Shouldn't a waitress tell you if there's an upcharge?

Question

We asked if we could substitute house chips with onion rings, and she just said yes... and then we got charged for the onion rings as if they were a whole side.. If that were the case we would not have ALL gotten onion rings, and also we didn't get the chips that we were entitled to. I could understand SOME upcharge, but you removed the side that came with it and charged for a whole separate side.. so really being cheated out of some food here.

Massageman · Accepted Answer

They aren't required to, but at some restaurants it's their policy to do so. Next time, just ask is there is charge to substitute B for A.

In sales, there is something called the "assumed close". Rather than asking if you want to buy something, the seller offers you a choice. Example: You are thinking of buying a pair of shoes. Rather than asking if you want to buy them, they "assume" that you have made up your mind to buy, and simply offer you a choice, perhaps, of black or tan versions of the shoe.

In a restaurant, a server might ask if you wanted American, Swiss or Provolone cheese on your burger, assuming that you know that there is $1.25 additional for a slice of cheese.

FWIW- As a Massage Therapist, I offer many choices that are upcharges/add-ons at spas, at no extra charge. (I'm simply grateful to get the business). As long as I have a particular aroma oil already made up, they get it at no extra charge. And I only charge $10 for a custom blend: most local spas charge $20+ and mine are better. ( I DID write a book on the topic.) Hot towels? No charge. If someone asks for something that is an extra charge, I tell them up front, etc.

JustinTheGreat · Accepted Answer

I’m a waiter and yes she should have told you that it’s an up charge.
For example at my restaurant we charge extra if you want to substitute a sauce for Alfredo sauce. I always tell people that it costs extra to substitute.

Or if I’m trying to upsell add ons I use words like “Upgrade” or “Add” which should imply that it’s an extra charge.

But with some items, I shouldn’t even have to give an explanation. Like people will ask to add shrimp to their pasta and act surprised when we charge for the shrimp. Like did you really think we were gonna give you free seafood? Be for real lmao

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If they had intended to charge it as a full side then they should have brought the fries also. The minute they removed the fries they changed it to a substitution and should not have charged it as a side, or only charged a small amount because onion rings are different from fries. I'm guessing we're talking about $30 or $40 for the onion rings. You could probably tell your credit card company you'd like that portion of the charge taken off, or call the restaurant manager and ask him to refund it.

shortster · Answer

Of course, I think waiters/waitresses/bartenders forget that customers have a finite amount of money to spend; and expect the bigger the bill the bigger the tip has to be. However, this is not always the case. For instance I typically get my haircut at a local Great Clips. One day I showed up and they were doing a special half off back to school sale. So when it came time to pay I figured I was saving money either way so I calculated my tip based on the full price amount; then feeling generous I split the savings on the haircut cost and added it to her tip. So it was a win-win-win situation. I saved money on my haircut, the stylist got a bigger tip, and the salon got a very satisfied repeat customer.

MrOracle · Answer

In this case, I definitely think the answer is yes. I definitely would have in that situation when I was working as a waiter. I do essentially the same now, as an Audio Video Integrator - customers don't like surprises. I warn them anytime something is going to be expensive, which ironically makes them more likely to pick the more expensive choice.

Summeroflove · Answer

Yes they should tell you. But a lot of times the higher the bill is. The bigger tip they get. It’s why some push appetizers and deserts that cost ahour as much as the whole meal itself.

But a good waiter or waitress would tell you this. Yes. But maybe they just assumed you knew there was a upchaege

Cody2004 · Answer

So this is the cool thing about this if you get extra stuff that's on them not you they can't charge you on their mistake specially because they knew about it cuz they tried to Upcharge. You do is you only pay what was on the original menu plus the tax obviously and then you just leave

HawkPerception · Answer

Yes it is the responsibility of the server to let you know there will be an upcharge. They are experts on the menu and it's what they're paid for. To serve you food and drinks, inform you about the menu, and give recommendations if you ask. It was likely just absent minded on their part because most servers let you know if there will be an upcharge.

JacobJordan · Answer

Menu items are set up to be ordered unaltered. now while many restaurants will tell you altering comes with a cost they do not have to. On an aside when you visit your grandma do you ask that she alter the food she made just so you can enjoy it or do you eat something else she made that you do enjoy? It is quite rude to alter something the head chef created. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should

bobby_bush_eater · Answer

I kinda disagree with everyone here that's on you. Chips are almost always free and that's standard but onion rings? That's literally always a side or a charged item. I don't know how you thought they would be free, to her it probably sounded like you just ordered a side of onion rings and didn't want the chips...

AviatorTom · Answer

A good server will mention that there will be an upcharge. If your server didn't and you think that's unfair, ask to speak with the manager. Most managers will do what they can to satisfy the customer... so that you'll come back again.

rosemilk · Answer

yes, morally they should. but they don't because they think you won't notice so they can get a bigger tip with how much you are paying

WhitneySnow · Answer

I got charged for a tomato on my cheeseburger once. I didn’t care that much, but it was still annoying that they were being so cheap.

XXblack88 · Answer

She probably thought you already knew but it definitely would have been nice if she would have given you the heads up before ordering.

Fireguy17 · Answer

yes they should, it should also be on the menu and probably ask the wait staff from now on. Lesson learned.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

She could not possibly have anticipated that additional onion rings would get you close to bankruptcy. How about just staying at home... :D

Jamie05rhs · Answer

You're absolutely right. They screwed up on several levels.

smahala1991 · Answer

It was actually in the menu at the restaurant I worked at if there was an upcharge for extras

Iron_Man · Answer

of course she should be telling you that’s her fault not yours

Anonymous · Answer

Consider her tip may be affected it would make sense.

jjj101010 · Answer

There isn’t a right to substitute items off ur menu, if u ask for something not to be put on ur plate, u can’t assume that they will give u something else for free as a result.

Lynx122 · Answer

Yeah restaurants are shady sometimes.

Teriyaki70 · Answer

Ice cream 🍦 😋

Jupiter1 · Answer

I’d appreciate it if I was told.

RefriedBeans · Answer

Yes.

itsclearlynicholas · Answer

Probably 🤔🧐

Shouldn't a waitress tell you if there's an upcharge?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Is it rude ro ask the waiter to remove the service charge?

Shouldn't a waitress tell you if there's an upcharge?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Is it rude ro ask the waiter to remove the service charge?

We're glad to see you liked this post.