In the West, free shipping is a nice perk, often tied to a subscription like Amazon Prime or a minimum purchase amount. In China, 包邮 is frequently the default expectation, even for very inexpensive items. This cultural difference stems from two main factors: 1. Intense Competition: The sheer number of sellers on platforms like Taobao is staggering. To stand out, sellers use 包邮 as a standard, almost mandatory, strategy to attract buyers. The absence of 包邮 can be an instant deal-breaker for a potential customer. 2. Low-Cost Logistics: China has one of the world's most efficient and low-cost domestic courier (快递 kuàidì) networks. The cost for a seller to ship a small item within the country is often incredibly low (sometimes less than $1 USD), making it easy to absorb this cost into the item's price. Therefore, 包邮 isn't just a business practice; it reflects a consumer culture that values convenience, transparency, and a feeling of getting a comprehensive, “all-in-one” deal. It removes the friction and mental calculation of adding shipping costs, making the decision to click “buy” much easier.
You will encounter 包邮 constantly in these situations: