In June, actor Bai Jingting opened up his first cafe, GoodBai Cafe, in Shanghai, following the successful launch of his clothing brand GoodBai, which has a store on the same street. After waiting nearly 2 hours in line, 10 guests are let into the cafe at a time, where they may enjoy coffee for up to 48 RMB and pastries starting at 18 RMB. For reference, a cup of coffee from Chinese chain Luckin Coffee goes for between 13 and 20 RMB.
For many of Bai’s fans, this experience is totally worth it. Café-goers in Shanghai have posted their reviews on Xiaohongshu: for some, every corner of the cafe reflects Bai’s vision and aesthetics; and a few lucky visitors are even graced with celebrity sightings, the ultimate fangirl dream.
However, after these reviews were posted online, some other social media users became outraged that Bai is charging 21 RMB for “Big Goodees Cookies”: two button-sized sugar cookies. One netizen commented: “These look like cookies for my hamster, except for that price, I can buy 30 cookies for my hamster.”
Bai Jingting has been accused of “harvesting leeks.” Image via models.com.
Is Bai exploiting his fans by “harvesting leeks”? Many celebrities have been accused of “harvesting leeks” (割韭菜,
gē jiǔcài), a phrase that describes consumers and fans, especially from younger generations, getting taken advantage of and tricked into bad deals.
Two years ago, pop idol and actress Ouyang Nana was
slammed online for upselling her clothing line, charging 148 RMB to 988 RMB for bathrobes, pajamas, and socks. Actor Wang Hedi also sold overpriced sneakers for 1023 RMB and toast for 88 RMB.
Despite the high prices and criticism online, these celebrity merch products are also consistently sold out and Bai’s cookies are no different. Fans
argue that the prices are clearly labeled on the products, and they are willing to pay the premium for the celebrity brand name.
Others believe celebrities are unfairly jacking up prices, leading impressionable fans into irresponsible spending behaviors and extreme “star chasing.”
Oh celebrities, they’re just like us — or, when it comes to making a profit, are they?
Banner image via Xiaohongshu.
