A massage parlour in Shenzhen, China, has shaken social media by offering a fabulous deal with a catch. For 9 yuan (around ₹108), the parlour offers an 80-minute full-body Chinese meridian therapy session. This is a massive discount from the standard 200 yuan (approximately ₹2,400). However, the deal is available only to women who can prove that they fit one of the 27 highly specific and exclusive criteria.

What are the eligibility criteria?

A report by SCMP showed that the parlour publicizes its offer for "exceptionally outstanding women" through a popular review and rating platform. Women need to meet at least one of the 27 conditions to qualify, including:

  1. Those who own a luxury car, such as an Audi, Mercedes, or Porsche
  2. Those dwelling in high-end residential communities
  3. Those owning an iPhone 16 Pro Max
  4. Those who own luxury handbags
  5. Working for large tech companies such as Tencent or Huawei
  6. Residency in Hong Kong or Macau
  7. Having traveled to Europe or the United States

Additionally, social media influencers with over 500,000 followers, brand founders, and professionals such as doctors and bankers also qualify.

The parlour's message to potential customers reads: "If you do not meet the conditions, keep working hard in 2025!" The parlour insists that this policy isn’t about exclusivity for its own sake but aims to inspire people to strive for a better life.

How is eligibility verified?

According to local media, a staff member from the parlour said that women interested in the discounted massage must first present proof that they meet at least one of the required criteria before availing of the service. However, an anonymous customer who qualified and tried the massage said that the experience was no different from a standard session. Still, as of the time of reporting, over 100 people had already placed orders through the app.

Marketing gimmick or discriminatory policy?

The promotion has gathered mixed reactions on social media. Some have asked if this kind of selective policy or targeting isn't in contravention of the Consumer Rights Protection Law, which would guarantee fair trade practices between consumers and service providers. Others see it as an advertising gimmick to get attention, presumably to attract high-paying customers who might later be enticed into purchasing costlier services.

Critics argue that women who already meet these elite criteria are unlikely to be swayed by a minor discount. Others also suspect that the parlour's true objective is to build an exclusive brand image rather than genuinely reward customers with a bargain deal.

Not the first time: Similar cases in China

This is not the first time a business in China has implemented customer selection based on identity. In August 2023, a swimming club in Jiangsu province was criticized for only opening its membership to women under 45 with higher education. The club justified the policy because its members needed "a high IQ and personal qualities."