A recent incident at Tampines MRT has sparked widespread discussion after a customer was charged $8 for two ice creams by a street vendor. The customer, Sandy Elvin, shared her experience online, revealing that she only realised the steep price after receiving the ice creams. Despite asking the vendor three times if the price was correct, the seller insisted on the charge, citing the larger size of the ice cream compared to previous offerings.
Sandy expressed feeling ripped off but chose not to make a scene out of respect, warning others to confirm prices before purchasing. Her post has since gone viral, attracting numerous comments from locals, many of whom condemned the high cost as unreasonable and called for greater price transparency among street vendors.
Public Outcry and Calls for Regulation
Many netizens criticised the vendor for not displaying prices clearly, labelling the practice as unethical and a form of daylight robbery. Some commenters pointed out that ice cream cones are typically sold between $1.50 and $2.50 in most neighbourhoods, making the $4 per cone charged here unusually expensive.
Others shared similar experiences with the same vendor, suggesting a pattern of overcharging, particularly near MRT stations where unsuspecting commuters might be targeted. Several voices urged authorities such as the Singapore Food Agency to intervene by enforcing price display regulations or investigating the vendor’s licence status.
Varied Opinions Among Locals
While many expressed frustration, some sympathised with the vendor, suggesting that rising costs and inflation might justify slight price increases. A few commenters recommended simply avoiding the stall if prices are deemed excessive, allowing the market to regulate itself through customer choice.
Others advised consumers to always ask for prices upfront to avoid being caught off guard. Some shared alternatives of more reasonably priced ice cream vendors around Singapore, such as in Ang Mo Kio or Punggol, where cones generally cost $1.50 to $2.
Consumer Protection and Next Steps
This episode highlights the importance of consumer rights and transparent pricing, especially in public food sales. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) offer channels for consumers to file complaints regarding unfair business practices.
Experts also recommend that vendors clearly display prices to build trust and avoid disputes. With street food vendors playing a significant role in Singapore’s food culture, balancing affordability and fairness is crucial.