Asked if you'd like a soda while you wait for carry out -- then charged $3 for it?

[Anonymous]

Is that a bit scummy?

[Anonymous]

Yes. One place we frequent usually offers a drink for the kids when we pick up, and it’s always free.

[Anonymous]

Huh?

Of course you pay for drinks in a restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Huh?

Of course you pay for drinks in a restaurant.

You have misinterpreted the scenario. I’ve had situations where I was picking up carry out and they were running behind and they gave me a free drink. It sounds like that’s what op was expecting, not that they were going to add it to her order.

[Anonymous]

That is tricky of them. They are making it sound like the drink is a consolation for having to wait for the order.

I don't like when restaurants ask "do you want the salad or soup with it?" It is definitely phrased to make it seem an option is included with meal. I always read the menu carefully but know lots of people aren't as careful.

[Anonymous]

Unless they specifically say “on the house” when offering, I’d assume I am going to be charged for it

[Anonymous]

So just deduct that $3 from the tip?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Huh?

Of course you pay for drinks in a restaurant.

It is implied the drink is a free courtesy. Furthermore, you aren't typically going to finish the drink in a few minutes nor require refills which would be provided if you were a seated guest.

[Anonymous]

What restaurant?

[Anonymous]

And there's no way to clarify if it's free without sounding like a cheap*ss.

Q: Would you like a soda while you wait?
A: ...for free?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless they specifically say “on the house” when offering, I’d assume I am going to be charged for it

This.

But also really, personally, if I'm saying "yes" it is because I am thirsty and really want a drink, even if I am paying for it (which personally I'd expect unless told otherwise) and otherwise declining. I'm not taking it just on some assumption it is free. And if this is about waiting a few minutes for a carry out order - I don't consider that inconvenience. I actually prefer that; it is fresher food than sitting waiting for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is tricky of them. They are making it sound like the drink is a consolation for having to wait for the order.

I don't like when restaurants ask "do you want the salad or soup with it?" It is definitely phrased to make it seem an option is included with meal. I always read the menu carefully but know lots of people aren't as careful.

+1. This happened to me at Macaroni Grill and I haven't been back since (no loss since the food isn't great anyway). And yes I did take it out of the tip. I don't appreciate being scammed, which is also what happened to OP. Gross and these staff know exactly what they're doing - they probably are angling for a bigger tip by increasing the bill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is tricky of them. They are making it sound like the drink is a consolation for having to wait for the order.

I don't like when restaurants ask "do you want the salad or soup with it?" It is definitely phrased to make it seem an option is included with meal. I always read the menu carefully but know lots of people aren't as careful.

+1. This happened to me at Macaroni Grill and I haven't been back since (no loss since the food isn't great anyway). And yes I did take it out of the tip. I don't appreciate being scammed, which is also what happened to OP. Gross and these staff know exactly what they're doing - they probably are angling for a bigger tip by increasing the bill.

I really doubt someone is offering a $3 soda as some "scam" for an increased tip, even with someone who tips 20%. Mor elikely they are simply offering a service - if it is not wanted decline.

[Anonymous]

I have had that same scenario and I think it’s ambiguous so usually I decline, although sometimes I ask for a glass of water.

I guess I don’t think you can assume it’s free although I get why you are annoyed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Huh?

Of course you pay for drinks in a restaurant.

You have misinterpreted the scenario. I’ve had situations where I was picking up carry out and they were running behind and they gave me a free drink. It sounds like that’s what op was expecting, not that they were going to add it to her order.

Wow... You read all that from OP's post?

- dp