A Study of Franchising Models in Express Delivery Services in China

With regard to business modules in Chinese delivery services companies, there has long been a heated debate on whether franchising or direct management is the better module for Chinese market. But most prior discussion was lightweight, unconvincing and without any theoretical framework.

This research examines three major management problems in Chinese delivery services: 1. The reason for choosing franchising module, 2. The relationship between franchising module and implementation of the product, 3. The functions of IT in delivery services. By reviewing theories on enterprise boundary and summarizing the six features of franchising contracts in Chinese delivery business as well as the five properties of delivery products, two contract models are finally set up with five beneficial conclusions which are proved by a very solid empirical data analysis.

The purpose of this research is to either support or weaken the current theories on enterprise boundary as well as to offer meaningful inspirations for the management of express delivery companies in China.