Core Viewpoint - The era of relying solely on real estate for wealth accumulation has ended, prompting a shift towards alternative hard assets for investment and protection against inflation [1] Group 1: Skills and Crafts - Acquiring a skill or craft is essential for job security in a competitive job market, as those with specialized skills are less likely to be replaced [2] - Practical skills such as appliance repair, cooking, and design are in high demand and can provide stable income [2] Group 2: Gold as a Hard Asset - Gold is considered a stable hard currency that retains value regardless of economic fluctuations, making it a prudent investment [3] - The price of gold has increased significantly, demonstrating its potential for value appreciation over time [5] Group 3: Health Investment - Investing in health is crucial, as poor health can negate financial gains; maintaining good health is essential for long-term wealth creation [6][8] - Simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve health and reduce future medical expenses [8] Group 4: Real Estate Investment - Not all real estate is depreciating; certain types of properties, such as low-rise buildings, quality school district homes, and communities with separated pedestrian and vehicle traffic, are expected to retain or increase in value [9][10] - The demand for quality living environments is rising, making these property types more attractive for investment [9] Group 5: Cautionary Advice - Ordinary individuals should avoid blind entrepreneurship and speculative investments in stocks and funds, as these carry high risks and often lead to losses [11] - A focus on stable asset allocation and health maintenance is recommended for long-term security and peace of mind [11]

Core Insights - The home appliance repair industry is becoming an essential service area due to the increasing demand for maintenance and reliability of various appliances, driven by rising consumer expectations and income levels [1][12] - The market size of China's home appliance repair industry is projected to grow from 235.1 billion yuan in 2016 to 399 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% [1][12] - The industry is expected to benefit from advancements in smart home technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), creating more opportunities for growth [1][12] Industry Overview - Home appliance repair involves the detection, adjustment, repair, and component replacement of household appliances, aiming to restore functionality and extend lifespan [3][11] - The industry is categorized into large appliance repair (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners) and small appliance repair (e.g., vacuum cleaners, coffee machines) [3] Market Dynamics - The home appliance repair industry has evolved through three stages: the initial phase in the 1980s, the standardization and professionalization phase in the 1990s to early 2000s, and the platform integration phase from the 21st century onwards [7][11] - The increasing production of home appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, is driving the demand for repair services, with significant growth in production volumes projected from 2017 to 2024 [10] Industry Structure - The market comprises various players, including brand after-sales service providers, chain repair platforms, independent repair shops, and community service points [12] - Major companies like Midea, Haier, Gree, and Xiaomi have established comprehensive after-sales service systems, leveraging brand strength and original parts [12] Key Trends - Preventive maintenance services are gaining traction, utilizing IoT and sensor technology for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance [15] - Modular design in appliances is becoming a trend, allowing for easier and quicker repairs, thus reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency [16] - The emergence of repair technology sharing platforms is transforming the dissemination of repair knowledge and service delivery, promoting digitalization and collaboration within the industry [16]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction regarding limited seat selection options when checking in online for flights, attributed to airlines' introduction of "mileage redemption seat selection" and "paid seat selection" services [1] Group 1: Consumer Rights and Fair Trade - Airlines previously reserved seats for specific groups (e.g., elderly, mothers with infants) for safety reasons, which is deemed necessary [1] - If seats are locked solely to encourage consumers to pay extra, it may infringe on consumers' rights to fair trade and informed choice [1] - The pricing structure for seat selection should be transparent, with clear rules and standards for any fees charged [1] Group 2: Industry Practices and Market Dynamics - The practice of charging for basic services without enhancing the service quality raises concerns about fairness in the airline industry [1] - Similar issues are observed in other industries, such as video platforms and home appliance repair, where concentrated market structures lead to consumer exploitation [1] - Regulatory bodies are urged to establish clear guidelines on what fees can and cannot be charged by companies [1]