Hong Kong’s retail industry continues to face sluggishness, with many shop owners lamenting tough times. However, a netizen has revealed that some Hong Kong businesses, rather than reflecting on their service attitude, have instead posted ‘insane notices’ at their entrances — directly charging customers for asking directions, as well as a cleaning fee for outside food, insisting on only accepting cash with no change given. This drew a storm of criticism from both sides of the strait, with many exclaiming, ‘It’s no wonder business is bad — they deserve it!’
It is reported that a Hong Kong business displayed a notice at its entrance, clearly stating in black and white: ‘Direction fee: 10 HKD per inquiry (about 5 MYR). Our company or store staff have no obligation or responsibility to provide directions. If the attitude is bad, that’s how it should be — nobody owes anyone.’ Not only that, the shop also stipulated, ‘No outside food allowed — each person will be charged HKD 100,’ and even more over-the-top, the store only accepts cash: no WeChat Pay, Alipay, or credit cards, and no change or currency exchange provided.
The news sparked a frenzy online. A large number of netizens criticized: ‘Hong Kong had it too good before, which made them think customers couldn’t do without them — that’s why they became arrogant. This is just asking for their own demise. If business is bad, it serves them right!’ ‘People from Shenzhen haven’t gone to Hong Kong in ten years, who still wants to go? Nobody owes anyone!’ 'There’s Gaode (Amap) navigation, who would spend money to ask for directions unless they have more money than sense?’ ‘Let the little fishing village return to being a little fishing village and leave it in peace, RIP.’
Some netizens even sharply pointed out that this sort of “stupid, mean, and arrogant” business mentality just drives customers away: ‘If they don’t face hard times, there’s no justice!’ Others lamented that in the past, Hong Kong shops relied on the abundance of tourists and didn’t fear having no business even with poor attitudes. But times have changed: surrounding cities have greatly improved service standards. If they don’t change, their dismal sales will only get worse.