Double Eleven Sales Take a Hit: Weibo Netizens express Discontent over Delivery Efficiency, Affordability, and Economic Woes

Double Eleven, the world-renowned online shopping festival in China, has been observed to be less buzzing this year, with several Weibo netizens expressing their discontent and disappointment regarding the shopping experience. The festival, which usually takes place on November 11th every year, is known for its massive sales and promotions across various platforms like Taobao, JD, and PDD.

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12 November 2023

According to an analysis by a Weibo user, this year's Double Eleven has seen a decline in the concentration of orders on Taobao compared to JD and PDD. The reason behind this shift is attributed to delivery efficiency and quality issues, which are considered superior on JD due to their self-owned products, as well as affordability concerns that favor PDD.

The decrease in sales on Taobao has been a concern for many years now, but this year's Double Eleven seems to have exacerbated the issue, leading several netizens to express their dissatisfaction with the platform. Some users are claiming they do not have enough cash to participate in the shopping festival, while others are unhappy about the declining standards of the sales and promotions offered this year.

Several Weibo users have also shared their frustrations regarding the rising costs of living and wages, which has directly impacted their purchasing power. They believe that in such economic conditions, focusing on creating demand is not necessary because there simply isn't enough consumer spending to support it.

Furthermore, some netizens have taken to discussing the prices of popular brands like Dyson and are seeking advice from others who may have purchased these products at affordable rates during this year's Double Eleven event. Others have expressed feelings of emptiness during this year's festival due to its lackluster performance compared to previous years.

A few users are voicing concerns about the country's economic conditions and the impact it has on their lives. They question the need for spending in such an environment, especially when wages are falling, making them feel that there are no benefits or job opportunities available. They have also expressed that weekend jobs are not available, adding to their financial worries.

The disappointment and frustration among Weibo netizens regarding this year's Double Eleven reflect the broader economic challenges facing China in recent times. The decreased consumer spending, coupled with falling wages, indicates a struggling economy that is failing to provide sufficient opportunities for its citizens to earn a living and participate in the festive shopping event.