Economic storm clouds are looming, the global economy is teetering on the brink of recession and general doom and gloom is descending. But there may be a silver lining in all this bad news - at least for us long-suffering consumers.
The start of the hard times may mean fewer arrogant shopkeepers and taxi drivers who don't give a damn, as well as less of the poor service that generally marks periods when the cash registers are ringing and finding customers is as easy as fishing in a barrel.
As the easy money dries up and consumers tighten their purse strings, these people may not take us so much for granted. They will actually have to start giving good service if they want to stay in business.
Hong Kong consumers are not a happy bunch judging by recent figures - and a record number of complaints last year to the Consumer Council. The council handled 38,521 complaint cases relating to goods and services last year, an increase of 7 per cent, or 2,559 cases, over 2006.
An example of what too much easy money can do to a lazy businessman: my wife was looking at a camera in an electronic store and asked if she could see a demonstration model - a reasonable request if you are going to spend several thousand dollars on an expensive piece of electronics.
'No', growled the surly shopkeeper. 'This is a hot item. It is sold out in other stores and other people will buy it without seeing inside the box. I do not need to open it.' Needless to say my wife walked out.
