3 6 Ke·2025-08-26 11:41Core Insights - Recent price increases in express delivery fees have caused significant concern among e-commerce operators, particularly small businesses that rely on low-cost shipping to maintain profitability [1][2][3] - The price adjustments, particularly in Guangdong and Zhejiang, range from 0.3 to 0.7 yuan per package, which can severely impact the already thin profit margins of small e-commerce vendors [1][2] - The rise in delivery costs is forcing small merchants to reconsider their pricing strategies and operational costs, with some opting to cut expenses in packaging and promotions rather than passing costs onto consumers [3][8] Delivery Fee Increases - In Guangdong, the average increase in delivery fees is reported at 0.4 yuan, which translates to a profit reduction of approximately 3% for small businesses selling low-cost items [2] - For example, a small business selling handmade products at 9.99 yuan experiences a significant profit squeeze due to the increased shipping costs, which now average around 2 yuan per package [2] - Another e-commerce operator in Dongguan reported a 0.7 yuan increase, leading to an additional monthly cost exceeding 12,000 yuan, effectively halving her monthly profit [3] Market Dynamics - The express delivery sector in Guangdong accounted for 425 billion packages last year, representing 24% of the national total, with revenues of 304 billion yuan [5] - Despite the price hikes, many delivery personnel have not seen an increase in their compensation, as their earnings are still tied to the volume of packages delivered and service commissions [9][8] - The current trend of rising delivery fees is seen as a response to the long-standing issue of "internal competition" within the industry, which has led to unsustainable pricing practices [11][13] Industry Response - Major express delivery companies are responding to regulatory calls to combat "internal competition" by raising prices, aiming to improve service quality and profitability [11][14] - Experts suggest that the industry is experiencing a "volume-price inversion," where low prices are leading to operational inefficiencies and increased pressure on delivery networks [14] - The anticipated shift from a low-price competition model to a quality-focused approach may lead to further price increases and industry consolidation in the future [14]