A concerned customer who ordered an item on the menu listed for S$16 was surprised by the stall operator’s unofficial price increase, only to discover later that there was no such markup.
A Facebook page Complaint Singapore member posted his experience on Friday (April 15), having ordered stingray barbecue at a stall in Lau Pa Sat, a hawker centre in the Central Business District. “Told her I want medium size, but she told me S$20,” said the customer, who noted that the item was sold for S$16 on the menu.
The customer initially went straight to the cashier to order but was told to talk to an auntie instead. The auntie allegedly told him that the menu price wasn’t updated.
After handing over S$20, the customer watched as the auntie passed the money over to the cashier. Surprisingly, the cashier gives her back S$4 in change.
“She knew I was behind. She just quickly told the cashier to keep it first,” said the customer, who chose not to inquire further.
“I waited for the stingray and when it come, look at the S$20 medium size stingray,” he said, attaching a photo of the order.
“I feel nowadays those shops are cheating customers by doing this kind of trick,” he added.
Members from the online community shared similar experiences at the hawker centre.
“I agree Lau Pa Sat some stalls are like that,” said Facebook user Sue Zaidi who sent over their domestic helper to order some food.
“My helper tried to order fried rice. They say no normal plate must buy bigger plate.”
“I think nowadays a lot of places liddat, I go Pasir Panjang during January also. I ask for medium; the auntie say old menu, only left small and big. I choose big, the menu put 20 dollar then the auntie say old menu, now 25. I think the old menu is a common trick, so be careful everyone,” said Facebook user Yi Sin.
Another customer was allegedly charged incorrectly by a satay stall. “Yes, Lau Pa Sat some stall cheat on customers. Be careful when order foods; check your meal & receipt. I was cheated on satay stall,” said netizen Willy Tan.
Others thanked the customer for highlighting the stall, noting they would no longer patronize it. /TISG
5 cents, not money? Hawker stall @ Yishun Street refuses coin as payment, throws Kopi-O in sink