In the age of QR code ordering becoming increasingly popular in restaurants, one customer was in for a surprise when she noticed a 10% service charge on her bill at a noodle shop. Given that this was a “self-service” restaurant, where customers are responsible for ordering and carrying their food from the counter to their tables, she couldn’t help but question the rationale behind this additional cost. After all, if customers are expected to handle most aspects of their dining experience, why add a service fee?
Understanding the Dilemma
A customer who raised this issue, was quick to clarify that her intent was not to shame the restaurant or deter potential patrons. Instead, she hoped to encourage similar establishments to rethink the practice of charging customers unnecessarily. While she acknowledges that the cost of food may warrant price increases, she believes it doesn’t justify shifting those costs onto customers, especially in the case of smaller eateries that offer little to no additional services. Should these restaurants have the liberty to impose extra charges?
Defining Service Charges
She suggests that charging a service fee should be contingent upon actually providing certain services. These services could include refilling tea, offering wet wipes, or promptly replacing used plates and utensils. In the case of restaurants that offer tableside service, continuous tea refills, and plate replacements, the service charge can be seen as reasonable.
While this fee may not seem substantial to some, for many families, it can add up to a significant expense. She hope is that restaurants offering a similar dining experience will carefully consider whether it’s necessary to charge customers an additional fee, particularly for those households where every penny counts.
The Rise of Service Fees in the QR Code Ordering Era
With the widespread adoption of QR code ordering in restaurants, it’s becoming increasingly common for establishments to tack on a 10% service charge. However, for self-service restaurants, where customers are expected to take care of their own dining needs, this practice has left some customers puzzled.
A Call for Reflection
The call for self-service restaurants to reflect on this matter and avoid charging customers unnecessarily holds weight. While the rising cost of ingredients might necessitate price adjustments, it doesn’t mean these costs should be passed on to customers. Moreover, she emphasizes that restaurants imposing service charges should offer additional services, such as tea refills and tableware replacement. For restaurants that provide such premium services, charging a service fee can be seen as justified.
In conclusion, it’s imperative for restaurants to weigh the pros and cons of charging customers an additional service fee, especially in self-service scenarios. While the trend of adding service charges via QR code ordering is on the rise, there’s a need for a nuanced approach.