The Sneakiest Added Pricing

Jules

Jules

SF VIP
Tonight we were out to dinner at a restaurant that we’ve been to many times over the years. Neither one of us finished our meal so we asked for to-go boxes. DH was in the restroom when they were brought to the table. I started to fill mine and the assistant server asked if she could do mine. It was awkward, but doable. I thought she was going to do it right there, then she said she‘d be right back - ok, whatever. I did my husband’s plate.

Paid for the meal. $90 for 2 entrees and 2 drinks. Not even a great meal anymore.

Part of that was a 60 cent packaging fee. WTH?
 

Hi [Restaurant Name] Team,

I wanted to share some feedback after our recent dinner. We’ve been loyal customers for years and have always enjoyed coming in, but our last visit left us a bit disappointed.

The meal quality just didn’t live up to what we’ve come to expect from your kitchen. On top of that, the experience with the to-go boxes was awkward. My plate was taken without much explanation, and it felt uncomfortable not knowing what was happening with my food. I prefer to box my own leftovers, and it would have been nice to be asked more clearly.

Also, the 60-cent packaging fee felt a bit off, especially given the $90 total for two entrees and drinks. I understand costs are rising, but small fees like that, when not communicated upfront, can leave a bad impression.

We really hope to see the restaurant return to the standard we've loved in the past. Thank you for listening, and for all the great meals we've had with you over the years.

Best,
[Your Name]

... or something like that maybe @Jules
 
Possible online review(?) ...

We’ve been coming here for years, but our recent visit was disappointing. The food wasn’t as good as it used to be, and the service felt a bit off. When we asked for to-go boxes, a server took my plate without really explaining and walked off with it, which felt awkward and unnecessary. I’d much rather box my own leftovers.

Also, seeing a 60-cent packaging fee on the bill, after spending $90 on just two entrees and drinks, felt like a bit much. We understand places have costs to cover, but that kind of nickel-and-diming leaves a sour taste, especially when the overall experience didn’t feel worth the price.

We’ve loved this place in the past and hope it can get back to what it used to be.
 

While we was away in Queensland we shopped at Aldi quite a bit and used my card as the Aldi in QLD are mostly self serve with on manned check out ….after I arrive home and sorted all the receipts in my bag I noticed each time I paid I was charged Sur tax for using my card …..

I asked at my local Aldi in SA today and she said if I’d chosen ( savings account ) when paying I wont get charged the extra tax ….whats the difference it’s all coming from one account …..we’ve been warned enough …now they are pushing for a no cash shopping
 
Yeah, I know, @Jules, now there's a “fee” for everything. Last week I bought take-out Mexican, and added to the bill was a 70-cent “leverage” fee. :rolleyes:

When the pandemic hit, there was an added "fuel service charge" on my lawn service and trash collection. The lawn service no longer has that charge, but the trash company is still charging me an extra $12.00.

I'm wondering if the "packaging fee" was for the box or because the server packaged it for you. Why bring the to-go boxes to the table if she was only going to return them to the kitchen to pack? And why would she offer to box your leftovers but then walk away without offering to package your husband's, leaving you to do it? Will you still be charged a "packaging fee" if you pack all of the leftovers yourself? Was the sixty-cent price only for your package? If she had packaged your husband's leftovers instead of you doing it at the table, would you have been charged an additional 60-cents? WTH is right. 🤨
 
A few restaurants here have started charging an extra $3.00 for doggie bags and packaging for takeout orders.

IMO it’s tacky in the same way that some restaurants used to charge an extra fifty cents for blue cheese salad dressing or a plate charge for splitting an entree.

These costs should be built into the menu prices and appear to be part of a restaurants generous hospitality.

I’m afraid that servers will bear the brunt of any backlash with reduced tips.
 
I think user pays is fair enough - seems fairer to me to charge just enough to cover cost of box rather than make everyone pay in increased prices, whether they used a takeaway box or not.
 
When paying $90.00 for a meal, charging $.60 for a container to take home leftovers is an absurd and trivial insult.

