Are Singaporeans Stingy, Calculative And Inconsiderate? | TDK Podcast #93

[@maxxie6275]

Ok for this particular restaurant owner tho... He's a born and bred Singaporean with many learning difficulties and disabilities that would translate into awkward social comments. Honestly not his fault but the newspaper editor who wrote such a eye catching headline. People read headline only then start to make so many assumptions. The guy is just into trains and wanted to share his passion. Wish him all the best...

[@privatespace3149]

Re: Denise If I was in your situation, I would have calculated the amount I need to pay beforehand based on the things I ordered and pay the person once we leave the restaurant. So when they do ask to split, just drop a comment of "oh I paid my portion already! Sorry." and they will adapt from there. Also, I got a friend who would order the cheapest thing on the menu and eat off the food you ordered. Sometimes it gets annoying esp when I spent $20+ on a food item for her to consume half of it and the worse part is she end up not finishing hers bcs she gotten full from mine. I think if your friend is like this, I think splitting would be way better.

[@Truthseeker371]

Naturally, it's personal. A well-off Singaporean friend of mine who has lived overseas more than 30 years is very tight when it comes to settle a bill. She brings her own drinks to McDonald, and never share bill. Her reasoning was she has to look after her aged parents without pension in Singapore. That's already long time ago and she earned well after. She gets her partner to pay for every living expense. It's the couple's privacy, but her partner calls her money attitude tighter than clam shell. They still stay together. One day I told her I didn't want to go out any more with her. She invited me once after my announcement and paid for the meal. I don't see her any longer. Socialising with her was boring. Am I cunning?

[@twinkies2511]

i do agree that some singaporeans are stingy, but to be fair, he opened his shop in a prime area during covid, and expect many people to pay for such "luxury" items when not really necessary, hm. u cant really expect all customers to be willing to pay for everything you sell though. he could always find a place with lower rental to maximise his profits instead of blaming the market though

[@xysg1]

He don't know about the market maybe he shouldn't open the cafe

[@RoseofsharonLee]

@@xysg1 Have you open a cafe????? You must be jobless or slogging behind a food counter.

[@pokla4005]

Hi! Would like to add that "no filter" or "speak their mind" is not a trait of people with asperger's syndrome. Asperger's syndrome is actually part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and different individuals with ASD have different traits and behaviours! Very much like us Neurotypical people. I think what you were referring to is difficulty with understanding social situations. This may in fact cause them to "speak their mind" because they may not be aware or taught that it is considered "inappropriate" in our society. :) Hope this helped clarify something!

[@RetroHeads]

One of the most important lessons I've learnt growing up is to act poor or at least your finances are being restricted. I've written off 30k of bad debts to "friends" in need whom I thought were trustworthy. There's a saying, if you plan on lending the money, you must first be mentally prepared you're never gonna see the money again.

[@Jermmodia]

For Denise case: Usually can let your friend know and let them voice out for you instead of speaking out yourself. Usually there is one person that helps voice out so that the person who don't drink or not sharing does not need to pay the whole bill.

[@TW-hk2uw]

re Denise experience regarding the SGD7 but had to pay more than everyone else, we have definitely experienced that before especially if you're a non-alcoholic drinker among alcoholic drinkers.

[@asdfkie]

A lot of business models that would work well elsewhere would completely flop here in sg, and this is one of them. Remember the aquarium with sharks and lion fish at the basement of wisma atria? That’s long gone now because it was free. Every mall is now becoming copies of one another because developers and businesses just want to make money in the most efficient way possible. People are just too busy and stuck in the digital world to appreciate little things.

[@tpt1793]

soap, disposable slippers are one time consumable, as once the guest leave the room, the chambermaid will dispose this items. As no one will use the used soap! right!. As for the lightbulb, a light bulb usually has a life span of 500 ~ 1000hrs, if you even stayed in the room for 7 days, you only maximumly used 168hrs of the lifespan of the bulb. So by taking the bulb........ stealing ????

