Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant discrepancies between online and offline pricing practices of Ai Huishou, leading to widespread consumer dissatisfaction and complaints about price manipulation [2][3][4][9]. Group 1: Pricing Discrepancies - Consumers have reported that the online estimated prices for devices are often significantly higher than the final offers made in-store, with some cases showing reductions of nearly 50% [3][4]. - Specific examples include a phone estimated at 5060 yuan online being sold for approximately 4500 yuan offline, and another device dropping from 2560 yuan to 1300 yuan after in-person evaluation [4][6]. - The reasons given for these price reductions often include vague claims of "screen damage" or "scratches," which consumers find difficult to verify [6][8]. Group 2: Consumer Complaints - A total of 20,347 complaints related to Ai Huishou have been recorded on the Black Cat Complaints platform, primarily concerning malicious price reductions and poor after-sales service [9]. - The founder of Ai Huishou, Chen Xuefeng, has faced backlash on social media, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the company's pricing practices and service quality [11][13]. - Instances of severe pricing errors have also been reported, such as a consumer being charged 160,000 yuan for a phone listed at 16,000 yuan, prompting an apology from the CEO [15]. Group 3: Business Model and Market Position - Ai Huishou has faced increasing competition from other platforms, leading to a decline in its market position as consumers opt for direct peer-to-peer sales to avoid price manipulation [12]. - The company reported a revenue of 4.99 billion yuan for the second quarter of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 32.2%, but has struggled with cumulative losses exceeding 4 billion yuan over the years [12]. - The founder's significant stock sales prior to the company's IPO have raised concerns about the company's long-term viability and commitment to improving customer experience [11][12]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Challenges - The article notes that government policies promoting recycling and trade-in programs have temporarily boosted consumer interest in platforms like Ai Huishou, but this may not be sustainable if subsidies decrease [17]. - Analysts suggest that the company's pricing strategy, characterized by high online estimates followed by low offline offers, may ultimately harm its reputation and profitability [16].