China’s second-hand e-commerce market is witnessing a strategic divergence between major platforms. Xianyu continues to champion a C2C community-driven approach, expanding into non-traditional services such as pet care and social interactions, fostering user engagement and niche markets. Meanwhile, Zhuanzhuan is pivoting to a C2B2C model, emphasizing standardized processes for high-value items like electronics and luxury goods, while phasing out its free market C2C operations. Market data highlights rapid growth in community-based transactions, with Xianyu seeing significant GMV growth in collectible toys and increased user activity. Trust mechanisms diverge significantly: Zhuanzhuan relies on platform-controlled quality assurance, whereas Xianyu leverages community consensus through features like its Small Court for dispute resolution. This platform differentiation presents distinct investment opportunities with implications for scalability, user retention, and ecosystem integration in China’s evolving digital marketplace.
Second-Hand Platform Wars: Xianyu’s Community Model vs Zhuanzhuan’s Standardized Approach in China’s E-commerce
