There are no clear regulations saying that it cannot be collected, because catering companies belong to the market-regulated price category and companies have independent pricing power. However, according to Article 8 of the Consumer Rights Protection Law, consumers have the right to know the true situation of the goods they purchase and use or the services they receive; Article 9 stipulates that consumers have the right to independently choose goods or services.

If a restaurant wants to charge a service fee, it must inform customers in advance. Otherwise, the consumer's "right to know" and "right to choose" will be violated, and the customer can refuse to pay.

Here, the editor reminds everyone that if your restaurant charges a service fee, be sure to inform customers in advance or provide an obvious text reminder in the restaurant. If the merchant does not inform you in advance and charges a service fee at checkout, the consumer can refuse to pay; if the merchant does not agree, you can call 12315 to complain.

2. Is it reasonable for restaurants to charge service fees like this?

1. Is it necessary to charge service fees?

According to industry insiders, the origin of service fees in the catering industry "Tip" in Hong Kong. But in mainland China, we don’t have the habit of tipping. Some restaurants have turned this voluntary tip into a clearly marked service fee that must be paid.

Although it does not constitute an overlord clause in law, it still makes many people not used to it, especially when customers do not experience the "value for money" service and have a bad impression of the restaurant.

2. The charging reminder is too unclear

We mentioned that the service fee must be notified in advance, either in writing or verbally. However, some merchants are more "insidious" and deliberately leave the service fee reminder. The writing is very small and it is displayed on the table or on the home page of the electronic menu, so customers will hardly notice it. When the customer questions it during checkout, the restaurant will say: "It was prompted anyway, it's your responsibility if you didn't see it!"

Although it is not illegal, such "evil intentions" will definitely attract bad reviews from customers.

3. It was said "untimely"

The restaurant is notifying you. We charge a service fee, but we only tell them after they have waited in line for a long time to order food. From the time they got their number to the time they waited in line, they only announced the service fee, which inevitably upset some consumers. I feel in a dilemma.

If the service fee is informed when queuing, customers can make decisions earlier. Otherwise, some customers will feel uncomfortable. For the restaurant, it will make money this time. They may not come.

Therefore, the editor recommends that if restaurants really want to charge this service fee, they must provide equivalent services to make customers feel that the fee is worth it. Be generous and inform consumers as early as possible, and don't lose your long-term reputation for temporary gain. After all, customer experience and reputation are related to the restaurant's "money".

Three, take these things. Restaurants need to be careful about fees.

Relevant regulations clearly stipulate that "no bringing your own drinks" and "minimum consumption in private rooms" are overbearing clauses. If this happens, consumers can complain immediately.