novelraw Chapter 623 : Jack Ma Was Stunned
Chapter 623 : Jack Ma Was Stunned
Chapter 623: Jack Ma Was Stunned
"Mr. Chen, what's your view on traditional retail versus internet e-commerce?"
Hearing this, Chen Fan was slightly taken aback.
What did he mean?
Was this a test?
But looking at Ma Yun's expression, it didn't seem like he was trying to put Chen Fan on the spot.
Chen Fan pondered for a few seconds before slowly speaking.
"I believe traditional retail and internet e-commerce are gradually merging. With future technological developments, it will inevitably lead to a massive commercial revolution sooner or later."
"The confrontation between traditional retail and e-commerce will only intensify until both sides find a new balance."
Ma Yun nodded slightly, seeing that Chen Fan had some understanding of e-commerce.
But Chen Fan wasn't finished.
"In my opinion, the B2B business model adopted by Alibaba, which Mr. Ma founded, has already sounded the trumpet of revolution against traditional retail."
"Whether it's B2B, B2C between businesses and individuals, or C2C between individuals, this is a development process that follows the growth of the internet and its users. I believe this is an unstoppable trend."
"The emergence of these new models will eventually evolve into a new internet ecosystem, internet culture, and even completely influence people's daily life consumption habits."
Chen Fan smiled at Ma Yun, "So I think what Mr. Ma is doing is a very meaningful thing."
Ma Yun's eyes lit up slightly, as if he wanted to re-evaluate Chen Fan.
He hadn't expected that when he casually asked a question, Chen Fan would be able to provide so many insights.
Although these words weren't particularly profound, Chen Fan wasn't from an internet e-commerce company, and this was just a casual question, yet he could give an answer off the cuff.
What did this mean?
It meant that Chen Fan had been paying attention to the development of the internet. He might not have entered the e-commerce industry, but he was still incredibly knowledgeable about it.
Ma Yun was excited.
He put down his teacup and got up to fetch a bottle of foreign liquor from the nearby wine cabinet.
"Mr. Chen, no, Brother Chen, I'm a bit older than you, so let me call you Brother Chen today."
"I must have a drink with you."
"To be honest, I know many businesspeople, including quite a few internet company bosses, but when you talk to them about internet e-commerce, they either have a vague understanding of this area or don't see any potential in what we're doing."
"Only Brother Chen's words have given me great encouragement."
Chen Fan chuckled, "Mr. Ma, you're too kind. I sincerely believe that what you're doing can change people's lifestyles and even promote social progress."
Ma Yun was excited and personally poured a full glass for Chen Fan.
"Oh, I really wish I had met Brother Chen earlier!"
"Come, let's have a toast first."
Chen Fan clinked glasses with him and took a small sip. Ma Yun smiled as he looked at Chen Fan.
"Brother Chen, regarding traditional retail and internet e-commerce, who do you think will ultimately win?"
Chen Fan smiled and shook his head.
"Mr. Ma, that's not the right question."
"I think the two are mutually promoting and integrating."
"In the future, they will become inseparable, with each containing elements of the other. This is what we call the O2O model."
Ma Yun's eyes lit up, and he gave Chen Fan a big thumbs up.
Clearly, these words had struck a chord with him.
"Brother Chen, brilliant!"
Chen Fan waved his hand with a smile.
"Actually, Mr. Ma has probably thought about these things many times. You were just testing me."
"Haha..."
Ma Yun laughed heartily. His previously gloomy mood seemed to have become very cheerful.
"Now I believe that you could establish Feifan Technology at such a young age because you truly have skills."
"Brother Chen, I'm so glad you didn't enter the e-commerce industry. Otherwise, you might have become my biggest competitor!"
Chen Fan smiled, "Mr. Ma, you're joking."
The atmosphere of the subsequent conversation became even more harmonious.
Ma Yun was actually a person with a very proud heart, but once he recognized someone as truly capable, he would be very willing to associate with them.
After finishing a glass of wine, Ma Yun picked up the bottle and poured more for Chen Fan.
As he poured, he casually sighed.
"Brother Chen, to be honest, I came to Beijing this time to try to raise investment."
Chen Fan's heart stirred slightly, and he asked with a smile, "I remember online reports mentioned that Mr. Ma had already accepted three rounds of financing."
Ma Yun sighed, "That money is far from enough. Our company is now at a critical juncture, climbing uphill. If we can climb over, there will be smooth sailing ahead. If we fail to climb, it will be beyond redemption."
Chen Fan jokingly said with a smile, "It can't be that serious, can it?"
Ma Yun widened his eyes, "It really is that serious."
Chen Fan raised his glass and clinked with him, casually asking.
"Is Mr. Ma worried about Taobao?"
Ma Yun was stunned, then nodded.
"Yes."
"Sigh, although our Taobao was established less than two years ago and has developed rapidly with seemingly healthy data in all aspects, it's actually on the brink of danger."
Chen Fan pointed out the key issue.
"Is it because of eBay's EachNet?"
Ma Yun nodded, "EachNet is backed by its foreign parent company and doesn't lack money at all. They've directly monopolized over 90% of the domestic market. We're now being pushed to the edge of a cliff."
"If we don't find a way to break through, I predict Taobao will be finished within two years."
Chen Fan: "So that's why Mr. Ma came to Beijing to try to raise investment."
Ma Yun nodded: "If we don't get more investment, we really don't know how to face our opponent's pursuit and blockade in the future."
Seeing Chen Fan slightly shake his head, seemingly disagreeing with his point of view, Ma Yun suddenly had a thought and quickly asked.
"Brother Chen, you're also in the internet business. Do you think we can overcome this difficulty?"
Chen Fan looked at Ma Yun, hesitated for a moment, then slowly put down his wine glass.
"Mr. Ma, forgive my frankness, but even if you raise investment, in my view, directly confronting your opponent still gives you no chance of winning. After all, no matter how much investment you raise, can it be more than what eBay has?"
Ma Yun was slightly stunned and immediately asked, "Then what do you think is the key to our breakthrough this time?"
Chen Fan thought for a moment, then slowly spoke.
"In my view, e-commerce has actually hit a bottleneck. Although the number of internet users on e-commerce platforms is increasing steadily, those who dare not shop online still account for the majority. Has Mr. Ma considered the reasons?"
Without waiting for Ma Yun to speak, Chen Fan revealed the answer.
"First, internet users' distrust of e-commerce shopping platforms. Second, the shopping process is too cumbersome, some people are even too lazy to go to the bank to activate online banking and use security tokens."
Chen Fan looked at Ma Yun and continued, "So, in my opinion, for e-commerce to develop, or for your Alibaba to break through, there's actually only one way."
"That is to need a revolutionary product that reduces the shopping process while ensuring the financial security of both buyers and sellers."
"When internet users have no worries, they will naturally choose e-commerce platforms."
Across from him, Ma Yun's mouth was slightly agape, staring at Chen Fan in a daze.
But in his heart, it was already stormy.