Reasonable shipping price benefits couriers

On-line shopping has become a lifestyle for many Chinese. The China Express Association says the recent price hike by some domestic couriers is a rational decision and the courier industry in China should become more efficient in response to the fast development of e-business.

The global financial crisis saw traditional businesses in China suffer during the first half of the year. However, e-business brought about a one-hundred percent increase for the couriers in China during the period.

Yan Qiao, manager of Public Affair Dept., Taobao.com, said, "The current daily express deliveries on the Taobao.com are 3 million parcels and it's increased one-hundred percent over the same period last year."

To grab more market share in China, the domestic couriers compete to offer lower fees. Data from the China Express Association shows the average cost for a single express parcel is at least 10 yuan, which is far more higher than the quotes of 5 to 6 yuan.

Da Wa, deputy chairman of China Express Association,said, "To maintain a sustainable development, a company should make some profits. Some couriers have raised their service fees. I think it is a rational choice. Because the express industry offers the door-to-door, table-to-table services which should be high quality. And the very low prices actually hurt the market. "

Da Wa says higher prices mean higher requirements and couriers should boost the efficiency of their services in order to keep up with the fast development of the e-business in China.