&gt; they hire their own couriers who go out, deliver and take cash at the door<p>Yeah, that&#x27;s what people in the US did before everyone had credit cards.  Cash on delivery.  Growing up, I remember hearing ads on TV that said &quot;no COD&quot; when that service was being phased out.  More and more people were using credit cards.<p>You&#x27;re right, many countries could use trusted couriers in order to spur local markets and economic growth.<p>Here in Taiwan you can have something sent to 7-11 or Family Mart and pay for it there.  There are tons of these shops everywhere, and with the receipts lottery, the government guarantees it gets enough taxes even in a cash-based society.  It&#x27;s a pretty cool system and often feels funny how convenient 7-11s are here.  In the US they&#x27;re just a snack shop.  Here you can have packages sent, do laundry, pay bills, ...