Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by small local businesses, represented by "Old Zhang," in adapting to the competitive landscape dominated by platforms like Meituan and Douyin [2][3][22] - It highlights the differing platform attributes of Meituan and Douyin, with Meituan focusing on efficiency and clear consumer intent, while Douyin leverages content-driven engagement to stimulate impulse buying [6][22] Platform Attributes - Meituan is characterized as a traditional local service platform that efficiently connects consumers with businesses, focusing on clear consumer needs and providing a stable service infrastructure [5][6][27] - Douyin, on the other hand, operates as a social entertainment platform that drives consumption through engaging content, allowing for spontaneous purchasing behavior [6][22][23] Business Strategies - Meituan's strategy revolves around promotional activities, optimizing store visibility, and maintaining high service quality to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat purchases [16][18][19] - Douyin's approach emphasizes content creation, influencer partnerships, and leveraging its algorithm to drive traffic and sales, focusing on creating engaging and visually appealing content [21][22][24] Cost Structures - Douyin has recently reduced entry barriers for merchants by lowering deposit requirements and offering zero-cost entry for many categories, making it more accessible for small businesses [10][11] - In contrast, Meituan maintains a more complex and higher deposit structure, which can be a barrier for smaller merchants, alongside a commission model that varies between 10% to 25% [12][13] Market Dynamics - The competition between Meituan and Douyin is intensifying, with both platforms evolving their strategies to capture market share and adapt to changing consumer behaviors [9][28] - The article suggests that both platforms are not in direct competition but rather complement each other in creating a dual ecosystem for local businesses [22][29]