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News & Politics

1688 Cancels Only Refund Policy to Balance Consumer and Merchant Interests

The recent announcement by 1688, a platform under Alibaba Group, to fully cancel its "only refund" policy is a notable development, particularly in the e-commerce landscape. This change is expected to have a significant impact on both consumers and merchants. Previously, when a buyer discovered a quality issue with a product after receiving it, they could initiate a refund request, and the platform would actively intervene to process the refund without needing the seller's consent. However, this policy has been criticized for potentially damaging the interests of merchants. By cancelling the "only refund" policy, 1688 aims to balance the interests of both buyers and sellers, promoting a healthier e-commerce environment.

Life Stories

Does Affordable Mean Above the Law: The Mingxue Ice City Conundrum

The recent exposé of Mingxue Ice City, a popular Chinese beverage chain, using lemon and orange slices that had been left at room temperature overnight to make drinks has sparked a heated debate. The company responded by stating that this was a violation of their rules, but claimed that it was impossible to monitor the situation 24 hours a day. While many netizens have come to the defense of Mingxue Ice City, downplaying the incident and suggesting that the low prices of their products justify a certain level of leniency, others argue that food safety is a serious matter and that no mistake, big or small, should be tolerated.

Entertainment

Understanding the Distinctions: Depression vs Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health issues that exhibit distinct symptoms and manifestations. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, while anxiety is marked by excessive worry, fear, and anxiety about the future. The typical symptoms of depression include continuous emotional downturn, reduced interest, self-blame, and suicidal thoughts, whereas anxiety is associated with excessive worry, restlessness, fear, and physical symptoms such as palpitations, trembling, and sweating.