Scalpers scoop up lucky wedding dates
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After settling for a hotel, new couples shall have to negotiate with scalpers for a date. Again, they are listed with marked prices: Public holidays such as May 1 and October 1 cost 1,000 yuan and widely recognized "auspicious days" such as August 8 or its lunar equivalent, cost more, roughly 1,800 yuan ($265).
A hotel employee revealed that scalpers "kidnapping" wedding parties is widespread in China.
Fortunate dates were reserved as early as a year ago, some even a year and a half ago! And so far, all "good dates" including May 1 and October 1 in 2011 are all filled.
Facing this ferocious intrusion to the holy ceremonies of the happy newly married, hotels tried to figure out some ways to stop the scalpers.
A business insider says that reservation fees have jumped from 2,000 yuan two years ago to 8,000 yuan today and now some five-star hotels are demanding immediate cash payment of 30 percent to curb scalpers' speculation.
But compared with the power of the market, such method appears futile.
Further, so long as the reservations are duly filled, most hotels don't bother investigating scalpers, and put no stop to dubious deeds such as "last-minute transfers."
But a few five-star hotels have taken action. The Hyatt Regency Hangzhou in East China demands any reservation for wedding parties be based on a contract. The contract, clearly stating client names and their signatures, cannot be altered later.
Interestingly, scalpers do believe their business is justified. Some keep calling for their rights online, saying,"in an era of consumption, when people are getting married in droves, we can all profit."
The good news to China's scalpers is that, due to lack of any related laws or regulations, speculating on wedding parties isn't illegal. Genuine brides and grooms will just have to settle for unlucky days, or pay a steep price.
The author is a media commentator.viewpoint@globaltimes.com.cn
