A recent incident involving a food delivery rider’s aggressive response to a negative review in Fujian province, southeastern China, has ignited a heated debate across Chinese social media platforms. The controversy centers around a video clip showing the male delivery rider standing outside a female customer’s home, wielding a stick and threatening to poison her future orders.
The customer’s friend, Li, who shared the incident online, explained that the negative review was prompted by the rider’s late delivery and lack of communication, as he left the food at the doorstep without informing the customer. In retaliation, the rider was seen outside the customer’s flat, shouting threats and brandishing a long stick, causing significant alarm.
The situation escalated when the delivery company was informed of the rider’s behavior. In response, the company’s manager sent the rider to apologize to the woman, along with a written apology and compensation for the damage caused to her door lock.
This incident has stirred a wide range of opinions among netizens in mainland China. While many have condemned the delivery rider’s actions as excessively violent and inappropriate, others have sympathized with him, questioning whether the customer considered the negative impact her review could have on the rider’s livelihood.
One social media user remarked on the rider’s clear overreaction and the violent nature of his behavior. In contrast, another user reflected on the potential consequences of negative reviews, suggesting that customers should be more considerate before posting them.
The debate highlights the growing tension and pressure faced by gig economy workers in China, where delivery drivers often work under challenging conditions to meet strict deadlines and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings. The incident also raises questions about the balance between consumer rights and the dignity of service workers in the digital age.
This is not an isolated case, as stories involving delivery drivers frequently capture significant attention in China. Incidents ranging from customers providing false addresses to demanding unreasonable services have put the spotlight on the challenges and psychological pressures faced by those working in the fast-paced, customer-oriented delivery industry.
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