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Chapter 497 Media Hype

Blasted.

The entire United States went into a frenzy because of the sales figures released by the flash sale.

As one of the most influential mainstream media outlets in the United States and even the world, The New York Times was the first to publish an in-depth report on flash sales on its official online media platform.

Online Shopping Revolution? Flash Sales Rake in $4.7 Million in 7 Days

"At 9:00 AM on the 17th, the flash sale platform released its first week of operation report since the launch of its e-commerce platform. In the current e-commerce field, which is increasingly competitive and developing rapidly, the release of this report is undoubtedly like a bombshell, instantly breaking the original calm pattern of the market."

"This emerging internet company, which has been established for less than half a year, achieved a total sales volume of up to $4.7 million in just 7 days since the platform was officially launched, and the daily order volume has also exceeded 126.2 million, demonstrating a strong market appeal and user activity."

"Of particular note is the hourly delivery service launched by the Flash Sale platform, which contributed 38% of the order volume in the first week of operation, becoming the biggest highlight of this data and showing everyone the market potential and user acceptance of the food delivery market."

The New York Times described in detail the convenience of the same-hour delivery service: "Users can easily browse product information from multiple nearby community stores and large supermarkets by simply logging into the flash sale platform via the Internet, and achieve integrated online selection and payment."

"After order submission, the platform's average delivery time is only 48 minutes, a level of efficiency that traditional phone ordering methods cannot match."

"Although this newspaper has not conducted a systematic statistical analysis of the average delivery time for traditional telephone food orders, consumers who frequently order food by phone are likely well aware that they often find themselves waiting one or two hours for a pizza to arrive."

"This long wait not only greatly affects consumers' dining experience, but also limits the development of the traditional food delivery industry to some extent. Therefore, many consumers who need to order food often choose to order by phone several hours in advance and agree on a specific delivery time with the merchant in order to avoid the normal dining experience being affected by delivery delays. This passive consumption model has been the norm in the industry for quite some time in the past."

"The emergence of flash sale platforms has completely changed this situation."

"Through advanced technology and innovative operating models, we have successfully integrated food delivery services with internet technology. Leveraging the powerful data analysis and computing capabilities of the internet, combined with the scientific allocation of the platform's large-scale rider team, Flashbuy has truly realized the 'on-demand' food delivery scenario that previously only existed in theory."

"Consumers can log in to the flash sale platform on their computers at any time to place an order for takeout. There's no need to worry about whether merchants have enough time to accept orders or whether they can arrange delivery in a timely manner, because your personal delivery person is always ready to serve you."

"In a market dominated by telephone ordering, flash sales solve the problem of information asymmetry. Users do not need to remember restaurant numbers or repeatedly confirm menus, and merchants do not need to delay order processing due to order issues, nor do they need to be unable to accept orders or experience slow delivery due to delivery problems."

"All you need is a food ordering machine; the internet connection solves everything. This innovative convenience is revolutionary."

In contrast to The New York Times' focus on the revolutionary innovation of food delivery, The Wall Street Journal's subsequent article analyzed flash sale platforms from multiple perspectives.

In addition to acknowledging the remarkable achievements of flash sale platforms, just like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal also pointed out the potential risks and hidden dangers behind them.

The report mentioned that "behind this astonishingly explosive sales data lies not only a bright future, but also various hidden dangers and uncertainties."

"An investor who has long followed investment trends in the Internet industry told our reporter that, judging from the current market situation, the high sales figures achieved by flash sale platforms are more like numbers obtained by burning money, and their true profitability and sustainable development capabilities still need further observation."

"This investor raised two questions: Can the massive subsidies currently being implemented by Flash Sale be sustained in the long term? And if the subsidies are reduced or stopped, will the platform's sales decline significantly?"

"Furthermore, is the user loyalty currently accumulated on the platform based on recognition of the platform's convenient services, or is it merely attracted by low-price subsidies? If the price advantage is lost, will users continue to choose to use the flash sale platform?"

