THE cost-of-living hardship is engulfing many ordinary Malaysians, making everyone that little bit more price sensitive.
This was brought into sharp focus by a post shared on the Meanwhile in Malaysia Facebook platform.
The original post by Saudagar Western FOOD had lamented that a customer was busting his chops over the pricing of set meal that cost RM12.50.
The customer had apparently stated that the meal should be priced at RM10 to which the seller retorted that it was unreasonable for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the vendor claimed that he is using quality ingredients sourced from Ramly – not no-name brands. These included the jumbo-sized sausage as well as the crispy chicken patty which was a “chop” cut (usually thigh) instead of breast meat.
The vendor also pointed out that his business was in a proper food court that required rent as opposed to makeshift stalls.
There was also the issue of staff salaries, all of which contribute to overheads with the poster clearly insinuating that the customer was being unreasonable with his/her demands.
The shared post on Meanwhile in Malaysia has attracted over 1,200 likes and no shortage of comments. More than a few said judging from the photo, the meal looked tempting and value-for-money.
A few pointed out that customers do not ask for discounts at established franchises, so why ask at Saudagar Western FOOD? They thus urged Malaysians to support local and independent entrepreneurs.
Another quite rightly pointed out that the cost-of-living issue impacted everyone, not just consumers. Businesses have to raise prices in order to survive.
More than one called the customer out for being a cheapskate.
With a few quite rightly saying customers should spend what they can afford. If they are unable to meet the asking or price – or feel it is not worthwhile – then by all means, move on.
On commenter highlighted that too many people are expecting businesses to take the hit and absorb the rising costs which is unrealistic. He also surmised that most of these people have never run a business, hence are unaware of the hardships involved.
Given how such posts seem to go viral, a few suspicious minds wondered aloud if this was some sort of marketing ploy by the vendor to draw attention to his business.
All said and done, majority of comments seem to think the customer was being unreasonable for demanding that the price of the set meal be brought down.
If indeed this is a genuine complaint and the set meal did no warrant the price tag, then the mechanics of supply and demand will eventually correct things. A business that over-charges is unlikely to survive in the long run.
Of course, there was the issue of whether this just a clever marketing ploy.
Only way to find out is to make a trip to the eatery itself! – July 17, 2024
