JD.com is testing a new service allowing delivery riders to help customers take out their trash, sparking debate on Chinese social media. The pilot program, launched on June 19, is being tested in cities including Beijing and Jiangsu Province’s Suqian. The trial is set to be expanded to 10 cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu, with at least 55 full-time couriers participating in each location. Riders will be equipped with gloves and disinfectant, and must photograph the task as proof. JD.com said the service is optional and designed to assist residents in walk-up buildings or with limited mobility. Participating riders receive a RMB 0.5 ($0.07) subsidy per task and may accept tips. The initiative is part of JD.com strategy to differentiate its food delivery service, which launched in February and has surpassed 25 million orders. Competing against industry giants Meituan and Ele.me, JD.com is targeting the premium market with features such as zero commission for merchants and enhanced services such as photo delivery confirmation and late-order guarantees. [Jiemian, in Chinese]
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