As the takeout war between Meituan and JD.com reignites, many overlook the underlying message, focusing solely on the battle itself. A superficial understanding of this war risks perpetuating outdated development models and vicious cycles. Instead, we must recognize that this conflict highlights not only the state of the takeout market but also the pressing need for transformation and upgrade across the entire internet industry.

It is well-known that the platform model dominates both the takeout market and other internet sectors. In this model, large platforms act as intermediaries, facilitating connections and earning commissions. However, this model relies heavily on expanding market scale and increasing traffic. When these factors become unsustainable, the platform model can negatively impact upstream and downstream industries.

The chaos previously observed in the takeout industry was a direct result of this phenomenon. As the industrialization wave gains momentum, continuing with the old platform model becomes increasingly constrained. To address this chaos, a profound and thorough transformation and upgrade of the internet, particularly in the takeout sector, is essential. Such a transformation can help the internet industry avoid past pitfalls and enter a new stage of development.

The Internet Needs to Feed Back into Upstream Industrial Upgrade

One key reason for the chaos in the takeout market is that the internet platform model only enhances end-of-industry docking efficiency, failing to bring fundamental changes to the front end. This leads to slow or stagnant industrial upgrades at the front end, despite evolving user needs.

When traditional supply models fall short of meeting these new needs, opportunities arise for new players. This explains why new entrants continue to join the takeout market despite established leaders. The internet must not only improve end-of-industry docking efficiency but also contribute significantly to upstream industrial upgrades.

Through such upgrades, internet players cease to exist independently of the industry, becoming deeply integrated entities that truly drive change. For any player aiming to make a mark in this era, finding ways to contribute to upstream industry upgrades and achieve deep integration is crucial for sustained development in the new cycle.

The Internet Needs Its Own Butterfly Transformation and Upgrade

E-commerce preceded takeout, yet new players continuously enter these markets because internet players themselves have not undergone a transformative upgrade. Fundamentally, they still adhere to old development models. Although early explorations into new e-commerce and the metaverse have been made, a new, sustainable development model remains elusive. This stalemate partly stems from technological development not yet reaching a critical point to trigger a comprehensive internet transformation.

The ongoing butterfly transformation and upgrade are significantly influenced by the gradual maturity and implementation of AI. More players are embracing AI to achieve their own transformations. When technological evolution reaches a new critical point, the internet begins to exhibit new possibilities for internal transformation and upgrade, fostering new opportunities and dividends.

The Internet Needs Business Model Iteration and Update

Every business model thrives in its unique context, and each era has its dominant model. The internet era is no exception, with matchmaking and intermediary-based models dominating. Players adhering to this model have experienced rapid growth.

However, even the most advanced business models eventually become obsolete. The takeout market, despite nurturing giants with billions of users, still relies on traditional business models. No business model is perfect, and as internet-era dividends wane, players must iterate and update their models.

If we delve deeper into the takeout war, the internet's need for business model iteration and update stands out. Essentially, only by evolving traditional internet business models and profit structures can we propel development to new heights.

Conclusion

The takeout war signifies more than just competition within the sector. It highlights profound changes within the internet industry and the urgent need for transformation and upgrade. As the internet embarks on this new journey, new development opportunities and dividends emerge. For players aiming to make a difference, finding ways to achieve internet transformation and upgrade, and breaking free from traditional models, is the path to new developments and breakthroughs.