Service of Perks Denied
Monday, August 28th, 2023
The custom of offering free coffee, iced tea or soda refills has never been universal and differs between communities and restaurants but I’ve always enjoyed it when it happens. In 2010 in “Service of Bonuses” on this blog I remembered books of Lifesavers sent to my mother at Christmas time because she was a stockholder. I’ve never received any goodies from corporations in which I hold stock.
And who doesn’t love encores at a concert?
In The Wall Street Journal Dawn Gilbertson wrote “This Hotel Perk Used to Be Free. Not Anymore. Visitors wanting to check in early or check out late are surprised to find they have to pay up.” It can cost from $25-$150 depending on the venue, she reported.
One of my friends goes nuts when she’s charged for a cup of tap water and ice after she’s bought a substantial number of sandwiches and chips at a deli.
Restaurants used to provide a basket of bread and butter or olive oil with a meal. In many NYC restaurants you must now ask—and pay for—bread and even extra sauce.
Five years ago Beth Landman wrote “The most outrageous restaurant overcharges,” in the New York Post. There’s a notation that the article was updated since 2018 but it doesn’t specify when. Still, you get the idea. She reported:
- $12 for freshly grated wasabi at Tetsu
- $2 for a [homemade] marshmallow on hot chocolate at City Bakery
- $9 per person for bottled water at the Pool
- $3 for steak sauce at BLT Prime
- $6 to $7 for bread and butter
My credit card rewards seem to have shrunk while my charges have increased.
Have you noticed that you are now paying for things that once were free?
