KL – the heart of Malaysia where businesses boom with the never-ending surge of tourists. While KL may be one of the best places to make money given the life standard of the people here, does that mean businesses in other states are doomed, or not as good as those in KL?
In a Xiao Hong Shu post by Classic Mealody Kopitiam @南屏晚钟, the owner – Thomas debunked the theory about “the smaller markets” in other states and said that running a food business in Ipoh can be as good as running it in KL.
Thomas shared that in 2023, his annual sales for his business was over RM1.3 million. He has also decided to share his trade secret in maintaining the same amount of profit every month.
“Customers in Ipoh care more about quality, not price”
Thomas said that he runs his business and maintains success by prioritising customers’ needs. For this, Thomas undergoes a thorough quality check from “head to toe”, especially freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Anything that doesn’t meet his criteria, be it the size or the freshness, would without a doubt mean returning the goods to suppliers.
“I set the bar high when it comes to ingredients, so I handle everything on my own. I personally believe that sincerity towards customers is the most important thing.”
Ipoh people have “gourmet tongues”
Thomas also said he noticed most customers in Ipoh are after quality, and they mostly do not care about pricing. With the current economic condition, many vendors resort to using cheaper ingredients, but not Thomas.
He believes customers in Ipoh, who have “gourmet tongues” can easily spot the difference.
“I insist not to lower my quality and standards. My point is, you can also survive in Ipoh by running a business, not just in KL or Singapore.”
In a brief conversation with WORLD OF BUZZ, Classic Mealody Kopitiam said that has been in business for over 2 years now. It was also revealed that Thomas himself is from KL, and he decided to run his business in Ipoh.
To those who run a business in Ipoh or other states outside of KL, what do you think of making a living in your place?
Also read: M’sian Saves Mak Cik Nasi Lemak’s Business From Shutting Down by Paying Her 1 Year Outstanding Rent