"As of press time, while the Flash Sale platform has not disclosed specific subsidy costs or losses, this newspaper, based on data collected from various sources and consultations with multiple industry analysts, concludes that the Flash Sale platform likely incurred losses exceeding $1.5 million during its first week of operation."

"Such a large-scale subsidy and loss is unprecedented in the history of global business development. I wonder if that young tycoon can continue like this."

In the mansion of Hidden Mountain City, Ernst listened with a strange expression as Connery read the news aloud from his computer desk.

The choice of words, coupled with the other person's seductive tone after being "moistened," just felt so awkward.

Don't you know whether I can last?

"Wow, that's amazing! Even Forbes' financial section did a special report on Flash Sale." Connelly turned around and said proudly, her smug expression making it seem like she founded Flash Sale.

Before Ernst could even speak, she began tirelessly reading the news to him.

However, the content was largely similar to that of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, which expressed surprise at the sales figures while also highlighting the potential risks behind the subsidies.

However, there was one thing Ernst hadn't expected: the other party actually connected it to Xiaoshida's future strategic direction.

Before flash sales, online shopping in the United States mainly focused on standardized products such as books and CDs. Food delivery was long monopolized by pizza chains and local small restaurants' own teams, resulting in limited service coverage and low delivery efficiency.

"Flash sales' breakthrough lies in building a third-party platform, integrating scattered resources, and using technology and scale to solve several core pain points such as order matching, route optimization, online payment, and delivery time."

"Especially in terms of route optimization and delivery time, Flash Sale's pioneering professional delivery rider system directly solves the problem of long-distance delivery by fixing riders in a specific area, thus indirectly optimizing routes and shortening delivery time."

"When time is no longer an issue, will flash sales' hourly delivery be integrated into more industries in the future?"

"By leveraging high-frequency demand, we've opened up a gateway to online consumption. Will this platform + delivery model extend to more categories such as food and pharmaceuticals in the future?"

"Currently, some areas of flash sales support fresh food delivery, which indicates the feasibility of non-fast food delivery. Is flash sales reshaping the local life service ecosystem?"

Ernst pursed his lips and nodded to himself, thinking to himself, "He does have some skill."

In this primitive era of internet development, it's already quite remarkable that we can think of these things in such a comprehensive way.

However, what concerned him more was the accuracy of the Wall Street Journal's report on the loss of the Xun.

So you've arrived?

Only a fool would believe that someone inside is selling data.

This situation is normal, but it still serves as a reminder to flash sales that stricter management is necessary.

Otherwise, if they dare to sell ordinary data today, they'll dare to sell core secrets tomorrow.

Just as Ernst was lost in thought, Connery stopped reading and asked Ernst with a curious expression, "Will flash sales really develop as predicted in the Forbes report?"

Ernst didn't react for a moment and asked in confusion, "What?"

Connelly pointed to the Forbes feature article on the computer screen. "Like it says, will the flash sale platform expand into the catering and pharmaceutical sectors in addition to its current retail delivery and some fresh food delivery?"

Then a hopeful look appeared in her eyes, "If we could really offer a comprehensive food delivery service, that would be wonderful!"

With a slight pout and a hint of complaint, she said to Ernst, "You have no idea, there are so many high-end restaurants in Los Angeles with excellent reputations. I've always wanted to try their signature dishes, but every time I call to make a reservation, either they're already fully booked or I have to wait a long time to get a table."

"If flash sales could really be like this, delivering restaurant orders, I would definitely try all the delicious food in Los Angeles."

"Wait a minute," Connery quickly realized, "Flash sales have delivery distances, which means there are many restaurants I can't order from in Beverly Hills?"

Ernst really doesn't know if she has a brain or not. If she really opened up the catering layout, she could easily equip these high-end restaurants with a group of dedicated riders.

Expanding the delivery area and providing dedicated delivery personnel will increase service fees.

However, for people who can order food at these places, it really doesn't matter.

These places are high-end restaurants, so you should expect to tip around 10% when you go there.

Even if flash sales increase the service fee by 10%, it only offsets these tips, so there's really no difference.