Indian Takeaway Charged Extra for Different Foods

Lvodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 12:51
Last edited 23/07/2018 - 15:57 by 1 other user

It just happened - it's dumb I know but I felt aggrieved from the fact that I was charged extra for food that wasn't advertised to cost extra.

Went to an Indian takeaway joint in a food court and was told my order of butter chicken and lamb vindaloo costs extra - because beef and lamb costs extra. It's an extra $2 for this in addition to the $11 I would have paid if I didn't have my second option as Beef or lamb. The lady mentioned it, and I looked around for some advertising of this extra cost, but there was nothing other than her word of mouth.

Being the socially awkward person I paid the extra to stop holding up the line the seethed about it after.

Can restaurants do this or should I just give up and move on?

Food & Grocery

closed Comments

  • PissLUR on 23/07/2018 - 12:55
    +8

    give up and move on.

    what else do you want us to do?

    • Kangal on 23/07/2018 - 16:08
      +2

      Well, we can all bitch and moan in unison

    • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 13:21
      +5

      You say "Oh in that case I'll have XYZ instead."

      How old are you? How have you survived this long? Wait a bit and I'll throw you another neg.

      • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 14:12
        -2

        Let me rephrase - you order two meat dishes. And is told one meat has a surcharge after the fact

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:14

          It's not "after the fact" when you haven't paid yet or eaten it. You can change your mind!

        • idonotknowwhy on 23/07/2018 - 15:38
          +3

          Yeah, check the price before you pay. If that happens again, you can say "Oh, in that case, I'll have chicken" or whatever doesn't come with the surcharge.

          It's like when you go to pay for dinner, pull out the AMEX, and they say "We have a 5.5% surcharge for amex ;)", you can pop it back in your wallet, pull out your Visa or debit card and say "In that case, I'll pay with savings ^_^"

          So next time this happens, you have a choice: you can either decide that it's worth the extra $2 to get beef/lamb, or you can change your order. If they say it's too late as they've already made it, turn around and walk away. Easy!

    • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 23/07/2018 - 13:59
      +6

      The obvious thing to do here is take the restaurant to the small claims court….

  • dasher86 on 23/07/2018 - 13:08
    +19

    Options.

    1. Proceed to purchase item.
    2. Complain, proceed to purchase the item.
    3. Do not purchase.
    4. Complain and do not purchase.

    Oh 5.
    Post on ozbargain.

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 13:10
      -6

      But I paid for my food and the extra cost

      • dasher86 on 23/07/2018 - 13:13
        +1

        Continue to seeth about it.
        Go back and give them feedback.
        boycott going forward.

        Life is too short for $2.

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 13:15
          -2

          Good point, screw it - ill boycott for the future

      • Maxxjet on 23/07/2018 - 16:04

        Did the lady point a gun against you ? Or you simply thought " oh, if i change to another meal without surcharge I will be looked down upon as cheap " , C'mon mate - man up and move on - either suck up , or for $2 just enjoy it as you love it don't you ?

    • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 23/07/2018 - 15:40
      +3

      "It just happened - it's dumb I know"

      Period.

  • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 13:10

    I'd either make the enquiry straight up, if it was for a silly reason i'd just go else where or if it was alot extra.

  • dodgybrothers on 23/07/2018 - 13:17
    -3

    you are socially awkward person, move on !

    • kevkay on 23/07/2018 - 16:42

      Woah, calm down. Don't just name call w/o a reason.

  • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 13:19

    If it was good butter chicken i wouldn't care either tbh

  • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 13:20

    Lol. The lady told you, you were like "okay", and now you're "aggrieved"? JFC grow a backbone.

    Edit: And the rest of you can stop coddling someone who's supposed to be an adult. Christ, and you wonder why Australia's turning into a nanny state.

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 14:05
      +2

      I just wanted to know if you can charge extra for something that they don't clearly advertise

      • Hybroid on 23/07/2018 - 14:10
        +1

        If it makes you feel better it's quite normal for Indian places to charge $1-2 more for a non-veg serve than a veg one.

