Australian diner is astonished to see a ‘hidden’ fee on the bill, although the practice is legal.
Customers were astonished to see a ‘hidden’ 5% extra on their bill.
Before requesting the bill, the restaurant visited The Bavarian and discovered an additional cost.
A venue may impose a premium so long as clients are informed beforehand.
After dining out, a customer was astonished to see a ‘hidden’ five percent extra added to their bill.
The Sunshine Coast diner ordered a salad, schnitzel, two cheeseburgers, and a drink from The Bavarian Bier Cafe.
After requesting the bill, they discovered the waiter had added a $5.35 industry service fee.
The perplexed diner uploaded a picture of the receipt to Reddit and inquired if others had encountered a similar situation.
After dining out, a customer was astonished to discover a ‘hidden’ five percent extra on their bill.
Can someone explain the $5.35 industry service fee? I had never seen this hidden treasure before? the message read.
Users on social media gave a range of explanations for the change.
One remarked, “This seems to be a’required tip’.”
Someone else wrote, “Perhaps returning the credit card charge to the customer?”
Others criticized the venue for collecting the additional 5% service charge.
Someone remarked, “This seems to be simply another tactic for Bavarian Bier Cafe to overcharge for their food and beverages.”
Another individual recommended complaining to personnel and leaving without payment.
They wrote, “Just out of curiosity, can you refuse to pay that portion of the bill?”
“I’m not a jerk and I’m always willing to pay my way plus a tip for excellent service, but if I’m provided a menu with pricing and then given a hidden extra on the bill, I’m not going to enjoy it,” the customer said.
The restaurant’s menus carry a list of fees in tiny type at the bottom.
On the Sunshine Coast, the diner had ordered a salad with schnitzel, two cheeseburgers, and a few beverages from The Bavarian.
Among the surcharges include credit card fees, a 10% discretionary charge for groups of 10, a 10% cost on Sunday, and a 15% surcharge for public holidays.
In addition, there is a 5% service charge between Monday and Saturday.
The Queensland Government’s Office of Fair Trading permits venues to add surcharges to the bill so long as clients are informed beforehand.
Pacific Concepts owns 30 locations of The Bavarian in Australia.