Outrageous Extra Charges

[Gator]

4 minutes ago, Kingpin said:

They used to all add 10% in the city, now many cut that to 5% because apparently people agreed with me and stopped going to the 10% restaurants. I just leave double the 5% in cash on the table.

 

 

I don’t know what constitutes the city there. The 3 places we dined at were in the D’Mall area and all 3 had the 10% service fee added. Sorry, but I don’t recall the names of the restos. 

[jimeve]

2 hours ago, Old55 said:

US military phonetic alphabet.

UK military Phonetic Alphabet too, not sure about the Chinese and Russian.  

 

 

[Old55]

6 minutes ago, jimeve said:

UK military Phonetic Alphabet too, not sure about the Chinese and Russian.  

Thanks Jim. Makes sense that NATO would use the same phonetics. 

[BrettGC]

It's all actually an ITU (International Telecommunications Union) Standard which is world wide.

https://www.onallbands.com/emcomm-itu-nato-phonetic-alphabet-and-numbers/#:~:text=Alfa%2C Bravo%2C Charlie%2C Delta,-ray%2C Yankee%2C Zulu.

 

If you see or hear anything else on TV/movies or anywhere else it's incorrect and poor research by the staff paid to do that stuff. 

It's a bit like when you hear "over and out".  You'll never here a communications professional say it as "over" is an invitation to transmit and "out" is end of conversation.

EG:  "Hi, how are you, over"

"I am fine, over"

"Roger, out". 

Now you've seen it, you'll never be able to unsee it and it will annoy you when watching TV/movies.  You're welcome.  

 

[Freebie]

6 hours ago, Gator said:

The one waitress we asked about it said it was for the entire staff at the resto and added to their pay. Being naturally somewhat suspicious, I wonder how of much of the fee is skimmed by the owner; especially here in the Philippines and also if business is slow. I doubt they’re very transparent about it. 

In the unionised hotels in Manila, and generally common practice in larger hospitality places in Philippines , 90% is given to staff on a points basis.

Managers having restricted points otherwise they would hog the lot. The other 10% goes back to the operations cost, intended to cover breakgages, wastage etc.

What happens in momma poppa places, who knows .

 

I saw in San Francisco or somewhere else some places are charging an additional 4% to cover cost of employee health insurance.

Why the hell is an owner passing on such charges . Should customers pay for gas for employees car, ? Why doesnt an owner pay a decent wage. A restaurant that did that to me once would never get my business again and the google review that followed would be scathing.

[insite]

Be thankful you are not in Italy .....

Italian diners hit with MORE extra fees as restaurants charge for additional teaspoons and empty plates to cover 'washing up' after fury over €2 bill for slicing a sandwich in half

[Joey G]

Sounds like they hired marketing flunkies to me.  If they want to increase prices, just do it. Most people decide if a place is too expensive before they go. If a place is worth it, people will pay. But if you want to lose a customer for good, then surprise them at the end with a big bill they didn't expect. Even if the food was great no one wants to be played a sucker. First time shame on you, second time shame on me.

[JJReyes]

Another personal peeve for me is "resort fees" that more and more hotels are charging.  Supposedly it pays for use of swimming pool and other amenities even during winter months when the pool is closed.  With online booking services, which by the way are all owned by three major corporations, hotels have to pay 30% commission.  The added-on fee is charged at check-out; therefore, the booking agency does not get a share.  Similar to restaurant add charges and airline baggage fees, it's free money.  

 

 

[Joey G]

2 hours ago, JJReyes said:

Another personal peeve for me is "resort fees" that more and more hotels are charging.

Couldn't agree more... and we refuse to stay at any who use them. Las Vegas strip is is officially off the list of go to places now. If the Philippines starts... same thing.

2 hours ago, JJReyes said:

With online booking services, which by the way are all owned by three major corporations, hotels have to pay 30% commission.

Many benefits at hotels are not provided when using the booking services. Plus many booking services like to sell somewhat cheaper, but often non-refundable rates. I always directly with the hotel.  In the Philippines they will happily tell you that you when you buy through a third party and to take it up any issue with the third party. Saving a few bucks isn't worth the aggravation.

[JJReyes]

1 hour ago, Joey G said:

Many benefits at hotels are not provided when using the booking services. Plus many booking services like to sell somewhat cheaper, but often non-refundable rates. I always directly with the hotel.  In the Philippines they will happily tell you that you when you buy through a third party and to take it up any issue with the third party. Saving a few bucks isn't worth the aggravation.

I would use a booking service for the first few days.  If I like the property, negotiate for a better room or better rate or find another more suitable hotel.  Their agreement usually means the hotels cannot advertise a lower rate through direct booking.  But they can offer incentives like a room upgrade or amenities.