        Example: https://b.zmtcdn.com/data/menus/853/15544853/9340e361ece36f4…

        So you didn't get ripped off, but sure, doesn't answer the point of it not being clearly displayed.

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 14:46
          -2

          I don't want OP to feel better. Being charged extra for certain ingredients is standard EVERYWHERE. You pay more for chicken on pizzas from Dominoes.

          doesn't answer the point of it not being clearly displayed.

          It doesn't matter. The point of the display would be to inform OP. The lady informed OP.

        • Hybroid on 23/07/2018 - 15:39
          +2

          @HighAndDry: Yes and no. If you look at the menu I linked, the medium meal for choice of "2 curries" for $9.90 should mean an expectation of any choice of any 2 curries will cost you $9.90*. No extra for choosing chicken and lamb curries. However, the middle section for takeaway curries clearly states different prices for veg and non-veg which is perfectly normal.

          *I'm perfectly aware they can ask you to pay any price they want and not obligated to sell you it at $9.90. So they can say $50 for that $9.90 meal and you're under no obligation to buy it either.

        • MrTweek on 23/07/2018 - 16:18
          +1

          @HighAndDry:

          It doesn't matter. The point of the display would be to inform OP. The lady informed OP.

          It does matter. Some people (like me) like to take their time to make an informed decision beforehand. I hate it if stuff isn't communicated clearly and I am pressured into making a new decision in seconds. Even worse if you are buying for a couple of people and don't know whether they are happy to pay the extra $2 or would prefer a different meat in that case.

          It's definitely bad style and I'd probably not go there again if the menu is that intransparent.

      • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 14:44
        +1

        She told you there would be an extra charge before you paid and ate. You agreed, handed over your money willingly, and then ate the meal.

        Being told via the ad and being told by the lady IS THE EXACT SAME THING.

  • qwerty on 23/07/2018 - 13:22
    +6

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invitation_to_treat
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offer_and_acceptance

    You were making her the offer to buy the curry at $11 - she did not accept at that price but did at $13

  • JimmyF on 23/07/2018 - 13:24

    beef and lamb costs extra

    Then change your order to not include these?

    Some dishes do cost extra, but yes they should display clear pricing that this is the case.

  • ThithLord on 23/07/2018 - 13:28

    They cannot add a cost that is not displayed - question is, what are you going to do about it? I, myself, would definitely have asked why it isn't displayed.

    • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 13:30
      +3

      Sure they can. Most places don't display prices for additional sauce, but if you ask they'll tell you it's 50c or something per extra small container.

    • zonra on 23/07/2018 - 15:47
      +2

      Surely a restaurant can’t display all possible cost/prices..

      “No! I refuse to pay extra, where does it say it cost more to add 3 pounds of prawns and a whole chicken to my curry? Show it to me on your menu!”

      • B2 on 23/07/2018 - 16:16

        @zonra - i needed that belly laugh today!

  • chumlee on 23/07/2018 - 13:31
    +2

    This is definitely one for A Current Affair

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 14:07

      Got Tracy grimshaw on speed dial for this

  • pyramid on 23/07/2018 - 13:32
    +1

    Straight to ACCC.

  • AlienC on 23/07/2018 - 13:38
    +4

    Your username tells me that maybe you should stop it a little so you can process these changes in life in real time much easier and better.

  • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 13:41

    Hahahaha so good - yeah I'm over I was just annoyed enough 1hr ago to post it on ozb (Edit:was for alienc - not that great with tech)

    • Baysew on 23/07/2018 - 14:14

      Neither is AlienC

  • holdenmg on 23/07/2018 - 13:57

    Was this Indian Takeaway owned and operated by AMP? lol

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 14:06

      Lol they did make a damn good butter chicken mate - amp should expand their operations

  • djones145 on 23/07/2018 - 14:17

    did you buy a combo where you can only pick one meat dish and one vegetable dish? a lot of Indian places have this requirement

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 14:33

      Nah I just asked for "a large butter chicken and lamb vindaloo with rice"

      • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 14:48
        +2

        And then she said "Oh dishes with lamb cost $2 extra", right?

        And then you went "Okay" and handed over the money.

