The Eight 'Mosts' of the Fan Zhendong Golden Label Craze
The Eight ‘Mosts’ of the Fan Zhendong Golden Label Craze
1. The Most Unjustly Criticized
The most unjustly criticized is probably me, the author from Heima Pingpang. Last month, when I mentioned in fan groups and on our platform that the official retail price of the Fan Zhendong Golden Label would likely be over 8000 yuan, possibly reaching 10,000 yuan, I was ridiculed by many. I was simply trying to provide an objective description, but somehow it was seen as irresponsible speculation or even rumor-mongering!
2. The Most Reasonable Price
The most reasonable ‘official’ price came from Elite Table Tennis on August 1st, listing the first Golden Label racket at 6800 yuan. Of course, it was a single piece and sold out quickly. Another notable mention is a provincial distributor who offered the racket at 6800 yuan with an additional rubber, stating, ‘Business is about longevity,’ which became a memorable quote from yesterday.
3. The Most Cautious Approach
The most cautious approach came from distributors in two provinces, who required buyers to purchase at least one rubber with the racket for 7999 yuan (including a free ZYRE-03 rubber). This was to prevent reselling and unauthorized distribution, a move that aligns with Butterfly China’s policies. However, for some long-time local customers who simply wanted to collect the racket, this felt a bit disappointing—not because of the price, but because they couldn’t collect it in the best condition.
4. The Most Commercial Move
The most commercial move came from Shanghai, where the racket was auctioned. The final bidder paid over 10,000 yuan plus an additional 3000 yuan. The 10,000 yuan was a prepaid amount that had to be used within a specific time to purchase several thousand yuan worth of blades, rubbers, and apparel.
5. The Most Ironic Twist
The classic line from the variety show ‘Transfiguration’ by Wang Jingze, ‘So delicious,’ is still quoted today. In the past few days, there have been many instances of this ‘so delicious’ phenomenon. Numerous distributors or table tennis enthusiasts, before buying the Golden Label, urged others not to purchase, to be rational consumers, and not to chase high prices. But after buying, they changed their tune to: ‘Truly limited, truly great to play with, hurry up and buy.’
6. The Most Reliable Method
In the commercial age, what is the most reliable method? It’s not about how much I’ve spent in your store; you should reserve a racket for me. If you offer 6000 yuan but someone else offers 8000 or even 10,000 yuan, not selling to the higher bidder seems unfair. While money can strain relationships, relying on relationships can be costly. This joke has now become a reality. The most reliable method is to spend a large sum, such as ordering a package (blade, rubber, and apparel) for 40,000-50,000 yuan to ensure you get the racket.
7. The Most Friendship-Based Deal
Yesterday, a friend told me he spent over 6000 yuan on a Golden Label racket, saying he was crazy. I replied, ‘No, you’re the most rational.’ To get it at that price is a testament to having good connections. The seller likely lost out on several thousand yuan. Given the current trend, it’s almost impossible for the price to drop below 8000 yuan unless Butterfly announces it will release the same model every year.
8. The Most Empathetic Moment
The most empathetic moment occurred in a WeChat group where a group of table tennis enthusiasts collectively exclaimed, ‘I’ve been stood up.’ This included me, who was initially just an observer. Suddenly, I felt the empathy too. Those who offered 6500 yuan were stood up, and so were those who offered 8500 yuan. There’s no way around it; the other party received a higher offer. It’s just business.
Of course, I ended up buying one at a high price. For me, writing an objective review is the only thing I want to focus on right now.
