Comments on: Wasting money on 2 entrees

By: Stuff Worth Reading, Because… You’re Pregnant! Congratulations! Oh, You Didn’t Know… | Punny Money

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:51:14 +0000

[...] A baby’s gotta eat, and nobody knows eating better than Clever Dude who will shove your spatula through your eye sockets if you ever try to cheat him out of food. [...]

By: Chief Family Officer

Chief Family Officer — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 03:14:44 +0000

It *is* clever pricing, but I think I would frequently pay the extra dollar without considering it “wasted” money – rather it’s money invested in my health. I would get two entrees, one with protein and the other being steamed vegetables. I’d rather bring my own healthy lunch from home, but we’ve been eating out a lot more lately…

By: Clever Dude

Clever Dude — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:22:43 +0000

Anonymous, I can tell anyone how to run their business. They don’t have to listen. I’m the customer.

You, however, at least got it half right. People are willing to pay for it, but not me. But that doesn’t mean it’s fair pricing FOR THE CONSUMER.

People, this was a commentary on the psychology of pricing, not who has what right. Go take a nap so you’re not so cranky.

By: Golbguru

Golbguru — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:26:59 +0000

Clever: “If it costs them extra to make more items, then factor that into the cost for a single item and do away with the option for 2 items.” – now, that wouldn’t be called good marketing, would it?

$1 is for variety for those who are willing to pay. And as long as people are willing to pay the restaurant will continue with the scheme.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:59:54 +0000

It absolutely is reasonable to charge more. The 2 entree item is a different product than the 1 entree item. You pay different amounts for coffee versus soda, and for shrimp versus chicken. You’re not paying them what the food costs them, you’re paying them what they think the market will bear.

Apparently many consumers are willing to pay more for variety. You aren’t.

What is definitely unreasonable is for *anyone* to tell someone else how to run his business or what prices it is ok to charge.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:18:11 +0000

It’s a way of getting $6 out of the people who are willing to pay $6 for a meal, while not losing the business of the people who are only willing to pay $5 for a meal. Lots of places do this sort of thing.

By: rstlne

rstlne — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:18:42 +0000

Here’s how you can get the variety of two entrees while paying the single-entree price: Go to the restaurant with a friend. You can order one entree and your friend can order the other entree. Then later, the two of you can swap half of each entree.

By: Clever Dude

Clever Dude — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:53:38 +0000

MoneyNing: No, it’s not reasonable. If it costs them extra to make more items, then factor that into the cost for a single item and do away with the option for 2 items. Or just leave the price for the 2 items and do away with the option for a single (as I mentioned). When I pay a dollar more for a second entree, I’m expecting more food. I don’t need to extra food, but I expect it

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:21:52 +0000

Ahhh, it’s all a clever marketing ploy. Score one for the restaurant. Now that you know their game you can make your own cost-benefit analysis every time you eat there. You can most likely do this in your head, but bring a paper and pencil just in case!

By: MoneyNing

MoneyNing — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:52:45 +0000

Clever: The fact that they have to prepare more variety is cost to the owners.

I think it’s quite reasonable for them to charge more to give you variety.