        And then you sat down and ate it.

        What part of the lady using verbal communication to impart information to you do you object to?

        • cookie2 on 23/07/2018 - 15:45

          create your own post instead of taking over this one. you're WAY too angry about this imo and you need to calm down a little and remember you're speaking to another human being.

  • abb on 23/07/2018 - 14:47
    +1

    Next time, cancel your order and walk away.

    "Oh, $2 extra? I didn't know that. Sorry."

    Businesses respond to one pressure only - loss of money.

    You could leave a negative review. Personally I would just never go back.

    • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 14:49

      There's nothing wrong with charging more for certain dishes. Different dishes have different prices. OP has literally nothing to be aggrieved over - he even thinks their dishes are good. The problem is solely with OP.

      • abb on 23/07/2018 - 17:28

        There is a problem if it is not advertised.

        I'm imagining a sign that says "Meal: $10", you say "one lamb meal please", then they say "sure, here you go, that's $12".

        Someone does that to me, I walk away.

        If the sign says "Veg. Meal: $10, Meat Meal: $12" or anything along those lines, sure, no problem.

    • my mum on 23/07/2018 - 14:51

      Thats right. At the $2 extra stage say 'Oh no, I didn't bring enough, I thought it was $11 - thanks anyway'…

      Or, call in A Current Affair

      • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 14:54

        Why even lie for? OP had $13 (obviously, because he paid the price). You'd have to have some kind of pathological aversion to confrontation if you can't just say "Oh in that case I'll have ________ instead." Or just "Oh, sorry I didn't know, don't worry about it then."

        • my mum on 23/07/2018 - 14:55
          +1

          "Why even lie for? "
          Because instead of putting it back they will 99% say 'Oh, I give for $11 dollar, but next time meat $2 extra'

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:03

          @my mum: Pretty sure an Indian place is going to be staffed by Indians and not Chinese… but who knows.

          And no - in a busy food court? That's never happened to me.

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:05
          +1

          @my mum:

          I don't think he reads - he's obviously got it out for farm hands like me - I complained about it happening once and I moved on but it's his mission to be little me

        • my mum on 23/07/2018 - 15:10
          +2

          @vodkaman:

          I think I have finally answered the riddle of why HighAndDry is being a nasty pasty in this instance.

          He is obviously the person who served you. How else would he know that the man who served you was Indian, and specifically not Chinese?

          In any case, let's not make it a race issue.

          XOXOXO - my mum

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:12

          @my mum: No, was just suggesting if you were going to put in an accent, you might as well use the most probable one.

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:12

          @vodkaman:

          Why would I be trying to belittle you? If I was, I'd point out that "belittle" is one word. "Farmhand" is also one word. Oh wait…

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:21
          +1

          @my mum:

          Yep he's ignoring pretty much the context of the situation to feed his weird agenda

          At no point did I aim it at him/her or thier love affair for Indian takeaway food pricing

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:22

          @vodkaman: Well I guess you're showing off your aversion to conflict right here. But honestly, what context? You were buying take away. Jesus.

          But I guess you and your mum can keep circlejerking away.

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:26
          +1

          [@HighAndDry](/comment/61864 94/redir):

          Classic edited comment post the remark - I'm going to edit mine now thanks :)

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:30

          @vodkaman: Sure? Don't need my permission.

  • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 15:32
    +2

    Well this thread gone be closed.

    • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:36

      Yeah, probably. It'd be for the best. I'm still mildly amused, I don't think OP is.

      • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 15:39

        Could say I am, entertaining read indeed

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:40

          Oh that was obvious enough from the "pew pew" way up there haha.

        • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 15:41

          @HighAndDry:

          :)

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:42

          @Godric: Too bad actually, me and OP just became buddies apparently. No more pew pew for you anymore lol.

        • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 15:48

          @HighAndDry:

          Dammit, now i'll just my thumbs in procrastination of actual work : ((

        • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 16:50

          @Godric:

          Twiddle even, I feel this clarification will help some people

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 17:12
          +1

          @Godric: Someone was reading it and screaming at their monitor "You'll what your thumbs?! WHat?! I NEED TO KNOWWWWW"

        • Godric on 23/07/2018 - 17:25

          @HighAndDry:

          To that person, i got you bro!

