Self service drink station at a fast casual. I can't tell you how many times i've seen people get non-water in their FREE (clear) water cup. Don't know if it's getting worse these days, or i'm so old and crotchety it just bothers me more
What do you do in that situation? and i'm not talking a weeee splash of something in their water - i'm talking full-out coke or tea or sprite
If i'm feeling froggy - i've learned the best way, if i ring them up, is to go over and say, "I'm sooo sorry. I thought you wanted water. that drink will be $2.59. I apologize."
trouble is - i just can't bring myself to do it every time i see it. In fact, i hardly ever do it. And that doesn't work as well if someone else rang them up
Yes, i want the sales and profit from their entrees. BUT i really, really need the sales and profit from that drink.
I'll always remember - YEARS and years ago, i'm sitting at a table, eating (my own restaurant) and next to me the cutest little voice ever: "momma, how you we know Jesus loves us?" And the mom responds with her answer. Then i notice this family talking about Jesus - mom and two children maybe 4 and 7, have 3 water cups, all with sodas. And then after that question, daughter complains her drink isn't good - mom says "pour it out and get a different soda." OHHHH - stealing one drink per family member isn't enough, let's waste one and get a different flavor?
i know only 0.0034% of people reading this are restaurant owners, so the other 99%+ of you - how would your peers respond in this situation if they were told to pay for the drink they just stole? Do you think it's ok? Why do they think it's ok?
Yes it's overpriced. Yes it's cheaper at the convenience store, at the grocery store, or at home in your fridge. BUt so is that egg that you pay $3.99 for on the side that comes 12 for $3 (a quarter each). SO are those fries you paid $6 for (a large russet potato in bulk is less than a dollar). You wouldn't steal fries or an egg (or would you). Why's it ok to steal the drink?
We also just installed some high end drink options that cost me over double what the soda machine drinks cost - maybe that's why i'm more sensitive now. There's some serious cost to these (our employees eat and drink for free on shift, and we ask them nto to get these new more expensive drink options). If i won't let them have them for free, i certainly don't want customers getting them for free