[@JuzNicky]

27:43 well am I the only one on JP's camp ? I also pay my friends back with cash not only that in coins. but I will pay back asap esp before CNY cos that CNY thing that you cannot have debts when CNY happens or something like that. cos I always keep them in a small CNY snack container. I don't have paylahnowthisthat w/e. and my friends dont use the same bank I do.

[@vhalia]

hotel soap/shampoo/conditioner/body lotion - it depends on the hotel grade and what the room rates are? 2/3 star in comparison to a 4/5/6 start hotels. The higher the stars, the better the amenities in terms of brand used. Lower star amenities properties are pretty basic/cheaper and may be used by gyms as well.

[@pixelgunboy7244]

To all the people who borrow $$ but fail to pay.........may they burn in eternity.......

[@farnix]

Honestly, I ever went on 1 cup of Rice + Salt + Pepper for 2 months during a period when business was so bad; I even scrolled through google images.

[@Mel-zd3el]

During the Q & A. I think the first answer and ss attached of the comment does not tally though. 🤔🤔🤔 It's a ss of the comment for the second Q&A. Just a heads up. 😂

[@yijuntan8433]

Not that we want to be 'bad stingy' friends... but some friends take advantage on eating/borrowing money too. Usually when eating with friend and pay together, most will return you or they will offer to buy meal next time. But some dont.. so end up 'eating' money. There is also the dubious money borrowing.. telling me he had a complicated and tight situation, need money for uni tuition fees. Just a few days to settle bank. So since its first time this long friend asked, i lent him. And he did return a week later. But another week later he asked for a larger sum, for a different spinned story (which i realised untrue) and even highlighted that i dont tell other people or his bosses. Dubious... so i asked some common friends, turned out he had been investing and trying to earn from investments with other peoples money.

[@WTiDeadlyfury]

Brands/ shops don't lose money when they give out free stuffs, learn basic economic/ accounting

[@bowlampar]

Asking a pay back on a loan taken out by my friend is not a 'calculative' conduct, but just a reminder to my borrower of his responsibility as an adult.

[@Garnishes]

blunt comments and asperger’s aside… there seems to be poor market research. he seems to simply be marrying his love for trains into a cafe. who would go to a cafe just to operate a train? the motivation to eat and operate a train don’t have a natural affinity with each other. is the train the main attraction or the food? what’s the target audience? is this the right location for this target audience? is the food just a side thing? do people even care about operating trains or do people just want to view the train moving? if he has to charge $10 exhibition fee - is this something the people who care most about viewing trains be willing to pay that amount JUST to see it? and the operating hours is also another issue - who closes on sundays for a cafe in orchard road?

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Ikr, I feel like it’s just a shit idea

[@Rem-ht4ct]

I think that people who borrow money from others need to be honest and upfront about when they would pay back what they owe. Unless that person has short term memory or a cognitive disorder, please do not ACT BLUR. It's the worst. If someone trusts you enough to help you financially, have some kindness in your soul and just tell them about your situation. And who knows, your friends may come up with solutions to help you out rather than just lending you money. Do not come up with lies, especially in this kind of situations. It would tend to lead to unfavourable and awkward scenarios in which the lies you told to numerous people don't match up. ._. Those kind people who are lending money to your friend, you're awesome but always be prepared to never receive your money back. You can try to analyse the patterns of their money borrowing and empathise (Note that you are NOT OBLIGATED to do this), you always have the different choices, and sometimes avoiding that "friend" may be the solution. (When manipulation or toxicity is involved.)

[@ysh8]

On the splitting bill part, if they know you enough, they’ll be “automatic” bout it. I also have a credit rating score myself too, so you’re not alone!

[@sleepy_dobe]

Ritz-Carlton Singapore uses toiletries from Bvlgari. Don't know if they've changed already or not.

[@pastelxflowers1872]

Can yall react and discuss about the johnny depp vs amber heard trial pleasee

[@hectorbarbossa7570]

How come ah you guys got a TV at the back but never use to show the picture u talking about. I feel very left out of the convo leh. Then i have to go ownself search for the pic. Enjoyed the episode thou!

