Posted on 05/15/2020 5:06:02 AM PDT by MeneMeneTekelUpharsin
“However, pizza delivery did this during the last big gas shortage and it’s still there - years and years later.”
We all have the independent remedy for that. We vote with our feet.
They can tack on all the surcharges they want as long as they are fully disclosed upon ordering. If not, there is no agreement to pay.
Exactly. While a surcharge can be dropped after a while, increased food prices normal are not lowered. So for those who do not understand basic business costs, just increase the food prices 5% and then no complaint.
$2.19 is a 5% surcharge on the pre-sales tax total. Quite frankly, I will not be patronizing any establishment which is charging me 5% on top of the sales tax. Raise your food and drink prices to compensate for loss of revenue if you like, but do not slap me with a 5% Covid fee. It's like airlines charging extra for carry-ons or "better" seat assignments...just raise the price of tickets don't nickel and dime me to death.
So would they rather the restaurants raise prices that will stay even after the problem is over or have it clearly marked so people know when things go back to normal the surcharge will go away?
We make a point to order out twice a week with local, small restaurants. Still tip 20% even though all they do is bring it out to the car.
I’m guessing this “surcharge” (I haven’t seen it) is to cover those folks that don’t tip because all the “server” is doing is bringing it out to the car.
Disclaimer - two of my kids are in the food business. We were usually pretty good about tipping. Now we make sure we always are.
For must CUSTOMERS, eating out is entirely discretionary. That’s one reason why I expect many restaurants to close permanently as a result of this. The shutdowns were bad enough, but the longer-term impact of reduced discretionary income will be devastating for businesses like this.
I’d be more outraged at paying a sales tax in excess of 9% of the bill.
In the eighties when fuel got real high my vendors started adding a delivery surcharge. I asked how much it was going to cost to drive past my place? It didn’t get me anywhere; everyone started doing it.
Agreed. That’s my take to, just don’t surprise me. I’ve no problem with it - I’ve been expecting to see this.
There’s no way you can survive with no customers, then fewer customers, and still charge the same. Anyone that has a huge problem here doesn’t understand.
It’s also costly to have menus reprinted, must easier just to state “+10%” or something, but there should probably be a sign upon entering.
Those lucky enough to have continued to have had a job and receive a regular check through this might want to consider that a poor economy will eventually impact them too - so go out and tip well. I don’t care about another few bucks as a surcharge, I’d rather the restaurants not close their doors.
The restaurants’ choice and option—as long as it is communicated up front.
“I’d be more outraged at paying a sales tax in excess of 9% of the bill.”
Me too.
L
They have no choice but to raise prices when 1/2 or more of their tables are empty and they have costs over what they had before. The restaurant business is not very profitable so they don’t have fat they can cut. What would you prefer? Raise prices which will stay raised. Add a surcharge which they will drop when things are back to normal.
There are lots of saps that will gladly pay these fees, thinking they are doing an altruistic good. Same people who gladly wear masks as a sign of #MeeToo! and political obedience.
Eating out is not essential.
****
True some of the time but not all. In the mobile society we
now have people often aren’t near home every day all day.
Are people really flipping out over a $2 surcharge? Geez, stay home another month then. I’d pay it with a smile.
If a restaurant can raise prices and still fill its tables available, so be it.
It's a matter of supply and demand, pure and simple. If the market will bear the addition cost of eating out...great. If not, tough.
It's a tough business.
I am slightly surprised by the outrage over the surcharge. To each his own, but I understand that these businesses need to stay alive. I want to help them.
Somewhat related — for years I have said “I shouldn’t buy from China”. But I’m lazy and I’m cheap, and I haven’t made a huge effort — I just buy whatever seems like a bargain, and that means I have been sending money to China.
But I am now making a serious effort to avoid Chinese goods wherever I can. I accept the fact that this will cost me money. I will pay extra money for products made in America because I want to help American businesses thrive.
I don’t believe I made a comment opposing or supporting it. Just posted my own comment and moved on. Read it.
When one reads the fine print of the "opening ups", they are not openings ups. The Government is just giving their permission to do certain things. The restrictions are largely left in place.
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