#1 Keeping on the original protective plastic wrap

While Chinese people have a long-standing reputation of being notoriously cheap (to be discussed in a later post), they often have no problem buying items of significant value such as furniture, electronics and designer handbags.

In order to understand this phenomenon more clearly, one must understand that these big ticket purchases are considered an investment and must be protected accordingly. This mentality can be used to explain why Chinese people often insist on the non-removal of the flimsy protective film affixed to their newly purchased item. In the case of small gadgets, most people would find a protective case to be adequate. However, Chinese people are quite willing to buy a case and still keep the plastic on for "extra protection". The most common examples include screens of handheld electronics (e.g. camera LCD screen, PSP screen, cell phone screen) and various furniture (e.g. table corners and edges, plastic on top of the glass part of a cabinet or table).

Unless provoked or shamed into removal, this plastic could very well remain on the item forever. Typically, there are only two situations where this plastic would be removed.

1. Natural adhesiveness wears off

In this situation, the plastic naturally will lose its adhesiveness and the Chinese person will be forced to remove it (begrudgingly).

2. Shame

The main cause of plastic removal. Only when shamed by peers (Chinese or non-Chinese) will this plastic be removed. The Chinese person in question will typically react by saying, "it's no big deal guys! Really!" and peel off the plastic. Outsiders must keep a watchful eye though, as it's possible the Chinese person will save the plastic and try to re-affix it later when they are alone.

When presented with situation #2, the best thing a non-Chinese person can do is pat the Chinese person on the back and reassure them that it was going to happen anyways and that they were being super lame.

On the bright side, at least anything you buy from a Chinese person will be in pristine condition.