Summary of Key Points
This article primarily clarifies that the "layering of delivery capabilities" in the food delivery industry is not a form of "inward competition" among riders, but rather a reasonable organizational approach designed to match the fluctuations in order volume, the varying difficulties of deliveries, and the different needs of riders for stable income or flexible working hours. By utilizing various models such as dedicated delivery services, stable crowdsourcing, and general crowdsourcing, the industry provides riders with multiple options while also enabling it to efficiently respond to changes in order demand. This represents a typical example of flexible employment in the digital age. Future policies need to adapt to the characteristics of flexible employment and improve the support and services available for these workers.
1. Don't Mistake Layering of Delivery Capabilities for "Inward Competition" – It's a Result of Matching Needs
Many people think that the layering of delivery capabilities indicates increased competition among riders, but the article argues this is a misunderstanding. Firstly, food delivery orders are inherently uneven: there are surge periods in the middle of the day and at night, with fewer orders during off-peak times; some orders are within easy reach of the delivery areas, while others require riding up steep stairs in remote neighborhoods. Secondly, riders have different needs: some view delivery as their full-time job and seek stable income, while others do it part-time for extra money or as a temporary occupation without wanting to be tied to a fixed schedule. If all riders compete for orders in the same pool, easy orders would be quickly assigned, and difficult ones would go unattended, leading to inconsistent incomes for those who consistently deliver. Therefore, the layering of capabilities is about matching the right riders to the right orders and the right jobs to the right riders.
2. How Does the Layering of Delivery Capabilities Come About?
There is an inherent contradiction in food delivery: there is a need for constant service for regular orders, as well as the ability to handle sudden surges in demand during peak times (such as rainy days or holidays). If only dedicated delivery services (full-time riders) are used, riders would be idle during off-peak times, increasing platform costs; if only general crowdsourcing (free-roaming riders) are used, difficult orders would go unattended during peak times, delaying customer deliveries. Thus, the industry has gradually developed a structure that combines "stable core services" with "flexible supplementary options": dedicated services handle regular orders, while stable crowdsourcing (e.g., Meituan Lepao) offer guaranteed online time in exchange for consecutive orders, and general crowdsourcing provides flexible support. This approach helps to manage demand fluctuations while controlling costs.
3. Three Types of Delivery Models to Meet Different Needs
The article identifies three main delivery models, which can be explained in simple terms:
- Dedicated Delivery: Similar to full-time employees in a company, with a fixed area and schedule, assigned orders by the platform, providing stable income, suitable for those who consider delivery their primary job.
- Stable Crowdsourcing: A balance between full-time and part-time work; for example, if you commit to being online for 4 hours a day, the platform will prioritize assigning you orders, offering some freedom and a more stable income than general crowdsourcing.
- General Crowdsourcing: A completely flexible model where you can choose to work when you want, picking orders yourself, with flexible hours, but the number of orders received depends on luck, suitable for part-time or occasional work.
Although the platforms may have different names (e.g., Meituan Lepao, Fengniao Youxuan, JD Zhushe), the underlying logic is the same: to provide riders with diverse options.
4. What Are the Benefits of Layering Delivery Capabilities?
- For Riders: Those seeking stability can choose dedicated delivery; those looking for flexibility can opt for crowdsourcing, avoiding unnecessary competition.
- For the Industry: It allows for more flexible adjustment of delivery resources, ensuring there are enough riders during peak times and no waste during off-peak times.
- For Consumers: Difficult orders (e.g., delivering to the 6th floor) are still handled, and customers won't have to wait too long for their meals. For example, during rainy days, stable crowdsourcing riders can ensure timely deliveries, while general crowdsourcing riders can choose not to work to avoid danger.
5. As Flexible Employment Grows, Policies Must Keep Up
The number of people in flexible employment has exceeded 200 million, with food delivery riders being a significant part of this group. Policies need to adapt to these changes, such as improving universal social security (to cover both dedicated and crowdsourcing workers) and improving working conditions (e.g., providing parking spaces and charging stations for riders) to reduce their workload. Only by doing so can riders in all models work comfortably, and the industry can develop sustainably.
In summary, the layering of delivery capabilities is not a sign of "inward competition" but a more efficient organizational method adopted by the food delivery industry to meet the differences in demand and supply. It offers riders more choices and enhances the industry's resilience, reflecting the diversity of employment in the digital age.