Chinese companions business: people buying Friendship and Love as Services
Now in China, you can use your wallet to unlock friendship and love in many situations. Welcome to the 7-billion-dollar(around 50 billion RMB) companionship economy. Intrigued, aren’t you?
Recently, a new profession has emerged on the Chinese internet called “companion photography”. But here’s the scoop: the real deal is all about the companions.
A companion photographer shed light on the intricacies of her profession, emphasizing that it’s far more than just clicking a camera. According to her, companion photographers play a unique role in creating a comfortable atmosphere for their clients.
As she explains, “Our job goes beyond just capturing images. We need to be skilled conversationalists to keep our clients engaged and relaxed. Awkward silences and discomfort are a big no-no.” They will be an enthusiastic cheerleader, ceaselessly boosting their clients’ confidence.
They excel in the art of compliments, tactfully finding various angles to praise their clients. It’s not about empty flattery; it’s about making them feel genuinely valued and appreciated, ensuring the photo session is an experience they’ll cherish.
In simple terms, companion photography is about taking pictures as a pretext, with clients paying for the companions to play the role of a close friend.
Similar businesses of “spending money to buy temporary friends” exist in various forms, such as companion driving, companion shopping, companion learning, companion dining, companion travel, and even services like “best man” and “maid of honor” for weddings. You can even find services like “companion diagnosis” in hospitals, similar to the support of a family member. For female customers, temporary romance services are available in butler-themed board game cafes.
Mei Xue(alias) shared about her venture into the mystical realm of Butler-themed board games with her female friend. With a playful grin, Mei Xue reminisces, “You get to play interactive games with these dapper butlers who guide you through the gameplay with a gentle touch. They go above and beyond to make you feel like a pampered princess. It’s like a fantasy world for us busy bees. And, of course, we can also venture out and dive into escape room games together.”
But Mei Xue, blushing a little, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. She reveals that should the butlers lose a game, they might concoct some playful and, well, let’s say ‘cheeky’ penalties. Picture this: the butler might suggest you sit on their backs while they are down on the floor doing push-ups, or perhaps a dramatic kabedon while they confess something special to you.
The common thread among these services is that they involve accompanying clients in various activities to provide emotional value akin to a friend’s or a lover’s.
The Soil of the Companionship Economy
The companionship economy is thriving because, according to the Chinese Seventh National Population Census, there are over 125 million single-person households. Single individuals, living outside traditional family structures are yearning for companionship.
There is another Familiar Form of the Companionship Economy in China that you may heard of or are familiar with — Online Streaming Selling. In recent years, online streaming has become increasingly popular in China. For consumers, watching online streams is not just about their love for celebrities or the products they showcase; it’s also about beating their inner loneliness. The secret sauce here is the craving for social connections.
Challenges and Risks in the Industry
The fast-streaming water always blends with sand and mud, and China’s companion industry doesn’t have standardized guidelines. Most of the buyers are buying a service surprise box — what they get largely depends on luck. For instance, if you expect the same cute maid and handsome muscle servant as the advertised photos, you may be disappointed because of Photoshop wizardry. And there’s a risk of inappropriate behavior in some one-on-one companion services.
It’s not all sunshine for those offering companionship. Imagine hanging out with a total stranger one-on-one — it’s not all fun and games. There’s always a chance for things to go south.
But here’s the deal — once we figure out these hiccups, the companionship economy is a treasure trove of potential. One day, it may come to a time when lonely individuals pay for companionship, while those good at socializing get paid for providing quantified care.
However, the problem is that Cute Maid Coffee: $20 per cup, and Handsome Butler Board Game Service an average $86 per 2 hours. After indulging in these services, do you think their loneliness truly taken a hike?
