Originally Posted by
MichaelColey
Brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that?
I'm not talking about things that are on the menu or that should be obvious to most customers. I'm talking about deceptive practices and/or things that most other places don't charge for. For instance:
* Charging for water.
* When ordering a burger, being asked "Mustard? Ketchup? Lettuce? Onions? Tomatoes?" (with no mention of price) when lettuce, onions, and tomatoes cost extra.
* When ordering an entrée that doesn't come with either soup or a salad and the waiter asks "Would you rather have soup or salad with that?"
I understand that management encourages upselling but customers expect their waiters to be helpful, not to behave like used car salesmen. I expect a waiter to make me aware of any extra charges as I'm ordering. If I have a surprise when the check comes, the tip will definitely reflect it. If I have it happen repetitively at a restaurant, I won't go back.
For instance, I have been offered guacamole and took it not realizing it would probably cost extra until after I had placed my order and the waitess left the table. The thing is, it's up to the CUSTOMER to ASK these questions. The server doesn't have to tell you the price.
As far as soup or salad added to an entree, that's normally on the menu. If it wasn't, then ask if the soup or salad actually COMES with the meal. Once, I went to a restaurant and the menu DID NOT state the ribs came with a salad. She asked what kind of salad did I want and dressing, which through me off, because it wasn't on the menu. I said "A salad comes with this?" She said "YES." This would be a good way without having to ask the price. If they say "NO, it's extra", then if you want to know how much, ASK.
As far as lettuce goes, normally you don't have to pay for that type of stuff, but sometimes you do. Usually the menu will state something like "Add a $1.00 for dressed), but if it doesn't, you know you can ASK you know if you aren't sure. 9 times out of 10, you probably won't get charged for regular amounts of lettuce, mustard, ketchup, etc., but if you order extra, there's always a chance you may be charged. If you order a condiment that doesn't come with the item such as ranch for someone's fries with a burger, expect that it's very possible you MAY BE CHARGED. If you aren't sure, the best advice I can give you is to ASK your server.
It's not deceptive really, because if you add ANYTHING to your meal, it should be common sense there will always be a POSSIBLITY you could get charged. Since you don't know, you should ASK.
Water wouldn't be charged normally unless it would be bottled water. I haven't had that issue ever, but if I would, I would definately ask a manager about why on earth they would charge for a glass of tap water. I don't think I would ask the server about if they charged for water, because 99.9% of the times, you wouldn't be charged for a glass of water.