On September 16, JD.com held a "JD Wine Tasting Event" in partnership with Kweichow Moutai. JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong mentioned at the event that he has always paid close attention to the restaurant industry because he particularly enjoys cooking.
He revealed that he had inadvertently discovered that commission rates in the food delivery market can reach as high as 25%. "Since my first venture was opening a restaurant, I know very well that most restaurant operators today are husband-and-wife teams. The couple saves money for over twenty years, accumulating 500,000 yuan to rent a storefront, renovate, and start a restaurant business. In fact, there are hardly any restaurants nationwide that can achieve a 25% net profit margin."
Liu Qiangdong stated that restaurant profits simply cannot reach 25%, yet platforms demand 25%. This results in no guarantee of food safety, leading to the emergence of ghost kitchens and forcing restaurant operators to compromise on food quality in order to pay such commission rates while still making a profit themselves.
He frankly commented, "To some extent, they may also be forced into this situation."