“Should I sell it while trying to damage it”… Small business owners caught up in the increase in delivery costs

As major courier companies such as CJ Logistics, Hanjin, and Lotte Global Logistics (Lotte Courier) have decided to increase their courier prices one after another, small business owners are worried about a big blow. In the midst of the recession, the cost burden is increasing due to the increase in delivery costs. It is not easy for small business owners, as it is obvious that consumers will be neglected by raising the price of goods based on the increase in the delivery cost.

According to the parcel delivery industry on the 27th, CJ Logistics decided to increase the contract price for small parcels from April to 250 won from 1600 won to 1850 won. Small courier means that the sum of the three sides is 80cm and the weight is less than 2kg.

Earlier this month, Lotte Global Logistics raised 150 won for small-sized packages from 1750 won to 1900 won. It is known that Hanjin Express has also recently distributed a guideline not to sign contracts for micro parcels for less than 1,800 won to front-line agencies.

As a result, delivery costs for major delivery companies such as CJ Logistics, Hanjin, and Lotte are expected to rise to more than 1,800 won.

An official of CJ Logistics said, “It has been on its own for a while, but it is true that the burden has increased due to the introduction of automation facilities and the addition of manpower as part of the recent overwork of courier drivers.” He said, “We have no choice but to raise the cost of delivery.”

The increase in delivery costs is a direct hit for self-employed people who mainly use delivery services. In particular, small business owners who operate online shopping malls or open markets have a bigger blow.

A small business owner in Naver’s Smart Store said, “There’s really nothing that doesn’t go up these days,” he said. “It’s a handmade product, so the margin is low, but I don’t know what to do because the box cost goes up and I have to pay the delivery fee to Naver.” said.

A self-employed person who makes and sells homemade cookies said, “I am very worried because it is not possible to raise the price of products directly due to the increase in the courier cost.” He said, “If I suddenly raise the price of a product because the shipping cost has risen in the same recession, who will place an order?”

Self-employed and small business owners were concerned that the increase in delivery costs would be larger than that of large companies that have a large volume of delivery, such as home shopping and e-commerce. This is because the larger the quantity, the greater the bargaining power with the courier company, so that the courier cost can be set at a lower cost. In the’I’m Sick So I’m the President’, the largest self-employed community in Korea, articles sharing such concerns are coming up one after another.

A self-employed business owner who recently received a call to raise the cost of parcels said, “I send an average of 400 to 500 parcels per month, but I heard that the price rises to 2,750 won for the smallest and 3200 won for the smallest,” and asked other bosses whether the increase was appropriate.

In fact, unlike small business owners, large companies such as home shopping and e-commerce are unlikely to suffer a relatively large impact even if parcel delivery costs rise. This is because the larger the delivery volume, the more room for discounts from delivery companies.

In this regard, an official in the courier industry emphasized, “It is correct to sign a contract at a more discounted price if the quantity of goods is large even with the same weight.” .

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