Taizhou is transitioning from low-cost production to high-quality manufacturing, with companies investing in technology and innovation to improve efficiency and product quality [9][11][12] Group 3: Local Government Initiatives - Local governments are shifting from offering financial incentives to optimizing the business environment, focusing on service quality and regulatory compliance to attract businesses [13][15][19] - The city of Jiaozuo has implemented a systematic approach to track and support investment projects, enhancing collaboration among various government departments [16][19] - The introduction of specialized talent for investment promotion has led to significant project signings and a more effective approach to attracting quality enterprises [17][19]

Group 1: E-commerce Platform Changes - Major e-commerce platforms have announced adjustments to the "refund without return" mechanism, shifting the responsibility to negotiate between consumers and sellers, rather than the platform intervening automatically [7][10] - The adjustment aims to protect both consumer and seller rights, moving away from price competition to value creation, which is expected to enhance the industry ecosystem [7][12] - Data shows a significant decrease in "refund without return" disputes, with the Beijing Internet Court handling less than 20 cases this year, a drop of over 60% compared to the previous year [7][8] Group 2: Industry Transformation - The eyewear industry in Taizhou, Zhejiang, is transitioning from low-cost, low-quality production to innovation-driven manufacturing, with companies like Yingchang Group improving efficiency and product quality through advanced technology [13][15] - The establishment of the Duqiao Eyewear Micro-entrepreneurship Park has facilitated collaboration among over 100 eyewear companies, enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing production costs [15][16] - The average inspection pass rate for eyewear products in Taizhou has improved to 94.3% in 2024, up 16 percentage points from 2022, indicating a focus on quality management [16] Group 3: Local Government and Investment Strategies - Local governments are shifting from offering tax incentives to optimizing the business environment to attract quality enterprises, as seen in the case of Jiaozuo, Henan [17][19] - The implementation of a "special post and special salary" system for professional talent in investment promotion has led to the successful attraction of 26 projects with a total signed amount of 8.7 billion yuan [24] - The focus on service quality and government efficiency has resulted in a significant increase in new project signings, with Jiaozuo leading the province in new contracts [24]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift from "price competition" to "value creation" in the e-commerce industry, emphasizing the need for platforms to optimize refund policies to protect both consumers and merchants while fostering a healthier market environment [7][11][13]. Group 1: E-commerce Industry Changes - Major e-commerce platforms have adjusted their "refund without return" policies to prevent abuse and protect merchant interests, leading to a significant decrease in related disputes [8][9]. - The Beijing Internet Court reported a 60% decrease in "refund without return" cases compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in dispute resolution [8]. - The optimization of refund rules has resulted in a 30% reduction in total "refund without return" requests on platforms like Taobao and Tmall [11]. Group 2: Industry Innovation and Upgrades - The eyewear manufacturing sector in Taizhou, Zhejiang, has transitioned from low-cost production to high-quality innovation, with companies like Yingchang Group increasing efficiency by 8 times through new technology [14][16]. - The local eyewear industry, which produces 400 million pairs of sunglasses annually, is moving towards a model that emphasizes quality and technological advancement rather than price competition [15][16]. - The establishment of the "Mirror Enjoy Future" service platform aims to enhance technological collaboration and innovation within the eyewear sector, leading to improved product quality and market competitiveness [15][16]. Group 3: Local Government and Investment Strategies - Local governments, such as in Jiaozuo, Henan, are shifting from offering financial incentives to creating a more favorable business environment to attract quality enterprises [17][19]. - The focus is now on optimizing service and governance rather than competing on tax breaks, which has led to a more sustainable approach to attracting investment [20][24]. - The introduction of specialized talent for investment promotion has proven effective, with Jiaozuo's new strategies resulting in significant project signings and investment amounts [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The shift in e-commerce platforms from supporting "refund only" policies to prioritizing seller interests reflects a significant change in the domestic e-commerce ecosystem, driven by the realization that the previous approach was exploited by consumers, leading to adverse effects on merchants and overall market health [1][3][9]. Group 1: Changes in E-commerce Policies - E-commerce platforms, including Taobao, have begun to implement features that allow merchants to screen out high refund rate customers, indicating a move towards protecting seller interests [3][10]. - The "refund only" policy, initially introduced to combat low-quality goods, has been found to be detrimental as it encouraged exploitative behavior among consumers, leading to a toxic shopping environment [4][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The rapid growth of the e-commerce market has masked the underlying conflicts between consumers and merchants, which have now surfaced as the market matures and enters a "stock stage" with limited growth potential [6][9]. - The prevalence of "refund only" policies has led to a situation where legitimate businesses suffer while exploitative consumers benefit, prompting platforms to reconsider their strategies [8][9]. Group 3: Industry-Specific Considerations - The fashion industry, characterized by high turnover rates, is particularly affected by refund policies, as unsold seasonal items can lead to significant financial losses for merchants [10][11]. - Taobao's decision to pilot the screening feature in the fashion sector is aimed at reducing costs for merchants by limiting exposure to high refund rate customers, thereby enhancing operational efficiency [10][11].

