While food is an important aspect of our culture, it’s also a business, and like any other business, the management will do anything and everything to earn profit. While some restaurants have been creative with their tactics, others just straight up charge their guests for an unreasonable price. Today, we’ll reveal the 10 clever tactics restaurants use to “scam” their customers. This list is especially handy when you’re traveling to a new place.
10. Outdated Pricing
One of the most used and clever tricks is outdated pricing with lower costs. You may observe this when you check out the restaurant’s menu on the internet beforehand and see old prices. This practice could be deceptive, especially if the price difference is small enough to go unnoticed. Always confirm the cost from their menu before you order.
9. Misleading Promotions
We see restaurant deals advertised on the internet all the time. This could easily attract customers, especially when they see a discounted price or the word “free” in big font and colorful promotional publication material. However, there will always be conditions that the restaurant won’t highlight. Before you avail of the deal, always read the terms and conditions so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into.
8. “Accidental” Overcharge
While it may likely be an honest mistake, some restaurants intentionally try to overcharge guests for the food that they eat. Those who won’t look at their receipt will fall victim to this scam. You might see that your server charged you two for one meal you bought, or they may add a meal you didn’t order if you avail a lot from the menu. Always double-check your bill before payment.
7. The Ice Trick
We’ve seen ridiculous lawsuits of the ice trick where customers sue restaurants for this. While we may have a good laugh at such lawsuits, it could be really frustrating at times. You might notice that the glass is packed with ice when ordering drinks. Many restaurants intentionally fill your glass with excessive ice to make it appear full. With this, ask for less ice or maybe no ice at all if the establishment allows it.
6. Hidden Charges
This is one of the most common tactics by restaurants. When ordering a specific menu item, your server might suggest a dip without saying it’s an add-on, so you would have to pay for it. This comes as a hidden charge that you will see on your bill. You must always ask your server if it comes free with the menu item because technically, they asked you about the add-on, and you said yes.
5. The Automatic Gratuity
Many restaurants now include an Automatic Gratuity, but some restaurants manipulate them by calculating through the post-tax total rather than the pre-tax amount to inflate the tip. Another is by adding gratuity to large parties without informing the customer. You should always check the bill and calculate it yourself.
4. The Baked Fresh Scam
Many restaurants and coffee shops add “baked fresh” to their menu of pastries, which guests would automatically assume are fresh. It doesn’t mean something unless they’re made from scratch. Many restaurants can’t afford the time and space to make fresh pastry; instead, they get frozen products from suppliers and bake them fresh.
3. Charging Too Much for a Trendy Ingredient
We said that restaurants are also businesses, so they try to keep up with what’s hot. If you’re scrolling through TikTok, you might see the Dubai Chocolate Labubu Matcha that’s been turned into a meme. Chances are, the restaurants may charge a lot for an added trendy item that doesn’t do anything. We’re not trying to keep you away; you can enjoy them if you’re interested, but be wise about spending on something you know isn’t worth it.
2. Mobile Apps
Sure, you wouldn’t download a restaurant’s mobile app unless you don’t frequent the place. But downloading the app means allowing the fast food place to turn your phone into an advertising device for the restaurant. While you can get special discounts and offers not available to the general public, it’s still a marketing ploy to make you spend more. You’re just one of their special customers.
1. Gift Cards
Did you know that more than $1 billion of gift cards purchased aren’t used yearly, according to the CEB TowerGroup? If you think about it, you paid the restaurant money, but your friend didn’t get to use theirs. It’s just like paying for the restaurant and getting nothing in return. Instead of gift certificates, why not take them to dinner at the restaurant? Or maybe you could reserve a table for them and pay in advance with your credit card.