This is Part 1 about Pinduoduo and the idea of interactive / engagement-driven ecommerce. Our guests for this podcast were Matthew Brennan and Elliott Zaagman.

Elliott Zaagman is co-host the China Tech Investor podcast and a research and communications professional focused on China.

Matthew Brennan is Managing Director of the China Channel.

We discuss their whitepaper on Pinduoduo and interactive commerce, which is available at China Channel.

The 5 choices for explaining Pinduoduo’s success are:

1. First mover in a huge market. Got the right product at the right time in the right market.
2. Offered low cost (sometimes free) products to a frugal demographic.
3. Interactive / engagement-focused ecommerce.
4. Group buying and virality. The tie with WeChat.
5. Good execution and management.

Related podcasts and articles:

• Companies Can Have Digital Superpowers: Lazada vs. Grab. Luckin vs. Hellobike. (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 37)
• What Is the Secret of Zoom’s Success in Video Communications? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 21)

This is part of Learning Goals: Level 7-8, with a focus on:

• #31: Introduction to Pinduoduo

Concepts for this class:

• Value for Money. The Power of Cheap and Free. Example of Digital Superpower #1: Dramatically improving the user experience.
• Interactive / Engagement-Focused Ecommerce
• Virality and Word of Mouth

Companies for this class:

• Pinduoduo

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I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.

I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.

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Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.

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