Random sales such as blind boxes and gacha games are treated as “money that won’t come back”

35. Random sales such as blind boxes and gacha games are treated as “money that won’t come back”

Cost: There is no direct cost involved. You simply need to set a strict budget before buying. The real challenge is resisting the urge to keep purchasing when you fail to get the item you wanted.

In plain terms: Sellers must display the draw rules, probabilities, and quantities of limited‑edition items in a highly visible manner. They are prohibited from manipulating results behind the scenes or offering empty boxes. While the guidelines encourage setting minimum guarantees and limits on spending and number of draws, they are not mandatory. For blind boxes purchased online, if the seller has clearly explained the terms and you have confirmed them, you cannot exercise the seven‑day right to return after opening the box.

Benefit: The basis for these rules is the “Guidelines on the Operation of Blind Box Business (Trial)”. Article 9 mandates that a list of key information be displayed prominently so consumers know it before buying. This information includes the product name, type, design, draw rules, distribution of items, quantity of limited items, draw probabilities, and the range of item values. The same article also forbids three practices: altering draw results or probabilities through backend manipulation, refusing or delaying delivery of items via cashbacks or exchanges, and producing empty boxes. Article 11 merely “encourages” operators to implement safeguards such as limits on draw time, spending, and frequency to promote rational consumption. Article 17 applies to blind boxes sold online; if the seller has fully informed you and you have confirmed the terms, the seven‑day return right does not apply after opening. Operators must not replace your explicit consent with pre‑checked boxes. Article 21 states that blind boxes must not be used as a guise for gambling. Article 23 prohibits sales to children under eight; for those aged eight and older, consent from a legal guardian must be obtained.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Administration for Market Regulation of China (2023). Guidelines for Blind Box Business Conduct Standards (Trial) (Guo Shi Jian Ji Fa [2023] No. 39, Articles 9, 11, 17, 21, 23). <https://www.samr.gov.cn/zw/zfxxgk/fdzdgknr/zfjcs/art/2023/art_e2facd76a7fb4e90b03912cffb5e7d53.html>

Notes: These guidelines serve as recommendations for operators and are not themselves a basis for penalties. In case of disputes, laws such as the Product Quality Law, Anti‑Unfair Competition Law, and Consumer Rights Protection Law apply. Specific grounds for complaints include failure to disclose probabilities, discrepancies between advertised and actual probabilities, and receipt of empty boxes. Before filing a complaint, record screenshots of the rules and the unboxing process. The exclusion of the seven‑day return right requires that the seller gave full disclosure and you confirmed it; default selections cannot substitute your consent. Additional rules govern sales to minors: no sales to children under eight, and for older minors proof of guardian consent is mandatory. Information on refunding mobile‑game micro‑transactions made by children can be found in section 9 of this chapter. The 24‑hour cooling‑off period for large non‑essential purchases is described in section 23. The cycle of “initial excitement fading into further purchases” is discussed in section 6, item 23.