A Malaysian influencer and vendor was shocked after he was confronted for allegedly ‘killing the market’ for other vendors due to his choice in pricing the burgers he sells.
Taking to his Threads account, Zakhry Zainal shared how a fellow vendor had sent him messages scolding him for ruining the market for other burger vendors in Kulai, Johor, as he sells his burgers at RM3.90 while the others sell theirs at RM5.
Zakhry wrote, “Is it true that by me selling crispy chicken burgers for RM3.90, I’m killing all the vendors in Kulai? And if that’s the case, can I increase the price to RM4.90 for my ‘end of times‘ burgers?”
“Don’t spoil the market!”
He also included screenshots of the messages, where he was being told off by a fellow vendor for his pricing.
The vendor said, “Woi man, if you want to do business, don’t spoil the market with your prices. Do you think you’re the only one who’s trying to run a business? It’s hilarious how you’re running your business. Did you not think of the fact that other vendors in Kulai are all selling burgers for RM5? And then you come with your ridiculous RM3.90 (pricing).”
“100 people will condemn you, mark my words. Just accept it. Have care for other people’s livelihoods lah. Don’t price (your burgers) at RM3.90. I run a business as well. Your methods are not nice.”
While the vendor scolded him, Zakhry explained that he priced his burgers at RM3.90 because he managed to obtain a cheap supply of raw materials.
“If you are someone running a business, and you get cheap raw materials, would you really sell for expensive prices?”
Feeling the pressure from the vendor who confronted him, Zakhry hopes that the general public will advise him on whether he should maintain his prices or raise them as requested by the fellow vendor.
The people responded in support of Zakhry.
“When we run a business, we would want to sell for cheap so that more people can afford to buy. When more people can afford to buy, sales will also increase lah. The way to sell for cheap is to look for cheap suppliers. So, if you want to run a business, you must be smart in looking for cheap suppliers. Don’t fault others for selling for cheap, because they are smart in finding cheap suppliers.”
“In KL, a crispy burger is about RM6 but in an office area, I sell for RM4. It’s cheap and delicious. If a vendor wants to sell for cheap, let them lah. At least people who are less fortunate can still afford to have a taste.”
“In the Competition Act 2010, competitors are not allowed to agree to set prices. This is called a ‘cartel’. The fellow vendor’s actions is like he’s inviting you to set prices. You can report this. Before talking about market price, learn about types of customers first.”
“There are 2 types that are popular. First, price-sensitive customers. They are the type that don’t care about quality as long as it’s cheap. For example, they are the target group of Eco-Shop, Daiso, Mixue. Second, value-driven customers. They are the type that don’t care about price as long as they’re satisfied. For example, (they are the target of) Apple, Starbucks, Wagyu and more. In this case, OP is not at fault.”
What do you think of Zakhry’s situation? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Study: 2.5 MILLION Servings of Maggi Instant Noodles are Consumed in Malaysia Every Day!
