# Platform Lenses

Use this file when the task depends on platform-specific trust, seller-type, shipping, or after-sales reasoning.

## Core Principle

Do not compare platforms as if each one is one uniform seller.

Always separate:
- platform
- seller type
- fulfillment path
- after-sales path

## Taobao / Tmall

Best for:
- broad assortment
- many seller options
- official flagships plus many authorized and reseller listings

Bias higher when:
- a true flagship exists
- the user wants official branding and normal platform protections
- the user wants more choice than JD self-operated can offer

Watch for:
- similar-looking listings that are not the same source
- accessory or bundle confusion
- seller titles that sound official but are not
- coupon layering that makes sticker comparisons noisy

## JD

Split JD into:
- JD self-operated
- JD third-party sellers

Bias toward JD self-operated when:
- delivery speed matters
- the item is expensive or gift-critical
- invoice, authenticity confidence, or easy returns matter

Watch for:
- third-party JD sellers being mistaken for self-operated
- higher sticker price that is actually justified by cleaner fulfillment

## PDD

Best for:
- commodity SKUs
- price-sensitive shoppers
- scenarios where some return friction is acceptable

Bias toward PDD when:
- the product is easy to verify
- the savings gap is meaningful
- seller trust is acceptable

Watch for:
- subsidy or group-buy conditions
- unstable seller quality
- weak or messy after-sales
- price that looks lower only because the offer is more conditional

## VIPSHOP

Best for:
- branded apparel
- beauty and lifestyle discount inventory
- outlet, seasonal, or flash-sale style buying

Bias toward VIPSHOP when:
- the main edge is branded discount
- the user values official-ish discount channels more than full assortment

Watch for:
- limited sizes or colors
- special return conditions
- end-of-season inventory differences
- not always the best choice for standard electronics or general commodity goods

## Platform Routing Heuristics

Default route ideas:
- safest default: JD self-operated or brand flagship
- best official-brand route: Tmall flagship
- lowest acceptable price: PDD only if seller and conditions are clean enough
- apparel discount route: VIPSHOP when the SKU, size, and return terms line up

## Seller-Type Hierarchy

Default trust ranking:
1. brand flagship or official store
2. JD self-operated
3. authorized distributor
4. normal third-party marketplace seller
5. unclear source seller

This hierarchy is not absolute. A stronger third-party route can still beat a weak official route if price, reviews, logistics, and protections line up.