Group 1 - Taobao has launched a "high refund rate user blocking" feature for apparel merchants, allowing them to completely block high refund and abnormal refund groups [2][4] - The abnormal refund group includes users who engage in fraudulent return behaviors, while the high refund group consists of users with a refund rate exceeding three times the average of Taobao users over the past 90 days [4] - This feature aims to reduce negative impacts on merchants by lowering exposure to high refund rate users, although it may also decrease overall exposure, click-through rates, and order numbers [4] Group 2 - Major e-commerce platforms, including Taobao, have recently canceled the "refund only" policy, allowing merchants to handle refund requests independently after the goods have been received [6][7] - The "refund only" policy was initially introduced to protect consumer rights but has been exploited by some users, negatively impacting legitimate merchants [6][7] - In 2024, the "refund only" policy has become a standard in the domestic e-commerce industry, leading to ongoing adjustments by platforms to mitigate its arbitrary application [7]

Core Viewpoint - Taobao has launched a "high refund rate user blocking" feature for apparel merchants, allowing them to screen out high refund and abnormal refund groups to reduce negative impacts on their sales performance [1][4]. Group 1: Feature Details - The new feature enables merchants to completely block users with abnormal refund behaviors, such as false claims of non-receipt and return of empty packages [4]. - High refund users are defined as those whose refund rates exceed three times the average of Taobao users over the past 90 days [4]. - Merchants can also reduce exposure to users with higher refund rates, which will help in managing consumer engagement based on their transaction intent and refund behavior [4]. Group 2: Impact on Metrics - While blocking high refund users may lead to a decrease in refund rates, it could also result in a reduction in overall exposure, click-through rates, and order numbers [5]. - The apparel sector has historically faced high refund rates, with women's clothing return rates ranging from 50% to 60%, and some live-streamed women's clothing returns reaching as high as 80% [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - In late April, multiple e-commerce platforms, including Taobao, have eliminated the "refund only" option, allowing merchants to handle refund requests independently after the goods have been received [7]. - The "refund only" policy, while protecting consumer rights, has been criticized for being exploited by some users, negatively impacting legitimate businesses [7][8]. - The cancellation of the "refund only" policy is part of a broader trend among e-commerce platforms to enhance merchant rights and reduce the arbitrary nature of refund requests [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent shift by e-commerce platforms to end the "refund only" policy, which reflects a correction of past aggressive strategies and the necessity to optimize the business environment in the e-commerce industry [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Context of "Refund Only" - Since 2015, the rise of social and live-streaming e-commerce has intensified competition, leading to the proliferation of the "refund only" policy as platforms sought to prioritize user experience [1][2]. - The excessive use of "refund only" has caused significant harm, including increased costs and inefficiencies for merchants, risks of losing quality merchants for platforms, and a decline in shopping experiences for consumers [1]. Group 2: Recent Actions by E-commerce Platforms - In July 2024, Taobao initiated the movement against the "refund only" rule by protecting high-rated merchants and granting them autonomy in after-sales service [2]. - By the end of 2024, several platforms, including JD and Pinduoduo, have announced the cancellation of the "refund only" policy, with Taobao introducing a new store evaluation system to enhance transparency [2]. Group 3: New Growth Demands Behind "Anti-Internal Competition" - The cancellation of the "refund only" policy is a reflection of the broader trend of "anti-internal competition" and the need to optimize the business environment, driven by macro policies and industry consensus [3][6]. - In 2024, China's online retail sales reached 15.52 trillion yuan, a 7.2% increase year-on-year, indicating a need for e-commerce platforms to pursue new growth strategies [6]. Group 4: Strategies for Selecting Quality Merchants - E-commerce platforms are focusing on deep connections with quality merchants, implementing policies to reduce commission rates and operational costs, and promoting advantageous categories like apparel and beauty [7]. - Initiatives such as Taotian's "12 Measures for Merchant Support" aim to create a more equitable environment for merchants by adjusting commission structures and providing incentives [7]. Group 5: Supporting Small and New Brands - Small and new merchants face challenges with high promotional costs and difficulty in gaining visibility, prompting platforms to adjust algorithms to favor quality products and provide fair competition opportunities [8]. - Taotian's "Blue Star Plan" introduces tiered incentives based on merchant evaluation, aiming to enhance natural traffic allocation [8]. Group 6: Technological Empowerment for Evaluation Mechanisms - E-commerce platforms are leveraging technology to create more accurate, transparent, and efficient evaluation systems, such as Taobao's "Real Experience Score" that utilizes AI to filter out false reviews [9]. - The introduction of AI models and blockchain technology aims to combat issues like counterfeit images and ensure traceability in product authenticity [12]. Group 7: Building a Favorable Business Environment - The end of the "refund only" phenomenon signifies a collective shift among e-commerce platforms towards returning to core values of serving consumers and maintaining quality [14]. - This transition encourages adherence to rules among users and revitalizes merchants' confidence in the e-commerce landscape, contributing to a sustainable business environment [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant shift in China's e-commerce landscape, particularly the potential cancellation of the "return-only refund" policy, which has been a crucial consumer protection mechanism [2][3][4]. Group 1: E-commerce Policy Changes - Major e-commerce platforms such as Pinduoduo, Taobao, Douyin, Kuaishou, and JD.com are set to eliminate the "return-only refund" option, leaving refund decisions to individual merchants [3][4]. - The absence of public announcements from these platforms regarding the cancellation of the policy suggests a covert implementation of this change [4]. Group 2: Consumer Complaints and Issues - In 2024, consumer complaint organizations in China received 1.76 million complaints, a 32.62% increase from the previous year, with after-sales service issues accounting for 29.67% of complaints [6][7]. - Issues related to product quality and false advertising also contribute significantly to consumer grievances, indicating a persistent problem in the e-commerce sector [6][8]. Group 3: Implications for Consumer Rights - The removal of the "return-only refund" policy raises concerns about how consumers will protect their rights when faced with unsatisfactory products [29][30]. - The article highlights the long and arduous process consumers face when seeking refunds, often leading to frustration and abandonment of claims [10][11]. Group 4: Comparison with International Practices - In contrast, Amazon has expanded its "returnless refund" policy, which has been shown to increase brand trust by 20% and boost loyalty consumer spending by 1.7 times compared to regular consumers [26][27]. - The article suggests that U.S. retailers are not deterred by refund abuse ("sheep shearing") because they prioritize long-term consumer trust and satisfaction [27]. Group 5: Future of Consumer Protection - The article questions the effectiveness of current consumer protection mechanisms in China, suggesting that without the "return-only refund" policy, consumers may struggle to assert their rights [29][30]. - The ongoing evolution of consumer rights in China reflects a broader struggle between consumer protection and merchant interests, with potential implications for overall market trust and consumer spending [31][33].

