Aussie diner calls out hidden fees in QR code use
It seems Aussie diners are becoming increasingly unhappy using QR code ordering, with hidden associated costs leaving diners livid.
The pandemic trend that several pubs, diners and cafes have adopted post-COVID, has seen venues swap out physical menus for the QR codes.
However, there are associated costs that guests may not be aware of.
One Sunshine Coast diner posted on social media: “Went to a restaurant earlier in Sunny Coast, asked for a menu - the only menu they had was on the door and [I] was directed to a QR code menu on the table,” the diner vented on social media.
“It’s for this f**king web app called meandu, which proceeded to charge a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge, a 2 per cent payment-processing fee, and then had the audacity to ask for a tip (10, 15, 25 per cent) as the cherry on top.”
The diner complained that instead of making the process easier, it was making it worse.
Hundreds of people agreed.
“You're waiting your own table and paying an extra fee for the privilege,” one person said.
“Some also want all of your details as well … hate it!” another person wrote.
It’s not all hate for the QR code.
“I don't actually mind ordering from a QR code, sometimes it's just quicker and easier,” said one social media user.
"I quite like the QR codes, especially if they have pictures of each item. It also gives you the easy flexibility of ordering more later, and you don't have to wait around to pay the bill at the end," another said.
QR codes are here to stay.
According to restaurant and Catering Industry Association CEO Suresh Manickam, “The rising cost of doing business is playing a part. Margins are getting thinner and thinner as the price of energy, labour, rent and produce continues to increase,” Manickam told Yahoo Finance.
It should be noted that different ordering apps have different pricing structures.
“Some charge monthly subscriptions or fees per transaction, depending on the provider. The costs relating to the QR code functionality is being passed on to diners in a similar fashion to credit card surcharges.”
Jonathan Jackson, 8th November 2023
