SG Noodle Stall Owner Earns Praise For Letting Customers Self-Pay And Take Their Change
"If more and more people adopt this practice, society will be very harmonious", said the owner.
By Melissa Alvina - 18 Jan 2024, 03:34 AM
Cover image via In an era where transactions are often automated or closely monitored, a noodle stall owner in Chinatown, Singapore, has gained widespread praise for letting his customers pay and take their own change
Chen Mingfa, the owner of a lor mee stall, received praise after a Facebook user, Lee Siew Yian, shared a video of the stall's honour payment system.
In the 12-second video, Lee can be seen paying for the food she bought at the stall and retrieving the change.
The video also includes a shot of a sign placed near the cashbox at the front of the stall. Written in Chinese, it reads, "Payment is self-service. Takeaway boxes require an extra 30 cents. Thank you for your cooperation."
"I was amazed to see his money box right at the counter while he cooked his noodles," read the caption of the video.
"You order, check the price, pay for your noodles, and take the change, without any intervention," she added.
Image via Lee Siew Yian (Facebook)
In her caption, the woman also stated that Chen doesn't monitor the money box, despite long queues at the stall
She also noted that Chen manages the stall single-handedly without any assistance.
The woman concluded her post by stating, "It is on the customers and their integrity to pay the right amount."
Image via Lee Siew Yian (Facebook)
This unique approach sparked positive reactions among netizens
"Looks like he's there with a mission. The money comes naturally, (and) multiplies, serving with that mindset," commented one user.
"Honesty is alive," wrote another.
One netizen praised the owner, saying, "Wow, love this. He is teaching something so important and valuable."
"Amazing that [such a practice still exists today.] He exercises trust in strangers which is a precious gift to everyone. Good karma to him and everyone who paid and took the correct change. Otherwise, bad karma (might) follow," said another.
Image via Lee Siew Yian (Facebook)
Following that, Chen said he implemented this system because he struggles to manage his stall alone
Chen established this "self-help" system about a year ago due to the high cost of hiring an assistant, reported 8world.
He also said he is not worried about customers not paying for their food or attempting theft as he has confidence in the conscience of Singaporeans.
"Up until now, there haven't been any problems, and I haven't lost any money. In Singapore, I feel that everyone is kind," he said.
Chen further mentioned that some customers have also helped him check if the people in front have paid.
"So, I don't have to worry too much. Sometimes, some elderly people don't know how to find money or pay, and other customers also step forward to help," he said.
Additionally, the noodle stall owner also believes his system serves an educational purpose.
"It can reflect the true, good, and beautiful aspects of human nature. If more and more people adopt this practice, society will be very harmonious," said Chen.
Image via 8world
