Summary of the Core Content
This news article discusses an interesting phenomenon: many 4S (Fourth-Party Service) shops are no longer making a profit from selling new cars and are even losing money. Instead, they rely on after-sales services such as car repairs and maintenance to survive. In order to secure more repair jobs for accident-damaged vehicles, these shops have turned delivery riders into “mobile informants.” The riders, who are constantly on the road, report accidents to the 4S shops, helping them quickly contact the car owners and secure repair orders.
Detailed Analysis
#### 1. Why are 4S shops making less money from selling new cars?
The new car market is highly competitive. On one hand, there are too many car brands (domestic, joint-venture, and imported), all competing to sell more vehicles by cutting prices. On the other hand, the rise of electric vehicles has further squeezed the profit margins of traditional fuel-powered cars. For example, a car that costs 100,000 yuan might cost the 4S shop only 95,000 yuan to purchase, but they may sell it for 93,000 yuan to boost sales volume. Although this seems like a loss of 2,000 yuan, the shop can earn a “sales incentive” from the manufacturer or make up for it through after-sales services. Overall, the profit margin from selling new cars is becoming increasingly thin, with many shops actually losing money on these sales.
#### 2. After-sales services: The lifeline for 4S shops
After-sales services are now the most profitable part of a 4S shop’s operations. For instance, if your car gets damaged in an accident, you’ll go to a 4S shop to have the bumper replaced. The material cost might be only 200 yuan, but the labor fee can amount to 800 yuan, resulting in a substantial profit margin. Maintenance services are even more profitable; the cost of parts like engine oil and filters is low, while labor fees are high. Data shows that after-sales profits account for over 70% of a 4S shop’s total earnings, indicating that car sales are primarily used to attract customers, with repairs being the real moneymaker.
#### 3. Why can delivery riders serve as “informants”?
Riders have two natural advantages: first, their ubiquity—they cover large areas and see any accidents immediately; second, their large numbers—a city might have tens of thousands of riders, providing a vast network of eyes on the roads. This is much more efficient than having the 4S shop send out employees to monitor for accidents or waiting for insurance companies to refer customers. Additionally, riders can easily take photos of the accident and note down license plate numbers with little extra effort.
#### 4. How does this information-sharing system work, and what benefits do the riders get?
Typically, a cooperation agreement is signed between the 4S shop and the riders (or the rider platforms), establishing a reward system. For example, if a rider sees an accident, they take photos of the license plate and the scene and send them to the 4S shop. The 4S shop then uses this information to contact the car owner, claiming to be closer to the location and able to provide quick repair services. If the owner chooses that shop for repairs, the rider gets a commission of 50–100 yuan. Some 4S shops also train riders on how to identify the type of accident (minor scratches vs. major collisions) and how to recommend repairs (e.g., “I know a nearby 4S shop that’s fast and reliable”).
#### 5. What are the potential issues with this model?
While both 4S shops and riders benefit from this arrangement, there are some challenges:
- Privacy concerns: Car owners may feel their privacy is compromised when a 4S shop calls them immediately after an accident (especially if the rider has taken photos of the license plate).
- Rider safety: Riders may be distracted while taking photos, increasing the risk of accidents while delivering food.
- Fierce competition: If multiple 4S shops compete for riders’ information, it could lead to price wars, driving up costs for both riders and shops.
However, for car owners, this arrangement provides an additional option for quicker access to repair services. They should still be cautious and verify the prices offered by the 4S shop to avoid overcharging.
In summary, this is a practical solution developed by 4S shops facing pressure from declining new car sales. It reflects the intense competition in the automotive industry. The transformation of delivery riders into “informants” is a result of market demands.