In 15 Seconds
- Pay for your package only when it arrives at your door.
- Commonly used for online shopping and courier service payment options.
- Can also mean a third party holding a package for you.
Meaning
This phrase describes a payment method where you pay the courier in cash when your package arrives at your door. It is basically the 'pay-on-delivery' system used for online shopping or shipping services.
Key Examples
3 of 6Choosing a payment method online
我选了代收货款的支付方式。
I chose the cash-on-delivery payment method.
Asking a property manager to hold a parcel
物业可以帮我代收快递吗？
Can the property management collect the package for me?
A courier calling to confirm delivery
这件衣服是代收货款，一共一百块。
This clothing is cash on delivery; it's 100 yuan in total.
Cultural Background
The concept of '代收' was a cornerstone of trust in the early Chinese internet era, allowing e-commerce to flourish before digital escrow services became ubiquitous. Today, it is often associated with 'Cainiao Stations' (菜鸟驿站), the neighborhood hubs that manage millions of packages daily. It reflects the high-density urban living where couriers cannot always meet recipients face-to-face.
The 'Trust' Factor
If you are buying something expensive from a seller you don't know, always ask for `代收货款`. It's your safety net.
Check the Package
When using `代收`, you have the right to inspect the box before paying. Don't let the courier rush you!
In 15 Seconds
- Pay for your package only when it arrives at your door.
- Commonly used for online shopping and courier service payment options.
- Can also mean a third party holding a package for you.
What It Means
代收 (dàishōu) is a handy term for when someone collects money or a package on behalf of someone else. In the world of logistics, it specifically refers to 'Cash on Delivery' (COD). Imagine ordering a cool gadget online but wanting to see the box before parting with your hard-earned cash. That is where 代收 comes in. It is the ultimate 'trust but verify' move for shoppers.
How To Use It
You will mostly see this on checkout pages or hear it from delivery drivers. You can use it as a verb or part of a noun phrase like 代收货款. If you are telling a friend how you paid, you might say you chose the 代收 option. It is straightforward and functional. No need for fancy grammar here. Just drop it in when discussing payment methods.
When To Use It
Use it when you are shopping on platforms like Taobao or JD.com. It is also perfect for when you are sending a package and want the recipient to pay for the item upon arrival. If you are at a front desk and need to ask if they can hold a package for you, 代收 is your go-to word. It works perfectly for both the payment aspect and the physical act of receiving a parcel.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 代收 if you have already paid for your item online. If the transaction is finished, the courier is just 'delivering' (送货), not 'collecting' (代收). Also, do not use it for personal favors like 'picking up a friend' at the airport. That is a different kind of 'collecting'! Using it there would make you sound like you are charging your friend a delivery fee. Awkward.
Cultural Background
In China, 代收 became massive during the early days of e-commerce. People were skeptical about online scams, so paying only when the goods arrived built massive trust. Even though digital payments like Alipay are king now, 代收 remains a vital service for the elderly or for high-value items. It represents a bridge between the old-school cash economy and the digital future. Plus, it is the reason why many apartment complexes have those smart locker rows you see everywhere.
Common Variations
The most common full version is 代收货款 (collecting payment for goods). You might also hear 代收点, which refers to a pickup point like a convenience store that holds your packages. If you are looking for a locker, look for signs that mention 代收. It is a ecosystem of convenience that keeps the wheels of Chinese commerce spinning smoothly.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. In a commercial setting, it implies a financial transaction. In a residential setting, it usually just refers to the act of holding a package for someone.
The 'Trust' Factor
If you are buying something expensive from a seller you don't know, always ask for `代收货款`. It's your safety net.
Check the Package
When using `代收`, you have the right to inspect the box before paying. Don't let the courier rush you!
The 'Cainiao' Era
Most people now use `代收点` (collection points) because they are never home. It's a huge part of daily life in Chinese cities.
Examples
6我选了代收货款的支付方式。
I chose the cash-on-delivery payment method.
Here it specifically refers to the financial transaction upon delivery.
物业可以帮我代收快递吗？
Can the property management collect the package for me?
In this context, it means physically receiving the item, not necessarily paying.
这件衣服是代收货款，一共一百块。
This clothing is cash on delivery; it's 100 yuan in total.
The courier uses this to remind the customer to have money ready.
代收点太远了，我懒得去拿。
The collection point is too far; I'm too lazy to go get it.
Uses the variation '代收点' to refer to a physical location.
我们公司不支持代收货款。
Our company does not support cash on delivery.
A formal business restriction.
帮我代收一下快递，谢啦！
Help me pick up my package, thanks!
Short, informal request between friends.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase for a 'Cash on Delivery' situation.
我不喜欢先付钱，我选 ___。
代收货款 (dàishōu huòkuǎn) specifically means paying for the goods upon delivery.
How do you ask if a store can hold your mail?
请问这里可以 ___ 快递吗？
代收 (dàishōu) is the standard term for receiving/collecting something on behalf of another person.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '代收'
Asking a roommate to grab your mail.
帮我代收一下。
Standard shipping options on an app.
选择代收货款。
Business logistics contracts.
本协议包含代收服务。
Where you'll see '代收'
Online Shopping
Payment options screen
Apartment Lobby
Asking the guard to hold a box
Courier Call
Paying the driver cash
Convenience Store
Picking up from a '代收点'
Practice Bank
2 exercises我不喜欢先付钱，我选 ___。
代收货款 (dàishōu huòkuǎn) specifically means paying for the goods upon delivery.
请问这里可以 ___ 快递吗？
代收 (dàishōu) is the standard term for receiving/collecting something on behalf of another person.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt combines 代 (on behalf of) and 收 (to receive/collect). So it literally means to receive something for someone else.
No, it can mean collecting the physical package or the payment. For example, 代收快递 means collecting the parcel.
Yes! If a friend is picking up your mail, you can say 帮我代收一下 (Help me collect it).
They are very similar. 货到付款 (huò dào fù kuǎn) specifically means 'pay when goods arrive,' while 代收 is the action the courier performs to get that money.
It is neutral. You'll see it in professional shipping documents and hear it in casual conversations with neighbors.
It's a designated pickup location, like a small shop or a locker station, where couriers leave packages for you to collect later.
Usually, yes. Couriers often charge a small fee for the service of 代收货款 because they have to handle the cash.
You can say 我不想要代收货款 or simply choose 在线支付 (online payment) instead.
Yes, in a formal context, 代收税款 means a third party collecting taxes on behalf of the government.
Don't confuse it with 收据 (receipt). 代收 is the act of collecting; a receipt is what you get after you pay.
Related Phrases
货到付款
Cash on delivery (the payment term)
快递
Express delivery / courier
签收
To sign for a delivery
驿站
Delivery station / pickup point
