'Happy givers only': S’porean chicken rice hawker introduces tip box instead of hiking prices amidst soaring costs

A chicken rice hawker in Toa Payoh has introduced a tip box at his stall instead of raising prices, hoping customers who can afford it might help him cope with rising supply costs.

Michael Poh, who runs Poh Kee Chicken Rice at Block 206 Toa Payoh North, said the idea came after suppliers recently increased prices and added transport surcharges.

“The last two weeks suppliers started increasing prices or adding transport surcharges,” Poh told Mothership.

“All these for now will add up to about S$500 plus. If sales go up these costs will also increase.”

Wanted to avoid increasing prices for everyone

Poh said the stall is run by family members and earns just enough to cover basic salaries.

“We are only making enough for our basic salary as we are a family-run stall,” he said.

“We cannot be compared to stalls that are run by chains that are open every day for long hours.”

He added that the additional monthly costs are significant for a small operation.

“So S$500 plus increase in costs are quite detrimental to us.”

Instead of raising menu prices immediately, Poh decided to try something different.

Unexpected idea

“Many customers asked us to consider raising prices as they worry about me not being able to sustain the business,” he said. “But I wanted to keep everyone happy.”

The idea for the tip box came unexpectedly during a hospital visit.

“I just suddenly thought of a tip box after buying my wife a coffee at the hospital cafe,” he said.

“It is for willing givers, so I am not taxing everyone’s pocket during such tough times.”

He hopes the arrangement will only be temporary, “just to tide through this period.”

In a Facebook post explaining the decision, Poh wrote:

“Happy givers only. Do not hate me.”

Prices unchanged since reopening last year

Poh said he has kept prices unchanged since reopening the stall last year following renovations at the coffeeshop.

The stall also continues to offer a loyalty card programme where customers receive a S$5 discount after collecting 10 stamps.

“We have kept the prices since reopening last year after the major renovation and takeover by Kimly, including our loyalty card,” he said.

He added that he does not plan to discontinue the scheme despite rising costs.

“The loyalty card is to ease all my customers who still support me through these years, and also for new ones who hopefully like my food and become regulars.”

Keep it for yourself

Some customers have even declined to use the card out of concern for the stall.

“Some customers politely reject the card,” he said.

“Some tell me straight that times are bad, keep the returns for myself.”

He described the gesture as both touching and bittersweet.

“This feels warm but bad at the same time, because I really want to show some appreciation for my regulars.”

Poh added that beyond the loyalty card, the stall has also long offered small discounts for customers who need less food, as part of efforts to keep meals accessible.

“We always have a refund-for-rice policy,” he said. “If you cannot eat so much rice, let us know. There is a discount of S$0.50 for small eaters.”

He said gestures like these reflect the stall’s approach to balancing rising costs while remaining considerate toward customers.

Stall closed for 18 days after father was hospitalised

Earlier this year, Poh’s stall had to close for 18 days after his father was admitted to the intensive care unit with pneumonia.

During that time, the family worried about how they would manage expenses.

“Our rent plus utilities and cleaning fees add up to about S$7,200 a month,” he said. “When our hands stop working, we stop any form of cash coming in.”

Poh said a director from coffeeshop operator Kimly Group stepped in to reassure him during the difficult period.

“He told me not to worry. Just focus on caring for my dad, come back when we have settled everything,” Poh said.

Support from operator

Later, the stall received unexpected support.

“Fast forward to last week when I received the rental sheet, on it was a rental, cleaning fee, miscellaneous fees waiver of half a month,” he said.

“I was touched beyond words. Never in my 25 years in this industry have I heard of such a thing.”

He credited the gesture with helping the family get through a particularly stressful month. “Thanks for their help, we managed to pull through a nightmarish month.”

Customers returned after reopening

Poh said he was initially worried regular customers might switch to other stalls during the closure.

Instead, many returned once operations resumed.

“Thankfully after we reopened, most of them came back,” he said. “I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support and remembering us.”

He added that he hopes to continue keeping prices affordable despite rising costs.

“Without my regulars, there will not be us,” he said. “I will do my best to keep prices affordable and ingredients top.”

“No matter what happens, we will use the freshest poultry and the best rice for everyone.”

Top image via Poh Kee Chicken Rice