In the 3rd week of February 2024, the hashtag #KFC responded to the implementation of charging packaging fees# (肯德基回应全面开收打包费) was trending on Weibo, garnering close to 100 million views in two days. On February 20th, KFC announced that it would start charging packaging service fees, while the official pricing for delivery fees has been reduced from RMB 9 to RMB 6. Despite the price drop in delivery fees, many netizens still expressed confusion and, in some cases, disappointment. “The takeaway combos are already more expensive than dine-in ones.” a netizen from Guangdong said.
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Poll insights: netizens are divided over KFC packaging fees in China
According to an ongoing poll initiated by Sanlian Lifeweek (三联生活周刊) on Weibo with over 20,000 respondents as of February 21st, the price range they are most willing to accept for delivery and packaging fees is as low as RMB 1 to RMB 3, followed by RMB 0. Due to the common expectation for low to zero food delivery fees among Chinese consumers, 78.5% of the respondents considered KFC’s packaging fees to be too expensive to be acceptable according to another poll by Pear Video (梨视频). “The maximum delivery fee previously was RMB 9, but now with the additional packaging fee, the new maximum is RMB 15. Do you think I can accept this?” A netizen from Fuji commented under the poll. However, some netizens understand this price adjustment as “quite reasonable.”
People’s Famous Products (人民名品), on the other hand, holds a relatively neutral view on this, suggesting that consumers should have the right to choose whether to use paid packaging when ordering takeout, which requires further optimization of the rules for food packaging fees.
Consumer debate: Navigating the future of KFC packaging in China
- KFC’s decision to introduce packaging service fees ignited a social media storm on Weibo.
- Despite KFC’s reduction in delivery fees, netizens expressed confusion and disappointment over the additional packaging charges, highlighting concerns about pricing disparities between takeaway and dine-in options.
- Ongoing polls on Weibo reveal a split among Chinese netizens regarding KFC’s packaging fees. While some find the charges unacceptable, citing expectations for low to zero delivery fees, others view them as reasonable adjustments in the industry.
- Netizens worry that the new fees may inflate overall costs for consumers, with some expressing skepticism about the affordability of takeaway options, particularly compared to dine-in meals.
- People’s Famous Products advocates for consumer choice, suggesting that individuals should have the right to decide whether to opt for paid packaging when ordering takeout. This perspective underscores the importance of empowering consumers in shaping their dining experiences.
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