As it is, I only eat out once a week, and if prices and extra charges keep rising, I can live without eating out and I'll be fine.. The only thing I would miss is the social aspect of sharing a meal with friends, but I can prepare a meal at home as good or better than any I can buy in a restaurant. Preparing meals is one of the easiest things I do.

From Investopedia
 
Jules said:
Part of that was a 60 cent packaging fee. WTH?
Click to expand...
Not what we'd expect in Canada(!), and probably unexpected anywhere in North America.

What popped into my mind was an autumn experience in Florence, Italy. We were tourists who'd been traveling in Italy, and were staying in this city for just a few days. One evening, we'd been walking around the main, historical 'downtown' area after dinner. We decided to step into a shop and get a gelato. No crowd in there, customers were just drifting in and out. I suppose we were tired from having walked most of the day.

We stood at the counter, chose our flavors, and were handed our gelatos (plus plastic spoons) in paper containers. We paid, and we started to step to one of the many tables in the place, to sit down. The shopkeeper piped up and informed us "those are for customers who have paid more for their gelato." So we turned and walked back out onto the sidewalk.

I suppose, in that instance, it was an ordinary urban cultural thing... though not understood by us. Still, we'd already experienced that people in urban Italian espresso bars very often stand at long, tall counters to drink their coffee.

I don't think what you experienced, Jules, was cultural. Not yet anyway.
 
Last edited:
Bella said:
I'm wondering if the "packaging fee" was for the box or because the server packaged it for you. Why bring the to-go boxes to the table if she was only going to return them to the kitchen to pack? And why would she offer to box your leftovers but then walk away without offering to package your husband's, leaving you to do it? Will you still be charged a "packaging fee" if you pack all of the leftovers yourself? Was the sixty-cent price only for your package? If she had packaged your husband's leftovers instead of you doing it at the table, would you have been charged an additional 60-cents? WTH is right
Click to expand...
The assistant brought two boxes. When I went to do mine, she asked if I wanted her to mine. It was half full. Often a server will do it at a table, because they’re faster. Went she was taking mine away, I said I could do DH’s.

”Single Packing Fee” 60 cents. To me that says it was strictly for taking it into the kitchen.

The only reason I saw it was I picked up the receipt when we left.

I guess I’ll start looking for other added fees everywhere now.
 
I don't know about other ballparks, but at Camden Yards, at certain concession stands, you don't see a human being. Just go down the line, get your drink, your burger and fries or whatever.

The touch screen at the end gives you the option of three different tips. 0, 15, or 25%.

I always tip zero. I literally did everything myself.

That's the only time I do that. As a rule, I always overtip and actual person.
 
That's awful Jules!

Places like McDonald's add the cost of the sauces into the meal prices but then they don't send the sauces so you're basically getting overcharged for the meal.

It's getting to the point where eating out is no longer an option unless it's just maybe once in a while as a treat.
 
Here's what infuriates me: much like the Camden Yards protocol, stores in my area where you just pay a cashier for your purchase, now have a screen with tipping choices. I always hit "No Tip" which means total humiliation in front of the cashier and other shoppers. Like @Dave, I am otherwise a big (probably too big considering my finances) tipper.
 
I havent tried that - but the place I went which charged 45c for a take away box, I could have taken my own plastic box and used that instead.

But I doubt I will bother doing that to save 45c.
 
Jules said:
Tonight we were out to dinner at a restaurant that we’ve been to many times over the years. Neither one of us finished our meal so we asked for to-go boxes. DH was in the restroom when they were brought to the table. I started to fill mine and the assistant server asked if she could do mine. It was awkward, but doable. I thought she was going to do it right there, then she said she‘d be right back - ok, whatever. I did my husband’s plate.

Paid for the meal. $90 for 2 entrees and 2 drinks. Not even a great meal anymore.

Part of that was a 60 cent packaging fee. WTH?
Click to expand...

Was the 60 cents for the package material, or for a labor charge? 🫣🙄😳

Yikes, either way, of course!😣
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top