Today's my first experience at doing street sales w Tsepuay, I think we did pretty well (haha) but it kinda reminded me about some thoughts I've had regarding CIP activities.
1) If you're doing community service, you might as well do a good job out of it
Really hate it when people just waste the entire 3-4hours away walking around (cough) and doing nothing when they themselves signed up for the activity. I know it's the truth that everyone's in for the cip hours but at least do a decent job so that you actually deserve to be awarded the hours. Of course it's tiring, and it obviously gets boring after a while and I myself am guilty of taking unnecessary breaks. But when all you've collected is this measly amount (assuming normal circumstances where a) there are crowds and b) people do donate) I think it really reflects on you as an individual and the amount of effort you put in (or lack of).
2) Street sales - things should be reasonably priced
Xiaoqi and I once had this woman walk up to us at Bishan J8 trying to sell us a Minnie notebook (from value dollar shop -_-) at 5bux. Wth. And we actually bought it, because who could say no to "we approached many students just now too, and they all donated to us" and not appear like an asshole. Walked away feeling scammed - I wouldn't have minded if she sold it to us at like $2-$3 but $5 is like at least more than twice the original price. Even if it's for charity it's unfair to sell things at exorbitant prices.
3) The trust issue
This can be quite a controversial issue and I have no idea what's the best solution, but we approached this old guy, he took out his wallet and looked really interested, then refused to buy anything because "it is simply unacceptable" that we do not have a can or bag that he can slot his money in. I don't know.....every time you make a donation it's also based on trust after all, you don't know if that person is going to lose the can/bag, but what you know is that he/she will be personally liable for the losses (though I don't think they'll pay for it right). As for street sales, the situation is even more complicated but if you think about it, everything will be accounted for as the price of the items sold should be equal to the total amount of money collected. Though I do understand where he's coming from but his doubt was really insulting (imo) - do we look like people who would cheat others of $2??? I know it can be a lot when all the little amounts are added up together but Tsepuay also mentioned that for street sales it's more of an exchange of money for goods (much like shopping except it goes to charity) and not just pure donations, so even if we do scam people of their money they at least get something in return as an assurance. So it's not actually a loss for them after all (unless it's the situation in 2)). Ugh I don't even know what to say.
4) I cannot understand why people refuse to buy things when they're only $1-$2. It's obviously an amount most of the people can afford. And what's more shameful is that foreigners are actually more willing to donate to Singapore's needy children than Singaporeans..............what is this.
5) Nice people
People who actually smile at you or ask you about your cause/listen to you talk before deciding (even if they don't donate/buy things). Or simply, people who understand what it's like to be in others' shoes. One lady offered TP and I 5bux to buy drinks after buying our items, that's really nice of her and it wasn't necessary at all. Little things like this makes me really proud of our society but on the other hand.........I cannot tolerate people who ignore you and look away when you approach them. !!! Such assholes haha at least look at us right.
Ok end of rant haha I should do something more productive
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