身边的经济学·社会常识英语30篇（1）
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Why Do We Still Need Middlemen Online?
电商与中间商
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You order shoes directly from a factory website—but most online purchases still go through platforms like Amazon or Taobao.
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These platforms handle payments, reviews, returns, and even customer service—tasks small sellers struggle to manage alone.
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They also help buyers compare prices, check seller ratings, and feel safer before clicking ‘buy’.
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Still, their fees (often 10–25%) reduce what small makers earn per sale.
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Some brands now use social media to sell directly—but they must build trust, logistics, and support themselves.
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Middlemen haven’t disappeared; they’ve just changed shape—from local shopkeepers to digital gatekeepers.
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What hasn’t changed is their core job: reducing uncertainty between strangers doing business.
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The real question isn’t ‘Are middlemen useful?’ but ‘Who controls the rules—and who benefits most?’