How heavily does China subsidize its sellers?

[this*old*attic]

I really should know better - I’ve bought a few things myself from China for mere pennies on the dollar.

My normal gig is vintage, but I made bridesmaid hairpieces for my daughter’s wedding last week and two workers at the reception venue asked me to make and sell to them.

I have loads of materials leftover so why not? Maybe there’s a side gig here?

So I check the other site that’s crafty and these things are going for $20 - $60 depending on bells and whistles.

So I come back to EBay and they’re going for $1.87 with free shipping out of China.

😑 meh

I get that everything is cheaper there and therefore salaries and hourly wage are correspondingly lower there...

But nothing is FREE.

How is this a sustainable business model and what is the benefit to the Chinese government, hourly or piece workers, and business owners?

Scratching my head, here.

[fashunu4eeuh]

China subsidizes numerous industries there in order to grow their GDP and minimize economic competition worldwide. I have also read its government  particularly subsidizes its exporters. Exactly how that works for Chinese eBay sellers, i only know that their shipping costs have famously received the assistance (and there are rumblings that’s going to be reconsidered in the future).

How is it sustainable? Sales volume is one strategic way.