6 Sneaky Ways Restaurants Get You To Spend More Money Without Realizing It
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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If you like to eat out, you probably already know it can be a big part of your budget. According to some of the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Americans spend an average of $3,933 eating.
If you regularly dine out, you may have a few tricks up your sleeve for keeping your restaurant bills in check. If not, here are six sneaky ways restaurants get you to spend more money without realizing it — things you can keep in mind to avoid paying more than you expect.
Strategically Design the Menu
Let’s start with the place you go to find out what you’ll order.
“Menu design is very important,” said Brandon Gregg, certified financial planner (CFP) and advisor with BBK Wealth Management, “We may look at a menu and think it’s all thrown together, but menus are put together in a way to bring people specific areas and highlight profitable items. Some places will not even put prices on the menu.”
Upsell Appetizers
When you first sit down, the server may ask you a few questions. Along with taking your drink order, they’re likely trained to upsell and offer appetizers. That’s another way the restaurant can get you to spend more money without a lot of effort on the staff’s part.
Charge for Refills
Speaking of drinks, some restaurants charge for refills on items such as soft drinks and iced tea. “If you assume refills are free and you have a few, you may be surprised by the extra costs on your bill,” said Melanie Musson, finance expert with Quote.com.
Upsell Extras
When you order your meal, that’s another opportunity for upselling. According to Musson, this may be in the form of the server asking if you’d like to add toppings or shrimp to your steak order. You may agree without thinking about how much more it’s going to add to your bill.
Charge Separate Prices
According to Musson, another way restaurants may get you to spend more is by having everything à la carte. “You’re ordering a separate main course and sides. By the time you add a salad, you’re looking at spending 30% to 50% more than what you would’ve expected,” she said.
Offer Loyalty Program
This final sneaky way to get you to spend more may actually have some benefits for you as well. Many larger chains offer loyalty programs and benefits. They’re designed to bring you back as a repeat customer and potentially spend more through certain promotions. Of course, those promotions and other rewards may also help you save some money.
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