Core Viewpoint - Major e-commerce platforms in China have announced the cancellation of the "refund only" policy, which was initially aimed at protecting consumer rights but has led to significant issues for merchants [1][12][15] Group 1: Background of "Refund Only" Policy - The "refund only" policy was introduced by Pinduoduo in 2021, inspired by Amazon, primarily to address issues with perishable goods [2][4] - Initially, the policy was beneficial for both consumers and merchants, allowing for a more convenient transaction process without the need for returns [2][4] Group 2: Expansion and Impact of the Policy - The policy quickly became standard across major platforms like Taobao, JD.com, Douyin, and Kuaishou, leading to a competitive advantage for those offering it [4][5] - Pinduoduo saw a 135% increase in repurchase rates after implementing the policy, demonstrating its initial effectiveness in attracting consumers [5] Group 3: Issues Arising from the Policy - The policy has been exploited by some consumers, leading to a rise in fraudulent activities and significant losses for merchants, with some reporting losses exceeding 600,000 yuan [9][10][11] - A black market emerged, with individuals taking advantage of the policy to profit from "zero-cost purchases" [9][11] Group 4: Cancellation of the Policy - Platforms like JD.com and Taobao have begun to phase out the "refund only" policy, with JD.com starting on April 30 and Taobao planning to follow in July [1][12] - The cancellation aims to restore fairness for merchants, allowing them to negotiate refunds directly with consumers [13][15] Group 5: Future of E-commerce - The industry is expected to evolve, focusing on balancing consumer and merchant rights while improving product quality and service [15][17] - Regulatory bodies have shown interest in addressing the misuse of the "refund only" policy, indicating a shift towards more equitable practices in the e-commerce sector [15][17]

" 关于 ' 仅退款 ' ，已经不只是一个消费者意愿的问题，更是一个商业模式乃至制度的大讨论。 " 文 / 巴九灵（微信公众号：吴晓波频道） " 电商平台要取消 ' 仅退款 ' 了？ " 近日，多家平台传出即将调整 " 仅退款 " 政策的风声，相关话题迅速冲上微博热搜榜首， " 电商平台全面取消仅退款 " 的词条阅读量冲破 2.5 亿，讨论数超过 4.5 万，支持与不支持的网友们各执一词，吵得不可开交。 "' 仅退款 ' 让薅羊毛的人越来越多，最后的成本都转嫁到不怎么 ' 仅退款 ' 的用户头上。 " " 网购的商品老是货不对板，退货又要协商运费又要寄快递，有时候运险费还不能完全覆盖寄回去的运费，麻烦得很。 " 为此，吴晓波频道发起了一份关于 " 仅退款 " 的问卷调查。截至发稿，共收集到 180 份答卷。 这群受访者中，每月网购花费在 500— 2000 元之间的消费者占比近一半，而每月网购在 200—500 元、 2000 元以上的人数分别占比约 25% 。 点击图片▲立即试听 值得一提的是，尽管大家热议仅退款，但真正使用过的人却并不多，在我们调研的 180 位消费者中，使用过 " 仅退款 " 功能的仅有 ...