  • my mum on 23/07/2018 - 15:35
    +1

    The funny thing about this fighting is that VodkaMan and HighAndDry both seem like they could become good pub-buddies, but when they get too drunk they would punch on.

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:37
      +2

      I like him - exactly the type of guy I'd be mates with

      The Russian in me will probably OD on our water though

      • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:39
        +1

        Alright alright, I got a little more snarky than I probably should've. I probably just have an aversion to whinge posts.

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:40
          +2

          Nah it's all good - I'm just bored before my shift starts don't mean anything by it

          Maybe the vodka talks

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 15:43

          @vodkaman: Any problem that's not solved by vodka - not enough vodka. (I've paid ridiculous prices for food while drunk…)

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:48

          @HighAndDry:

          I've lived here for 10 years and my mum refuses to try the vodka - she's says she'd rather drink her piss lol

        • HighAndDry on 23/07/2018 - 17:14

          @vodkaman: HAHAHAHA. Is she Russian? If she is, I can understand. We do have decent imported Russian vodka here, but 1. I can't tell the difference, and 2. I've heard it's only decent compared to the other vodkas we have here.

    • garetz on 23/07/2018 - 15:45
      +1

      “Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.”

      ― George Carlin

  • h4zey on 23/07/2018 - 15:41

    Are you serious???

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:42

      Yes what's more important this or the Australian cricket team ball tampering?

  • DarthAntz on 23/07/2018 - 15:42

    next time order without the meat.

    "one butter and vindaloo please"

    Bargained.

    Ozbargain, helping the socially awkward with $2 related stress since last login

  • ScuseMe on 23/07/2018 - 15:42

    Drink some Vodka and move on!!

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 15:46

      Vodka in Russia/Europe is the price of water. It's criminal how much they charge here

      • anonymous01 on 23/07/2018 - 16:09

        What… Don't you know!? We OzBargainers grow our own potatoes in backyard and make our own Vodka.

  • dylo on 23/07/2018 - 15:46
    +2

    Go back and explain how distressed you were and that just because you are socially awkward does not mean you should be charged more for beef or lamb. Implore the cashier to identify with your good nature and bargaining spirit. If this fails return with a container of cockroaches and unleash them in their kitchen followed by a quick call to the health department.

  • Save Medicare on 23/07/2018 - 16:05
    +4

    Hello sir

    I work for the ICCC (Indian Cuisine Complaints Commission). Thank your for your bravery in coming forward and sharing your story with us. What you have experienced is part of a culture of systematic malpractice that we have been investigating for the past four years. You have every right to be frustrated that you were charged a nominal amount extra for food that costs more for the restaurant to make.

    With your consent, one of my colleagues will be in contact with you further to take down your exact recollection of the events which led up to and during this critical incident. I also ask you to please do not hesitate to seek the support of your friends and family in this difficult and trying time.

    • retiredfeline on 23/07/2018 - 16:16

      Will you want iTunes gift cards? 😜

  • Aap Ke Papa on 23/07/2018 - 16:09

    Did you enjoy the meal?

    • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 16:11

      It was very nice

      • Aap Ke Papa on 23/07/2018 - 16:15

        Then you need to move on. I hope someday someone leaves $2 in a shopping trolley so that you feel you have recovered the huge monetary loss that you had to go through

        • vodkaman on 23/07/2018 - 16:17

          It's like 100 rubles

          I can't in hitting up ACA

  • B2 on 23/07/2018 - 16:11
    -1

    ewww who eats Indian at a food court!

  • therooftop on 23/07/2018 - 16:50
    -1

    That’s atrocious! $11 for Indian food is ridiculous. The same dishes would’ve cost you the equivalent of $1-2 in India. Stupid Australia tax. I hate Gerry Harvey.

  • lachhelix on 23/07/2018 - 16:56

    Oh dear

  • BartholemewH on 23/07/2018 - 17:20

    Does it matter that surcharge is not advertised - yes. Do I care about OP's situation - no.

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