- Two Western bloggers recently went viral by sharing their experiences of living in China and how the country’s app-driven services have reshaped their expectations.
- The importance of this phenomenon lies in its broader implications for global consumer expectations and lifestyle standards.
OUR TAKE
The two young women declare in the video ”We’re China-spoiled’ and list numerous activities and experiences in the country that are faster, cheaper and more convenient and impressive than elsewhere. Apps like Meituan, Ele.me, and Didi offer unparalleled efficiency, giving expatriates and travelers superior experiences. If you can pick up a taxi in China within five minutes rather than waiting endlessly for a Uber taxi, if you can order 4 kinds of delicious food at a cheap price rather than putting up with the inefficiency of the food delivery service from Foodpanda, Uber Eats, Grub hub, you will will understand their view.
–Miurio huang, BTW reporter
What happened
Two foreign bloggers recently went viral by sharing their experiences of living in China and how the country’s app-driven services have reshaped their expectations.
They recounted ordering a four-course meal and a drink through the Meituan, a food delivery app. They can also expect their deliveries to arrive the next day, due to the speed of product delivery like Amazon in China is frighteningly fast, and the reason why they choose to order in is that ordering was cheaper than cooking.
Their anecdotes reflect a common sentiment: once you experience the efficiency of Chinese service apps, it becomes challenging to adjust to the slower, less efficient systems found elsewhere. In China, apps like Didi for ride sharing, Meituan or Ele.me for food delivery, and SF Express, ZTO expres, EMS for product delivery offer unparalleled convenience.
The Didi app, for instance, not only provides real-time updates on a driver’s location but also informs users of how long a red light will last, ensuring they are always in the loop. This level of detail exemplifies the high expectations set by these services. Meituan and Ele.me ensure your food arrives within an hour. Additionally, China’s express service often surprises customers with next-day delivery for orders placed just the day before.
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Also read: Why I hate Foodpanda: A poor comparison with China’s food delivery services
Why it’s important
The importance of this phenomenon lies in its broader implications for global consumer expectations and lifestyle standards.
As more people become accustomed to the instant access and 24/7 availability of services in China, their patience with slower systems in other countries diminishes.
Like one who have experienced both Hong Kong’s food delivery services and those in other regions, it’s clear that he will prefer China’s service rather than Hong Kong’s platforms which need to step up their game.
This shift has led to a growing demand for similar efficiencies worldwide, pushing companies and service providers to innovate and adapt. Frequent delays, high costs, limited choice and poor customer service in the service sector can all leave a huge gap.
Being China-spoiled represents a privileged lifestyle that many find hard to give up. While it sets a high standard for convenience and efficiency, it also brings to light the need for patience and understanding towards service workers striving to meet these high expectations.
As global consumers, it is essential to balance our desires for speed and convenience with the realities and challenges faced by those providing these services. The China-spoiled lifestyle, while alluring, serves as a reminder to appreciate and adapt to different paces of life around the world.
