Alibaba HQ in Hangzhou, where protesters aim to converge tomorrow, Thursday 24th. (Image source: topboxdesign.com)
Just when you thought that Alibaba’s olive branch had stopped the digital protests by smaller businesses using its Taobao Mall platform, some sellers are planning an actual, physical demonstration tomorrow (Thursday 24th) at the company’s HQ. But Alibaba has responded before the event, saying that the mass complainant’s demands will “harm the Chinese e-commerce system.” And so tomorrow there’ll either be a showdown, or a non-event, depending on how many show up. Perhaps look for the hashtag #OccupyTaobao# on Weibo!
The so-called ‘Anti-Taobao Alliance’ has organised buses from numerous Chinese cities to converge tomorrow on the e-commerce giant’s main offices in Hangzhou, south of Shanghai. Despite the group’s name, the issue is focused on Tmall.com (aka Taobao Mall), where businesses sell to consumers, not the home-seller site Taobao.com.
According to Chinese tech site, DoNews, the group aims to bring up to 2,000 people to protest against the recent rule changes on the TMall site – such as increased security deposits, and a tougher quality/evaluation measure for vendors – which the alliance says will hurt smaller stores on the B2C platform. They’ve also requested direct dialogue with Alibaba’s CEO and founder, Jack Ma.
Essentially, the group is calling for abolishment, or fundamental change, in these rules – apparently not placated by the earlier peace offerings that amounted to 1.8 billion RMB in small- and medium-business oriented assistance. But Alibaba has already posted a notice on its user forums – see it here – saying that no changes will be undone, and that new rules are needed to push forward user security and combat pirated goods.
An Alibaba Group spokeswoman told PO today:
We welcome open communication with users, and are willing to listen to any constructive feedback and suggestions that will help to elevate the quality of products and services for consumers and protect consumer interests.
We’ll update tomorrow, when we’ll see either dialogue or disruptions unfold.