Consumer Exploitation Via 'AB Goods' Under Scrutiny

Experts are discussing the issue of 'AB goods,' where consumers are allegedly sold different quality products under the same listing, often facilitated by big data algorithms and low operational costs. Rumors of 'A-B goods' have surfaced, where consumers are allegedly labeled based on their purchase location, account level, and consumer awareness. High-awareness consumers in first-tier cities and new commercial districts are reportedly labeled 'high sensitivity,' leading merchants to provide genuine 'A' grade products. Conversely, consumers in lower-tier cities and rural areas, perceived as having lower awareness and being less likely to return items, are allegedly sold 'B' grade or inferior products. Reports indicate that consumers are being exploited through the sale of 'AB goods,' where products are labeled based on acquisition address, account level, and consumer awareness. An investigation is underway into the practice of selling 'AB Goods,' where consumers receive lower-quality or inferior products despite purchasing from the same product link, brand, and price as advertised. E-commerce platforms are being scrutinized for allegedly labeling consumers and merchants to distribute lower-quality 'B-goods' or inferior products. Algorithms and big data are allegedly used to label consumers based on location, account level, and return history to target them with inferior products. High-sensitivity consumers in major cities receive authentic goods, while those in lower-tier cities or rural areas are targeted with low-quality or 'B-grade' items. On April 6, six Chinese government departments issued guidelines regarding the service system of the e-commerce economy to address these issues. Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the former chief of ONPE.