Haidilao: Influencer Battles Insulting Customer

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Haidilao: When Influencers Get Burned

You know that feeling when you're hyped about a new restaurant, only to be let down? Imagine being an influencer with thousands of followers, ready to rave about a legendary hotpot spot, and then... bam! You get served a side of disrespect. That's exactly what happened to a group of Chinese influencers when they visited Haidilao, the popular hotpot chain known for its stellar service.

The drama unfolded when one influencer posted a video on social media detailing their less-than-stellar experience at a Haidilao branch in Nanjing. The video went viral, showing the influencers waiting for a long time before being seated, then receiving subpar service and food. Ouch!

From Hot Pot Hype to Hot Mess

The influencers were upset, and rightfully so. Haidilao is known for its over-the-top service, and they weren't getting the usual treatment. In the video, they even showed how they were served lukewarm soup and cold ingredients - a big no-no for a hotpot experience.

Things escalated when another influencer, known for his blunt, "no-nonsense" style, posted a video tearing into the Haidilao staff. He called them lazy and unprofessional, saying their service was "worse than a street stall." This ignited a social media firestorm, with many users debating the validity of the complaints and the influencers' tactics.

Haidilao's Response: A PR Nightmare?

Haidilao responded quickly, issuing a statement apologizing for the poor service. They promised to investigate the issue and take appropriate action. However, the statement was met with skepticism from some who felt the apology was insincere, especially given the influencers' harsh criticisms.

This entire incident has brought into question the power of influencers and their impact on brands. While influencers can generate massive buzz and brand loyalty, their negative reviews can also be devastating, especially for companies like Haidilao with a reputation built on excellent customer service.

The Takeaways:

• This story highlights the importance of authenticity and transparency in influencer marketing.
• It shows that influencers are not immune to criticism and need to be held accountable for their actions.
• It also reminds us that even the most popular brands can experience PR nightmares when they fail to meet customer expectations.

This hotpot drama might be over, but it leaves us with a lot to ponder. Will Haidilao be able to recover from this PR hit? How will this incident affect influencer marketing going forward? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, the power of influencers and the potential for backlash are becoming increasingly important considerations for brands.