[@lecherhao86]

There you go...Random dude with some extra cash in his pocket decided to become a boss and blamed others when his business failed. Guess he's not introspective enough to realize that there's little demand for such a business/ attraction, whatever you want to put it. Plus he opened at prime area than choosing a neighbourhood mall to test out his business idea. It proves that having lots of money doesn't mean he's good enough to be a boss.

[@libraries144]

ive never lend others money or ask others for money also

[@jytan740]

when there is a cheaper deal elsewhere, of course go for cheaper one lor. i will only pay "luxury" food only in japan cos the restaurant quality here isn't consistent

[@alui5362]

WHERE IS JP

[@lifedouble2461]

Reason for his closure could be due to COVID-19? Or the unrealistic pricing, restrictions and exorbitant fees? Price may not warrant the value? Could it be poor entrepreneurship? I wonder if he would be critical on Singaporean being stingy had the business boomed?

[@Ganesha6661]

When to check about the bust enhancement. What enhancement did she do? Honestly, nothing is noticeably. Was the bust enhancement a lie too?

[@gcsy14]

Ohmyg thank you Dan for mentioning this. I’m exactly the same. I don’t even share my life stories cos I feel like it’s burdensome to people, and end up asking more questions that it feels like a QnA session with people 🥹🥲😔 good and bad. And Yes like Denise too- when I don’t drink and ended up paying more than usual. Budget idea is good idea! Hqhaha

[@khooym]

Ehh, I think saw John in Genting looking for Ghost story inspiration

[@xoxD98]

Thank you, this eps reminded me to pay my cc bills which was due soon

[@priscilla2398]

I had a friend who chose to opt out of our gatherings because we were spending too much on food 🙁 and it was out of her expenditure everytime we split bills equally.

[@vivianwyx8914]

I have friends who opt in of gatherings but don't pay back their share ... one lesson I have learnt, if you can't bring yourself to ask back for your money, don't pay the bill first lol

[@sintiayuliani9123]

20:42, please speak up when this happens. Its convenient for the friend group, but its disrespectful to the individual.

[@ajisenramen888]

Teaches you to do research on your target customer base before sinking in a shed load of money. To blame your customer for a failing business while other similar businesses flourish is a little disingenuous.

[@cindysngsy]

Hello. Singaporean living in Japan here. Listening to you guys have helped me get through homesick thankss! 🥂✨ I just have to correct your guys on the pronunciation… Dan pronounced it and the rest said sounds right but the last part was quite wrong. Lol… it’s quite difficult to pronounce it though. Shinjuku kissa’s pronounciation is correct… Tetsudo should be pronounce as TEH-ZHI-DOE Shinjuku is a location in Japan🇯🇵 Kissa means cafe☕️🍰 Tetsudo means railway.🚉🛤 Hope this helps ! 😀

[@snowmaninthewest]

Taking from the housekeeping cart is definitely theft... my goodness... it boggles the mind that a question is even asked about whether doing so is alright 👀 thank you John for being the solid moral compass HAHAHA

[@ktan8]

Actually, can just ask the housekeeper and they will often be happy to give you.

[@snowmaninthewest]

@@ktan8 Therein lies the difference - permission. Without permission, it is theft, even if they would have been happy to give it to you if you had asked.

[@spiderjump]

if his food is good, people will come .

[@overlord4150]

cafe name

[@yeeeyore]

WAH same i cannot stand it when people pay me back in cash especially when its in COINS. like thanks for making my wallet fatter/heavier but this is not it

[@muzixinmix]

On Dan's struggle to accept help comfortably, here's another perspective: when accepting someone's help, especially when they offer it, it probably makes their day to know that they could do something to elevate your stress or make someones day. Its similar to how one may feel good from volunteering or being of value to someone else!

[@NoIGN]

I'm a known stingy / frugal person within my group of friends. But even then, some of the ways to 'save' money is too much. I usually go and find the cheapest available meal ++ some convenience or occasionally have a slightly more expensive meal when I'm by myself, but usually I'm ok to spend more once in a while when with my friends. I will definitely ask to pay only for what I've consumed when I've ordered and consumed little compared to the rest of the group, but if we have agreed to split evenly and I've paid first, I will round down instead to easier split the payment.

