Ever left a restaurant feeling like you’ve spent more than you intended? You are not alone. Restaurants employ subtle tactics to get customers to open their wallets a bit wider. Understanding these tricks can help you make more informed decisions and save money.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, and insights from industry experts. We’ve compiled some of the most common techniques used by establishments to subtly influence your spending. Each item on the list explains the trick, why it works, and its current relevance.
1. Menu Engineering
Menu engineering is a tactic where restaurants strategically design their menus to guide customers towards the most profitable items. This could be through using eye-catching fonts, placing items in certain positions, or using descriptive language. Without realizing, customers often opt for these highlighted dishes thinking they are the restaurant’s specialties.
In a post-pandemic world, as restaurants strive to recoup losses, menu engineering has become more prominent. Understanding this tactic can help you discern between a restaurant’s recommendation and a high-profit item.
2. The Decoy Effect
The decoy effect is when restaurants list a high-priced item next to a slightly cheaper one, making the latter seem like a bargain. Customers end up going for the cheaper item, believing they’re getting a good deal, not realizing it is still overpriced.
With the current economic uncertainty, it’s essential to be aware of this tactic. You may think you’re saving money, but in reality, you could be spending more than necessary.
3. Anchoring
Anchoring refers to the practice of listing expensive items first on the menu, so subsequent items appear cheaper in comparison. This psychological trick causes customers to perceive other dishes as more reasonably priced.
As more people are dining out with budget constraints due to the economic impact of COVID-19, being aware of anchoring will help you make smarter financial decisions.
4. Limited-Time Offers
Limited-time offers create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, compelling customers to make impulsive purchases. These offers are often on more expensive items that customers might not usually consider.
In the current market, where businesses are competing fiercely for customers, limited-time offers are more prevalent. Understanding this tactic can prevent unnecessary spending spurred by perceived scarcity.
5. The Soundtrack
Restaurants often play slow, soothing music to make customers stay longer and consequently order more. Studies have shown that the pace of music can indeed influence the speed at which customers eat and how much they order.
With the ongoing trend of experiential dining, where the ambiance is as important as the food, being aware of the impact of music on your dining experience can help you keep your spending in check.
6. The Charm Pricing
Charm pricing is when restaurants price items ending in .99 or .95 instead of rounding up to the nearest dollar. This small difference makes items appear cheaper than they actually are, encouraging customers to spend more.
As the cost of living continues to rise, every penny counts. Recognizing charm pricing can help you accurately gauge the value of what you’re ordering.
7. Upselling
Upselling is when waitstaff suggest add-ons or more expensive dishes. While it often comes across as an effort to enhance your dining experience, it’s also a way for restaurants to increase sales.
With the current trend of personalized dining experiences, upselling is increasingly common. Being aware of this can help you avoid unnecessary extras and stick to your budget.
8. Size and Shape of Plates
Restaurants often serve meals on large plates to make portions seem smaller and encourage you to order more. The perception of portion size can have a significant impact on how much you end up ordering.
As more people are becoming health-conscious, understanding this trick can help you make healthier portion choices and avoid overeating.
9. No Dollar Signs
Many menus omit dollar signs from their pricing. This subtle trick disconnects the cost from the idea of spending money, making you more likely to order pricier items.
With the increase in cashless transactions and digital menus, this tactic is becoming more prevalent. Being aware of it can ensure that you don’t overlook the cost of your meal.
10. The Wine List Trick
Restaurants often list a very expensive wine to make other bottles appear cheaper, a tactic similar to anchoring. This encourages customers to opt for a bottle instead of a glass, boosting the restaurant’s profits.
As wine culture becomes more popular, and people are more inclined to pair their meals with wines, understanding this trick can help you avoid spending more than you intended on your wine selection.
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