outsourced delivery

Near Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei, a gig economy trend involves residents, including children (“kid couriers”), offering outsourced delivery services to food delivery drivers. These individuals handle deliveries during peak hours, earning around 2 RMB per delivery. Summer has seen a surge in child participation, with elementary and middle school students supplementing rider capacity by handling tasks like elevator navigation and customer location. This system allows riders to offload deliveries and provides children with income and experience, creating a tiered micro-economy.

Outsourced delivery services are transforming China’s food and courier industries. “Last-mile” workers assist delivery drivers, especially in high-rises, for a per-delivery fee, improving speed and customer satisfaction. This model benefits primary riders by freeing up their time and leading to higher order fulfillment and potential earnings. The trend offers substantial daily income for auxiliary workers and addresses logistical challenges faced by delivery and courier services.