[@apui4eva]

Frankly speaking.. singapore is 1 of the most expensive place to live... its kinda justify you need to be frugal..those companies is using singapore as a business hub, so those company expenses for the people is kinda neglible..

[@fangwong8778]

These days have to be careful about lending money; who knows if your friend is not being love scammed and going around borrowing money from other people to feed the con-man/con-woman lover. Then it is really bye bye to your hard earned money and you can hardly clobber your heartbroken friend when the truth is out.

[@tehokosong]

Say don't like to be burden by borrowing a plaster, but ok to take toiletries from the cleaning cart at a hotel. BRO!

[@TheDailyKetchupPodcast]

Different bro! One is burdening your friends, the other is maximising what you paid for 😉 - Dan

[@g.o.a.t4393]

the sleeveless girl is cute. like to hear her speak her mind

[@cherricam]

i think singaporeans are q willing to pay for things that they think it's worth it tho if it's like a one time joy kind of thing that gets boring after a while it doesn't make sense for people to keep paying 🤷‍♀️

[@Garnishes]

Haidilao isn’t brave, they already took into consideration the maximum usage of their ‘free’ stuff into the total price they charge per pax.

[@maxngjingde]

Notification bell!!~

[@hom3r]

Is Singapore culture stingy? Yes maybe? Is the business model a failure? Yes.

[@Jylzevol]

Would be good to starting including all these sources of where you guys are reading the articles from

[@Jo-lz4ie]

Why should Singaporean consider to make some restaurant owner rich

[@xadeliciousxx]

Dan always reminds me of Stuart from Bigbang.. the attitude and his game for girls. hahah

[@Ben-kh2rh]

Ben wong here. ALGO!

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Why never subscribe

[@RoseofsharonLee]

THIS PODCAST WILL DEFINITELY SHUT DOWN IN 1 MTH 's Time

[@crazygameazz]

25:57 no~ So cute

[@cleffa3000]

haha. why not Singaporean being creative (for this case) ?Just joking. Anyway, back to the story. I do think that business planning is not well-thought of. Like doing market research on how theme cafe in Singapore usually survive or do they survive ? If you look through all theme cafe, even Hello Kitty Cafe in Jewel also landed up closing. Also, why choose such a prime area ? Lastly, who was the target audience ? If railway theme cafe is targeted for kids then I don't think you are gonna make any money because kids does not have purchasing power.

[@andreasng3182]

love all your videos!

[@TsanFilms]

33:23 come dont be shy Dan, share the shop's name, this one not food king so won't be crowded 🤣

[@irenesarahchia9836]

Yes, Haidilao!!

[@AngelynChew]

I LOVE SLF TOO

[@yoloyolo1307]

Lmao taking stuff from trolley ...ahahaha

[@lemon2524]

Nice.

[@vhalia]

if you willing to lend to someone, don't expect anything in return. If the money is returned, it is a bonus. If not, don't lend to the one who never returns or forgets conveniently ;-0

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

@vhalia Absolutely agree with you.

[@CanMakeIt]

John's awkwardness during Dan's intro rating: 2/10

[@isaactan8614]

algo siol

[@abdullahajakamal4567]

Hey guys, love the podcast/show. If i can give one suggestion will be maybe in the intro, when one of the cast asks the question. the other can give a comical answer? Just to start the show off with laughter perhaps? E.g in this episode, when daniel says "When is my friend gonna return me my money? This is your Daily Ketchup", John can go "Probably never...."

[@iishxrii]

algo

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

The cafe owner can never go far hating on the very people who are supposed to help him make money.

[@RoseofsharonLee]

YOU MEAN DEPENDING ON CHEAP SAKE !!!! HaHa

[@benwong2061]

algoooooooo

[@cherricam]

EARLYY

[@GravityFallsDecoder]

First

[@tanzc123]

Singaporeans damn stingy one la LOL trust me