The Saja Viral Facebook page recently pointed out that they had to pay a 10% service charge at a restaurant, despite having to scan a QR code to view the eatery’s menu and order their food.
They wrote, “I went to dinner at a restaurant, I had to scan (a QR code to view their) menu myself, I had to fill in the order myself. After eating, even when I wanted to pay, I had to get up from the table and head to the counter to pay the bill.”
“But then, I also had to pay a 10% service charge.”
This image is for illustration purposes only.
Netizens shared their thoughts
Many took to the post to agree that restaurants shouldn’t charge for service if customers are taking their own orders through QR codes and making payments at counters.
“These are ways to cheat the customers. This has to be stopped and the appropriate action needs to be taken.”
“I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while. They’re inconveniencing others and then sucking us dry through service charge that isn’t worth the service they provide.”
“That’s right, if the customer is doing everything themselves, what is the 10% service charge for?”
However, some have also pointed out that the service charge may be for the online menu and ordering system.
“Technically, restaurants can only charge a service charge (usually 10%) if they provide additional services such as waiters taking orders, delivering food to tables and cleaning up after customers. In the case of restaurants that use ‘self-service’ systems, charging a service charge is a bit strange. But, there is a possibility they still charge it for the following reasons.”
Here are the reasons they provided:
- Standard restaurant policy – Some eateries do automatically charge 10% regardless of the level of service provided.
- Operating costs – They may consider the digital system (QR code menu and self-ordering) as part of the ‘services’ provided.
- Not stated clearly in their menu – Sometimes, restaurants are not transparent, and customers do not notice the charge before paying.
“If you feel that you should not be charged, you can just inform the restaurant staff. Sometimes, they have to follow their employer’s policies. But, if you have to do everything yourself, it’s better to just pay the price of the food without the service charge,” they added.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
