Recently, JD.com found itself in a serious public opinion crisis due to its endorsement deal with Yang Li. Netizens joked that just as Jay Chou has a song called "Reverse Clock," JD.com also has its own "reverse promotion."

Seeing JD.com's strategy, Taobao, its competitor, seemed to have cracked the traffic code and began to emulate it.

Recently, many netizens have reported that their payment methods were inexplicably changed when shopping on Taobao, allowing them to place orders directly without facial recognition or entering a password.

Upon closer inspection, they discovered that they had activated the "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature.

Netizens have many complaints about this feature, as it hides the payment process, and orders are placed directly after clicking, potentially leading to the purchase of many unnecessary items.

Even elderly family members often claim they didn't buy anything but mysteriously receive deliveries, leaving them puzzled.

Not only the elderly but even some young people complain about accidentally making "zero-dollar purchases." They only realize they have activated the "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature after receiving multiple deduction messages.

The platform introduced this feature to facilitate users by allowing one-click ordering, but why has it become the focus of complaints?

First, let's look at the traditional payment interface. After clicking to purchase, users need to click again to submit the order, select a payment method, confirm and click to pay, and finally enter a password. This entire process provides a strong sense of security, and missing any step will prevent a successful order.

In contrast, the "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature only requires clicking once on "Order Now for $0, Pay ¥xx Upon Confirmation of Receipt" to place an order. However, users sometimes only want to check the final payment amount without intending to place an order but accidentally complete the order due to being accustomed to the old default payment method.

Without seeing the payment process or entering a payment password, users may think they haven't placed an order. They then receive a call from the delivery person days later, leaving them puzzled and having to go through the hassle of returning the item.

However, the close channel for this "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature is very hidden, and users must wait for all orders to be received or after-sales service to end before disabling it. Additionally, changing the payment method priority is also inconvenient.

I can relate to this issue. My mother, who is older, often struggles with using her smartphone. Recently, she complained, "Didn't you help me turn it off last time? Why am I being charged again now?""

Faced with this situation, I find it hard to explain. Although I helped my mother disable the feature, at times, it still defaults to "Buy Now, Pay Later," and it can be reactivated with just a slip.

Many platforms have similar features, such as Pinduoduo and Meituan.

Some netizens point out that Meituan's monthly payment feature is extremely hidden and uses coupons as bait to attract users to choose the "monthly payment" method. Many users directly select this payment method when they see a discount, unaware of the inconspicuous "monthly payment" option next to it.

However, this feature also provides convenience for many lazy people or those with limited time. They find it not only convenient but also easy to cancel if accidentally ordered, providing a sense of security.

Other netizens say that when purchasing unsuitable items that need to be returned, they don't have to worry about when the refund will be processed, essentially getting a free trial of the item, which feels gratifying.

That said, some platforms fail to adequately inform users when enabling this feature but set numerous obstacles when canceling it, effectively depriving consumers of their right to know and freedom of choice.

While password-free "Buy Now, Pay Later" is indeed convenient for users and can promote sales for merchants, it should also support one-click disabling, making it easier to cancel and enhancing the consumer experience.

Source: Lei Technology