The debate about drinking never seems to cool – and perhaps it was screwed up a few more degrees when the default percent buttons were introduced a few years ago.
In the submitter « Don’t give any drinks to the staff at the pub » (DN 21/4) both the drinking culture and the increasingly common percent buttons are criticized. According to the writer, a simple thanks to enough:
« You should not have to feel that you have to pay extra in addition to the bill for good service and good food, when a note can go for hundreds or thousands of dollars. »
Nice to avoid the head count?
Photo: Sara Damne
Since the US-inspired card terminals with drinking buttons were introduced, the drinking has increased. The cashier Talking about doubling – and at Nybroe butter bread in Östermalm’s market hall, this is an increase of 8 percent, according to restaurant manager Vincent Vinilescu.
– It is entirely up to the consumer, but offering different percentage levels is a way to create choices. The fact that some choose higher just because they do not want to choose lower is a sales technology that is found in many industries, he says.
At Vincent Vinilescu’s restaurant, the drink is divided between everyone in the staff.
Photo: Sara Damne
He explains that The restaurants themselves decide their structures for drinking, but on Nybroe butter bread it is shared between all staff who have been in service during the pass, including tableware, kitchen staff, bar staff and dishwasher.
– Drinking should represent the level of response you get from the staff. It’s about paying for the sales moment. If the person has sold well enough, then that is what you pay for, he says.
A few blocks away from Nybroe butter bread is the restaurant Artsbaren, KB, where percent buttons have never been welcome – something that restaurant manager Malin Lantz hopes will remain so.
– So far it is possible to opt out of that function on the machines and then we do. It is because we think it is nicer. It’s more style not to have them. So we reason, she says.
– We also have many older guests, and I myself can feel that it is difficult to know how to use the device. Therefore, it feels good not to have them, she continues.
The decision for KB was made at group level: When the new payment systems were launched, Stockholm’s restaurants and Wärdshus AB chose to renounce – a position that includes all restaurants in the group.
-We have chosen to keep the old terminals, partly because we do not want the guests to feel forced to leave drinking, and partly because the supplier always wants to write new 36-month agreements when we change terminals, which also makes it a cost issue for us, says Stefan Söderman, CEO of the Group.
Malin Lantz means That it is a decision that the guests have noticed.
– You notice that they appreciate it. They say it’s nice. It may not be something that is said every day, but it actually happens, she says.
Vincent Vintilescu has not received any reaction from the guests regarding the percent buttons, but from judging by a handful of people in the area that DN speaks with, they do not seem to have any problems with the system – and 10 percent seem to be the golden middle ground.
Robin Rösehag
Photo: Sara Damne
Robin Rösehag, 40 years.
Do you drink?
– Yes, I do. I can’t help but be, unless the service is in a way that makes me want to mark that this I do not like.
Do you think you should drink?
– I don’t know, I haven’t thought that far. But if I am in a company with someone who does not drink, I am a little ashamed.
How much do you usually drink?
– Around 10 percent.
Do you drink more or less with the percent buttons?
– I rarely drink more myself. I could do it, but for my finances it is enough with 10 percent. Had I been very tight I would have drinked more – it is fun to drink.
What do you think about the percent buttons?
– It certainly makes more people drinking. I myself have worked for a short period at a restaurant, and I always thought it was so embarrassing to ask guests to enter their own amount for drinking. So the percent buttons may facilitate people.
Sofia Ekholm
Photo: Sara Damne
Sofia Ekholm, 34 years.
Do you drink?
– Yes, if it’s good then I drink.
Do you think you should drink?
– Yes, if you are happy with your visit, you should definitely drink.
How much do you usually drink?
– About 10 percent. It’s my guideline, but I think it’s great I can drink more.
Do you drink more or less with the percent buttons?
– It depends on what is on the percent buttons, but if it says 10 percent I usually choose it.
What do you think about the percent buttons?
– I think it’s pretty good, because it’s smooth and goes fast when you have to drink. But of course, if you are not satisfied, it can be a bit provocative that they encourage you to drink anyway.
Magnus Sund
Photo: Sara Damne
Magnus Sund, 53 years.
Do you drink?
– At a restaurant, yes. But not with the hairdresser.
Do you think you should drink?
– I think it feels perfectly okay to pay tips for the service profession, but then you can think about why you do not give tips to the nurse or the doctor.
How much do you usually drink?
– Around 10 percent.
Do you drink more or less with the percent buttons?
– I think I’m drinking more. If there is 15 percent and I am happy and thought it was delicious, maybe you press it instead.
What do you think about the percent buttons?
– I understand that they fulfill their function for those who work there, especially if it is a good place. But ultimately it is I who choose, so it doesn’t make me so much that they exist.
Barbro Örström
Photo: Sara Damne
Barbro Örström, 76 years.
Do you drink?
– Yes, sometimes when there is good service and good.
Do you think you should drink?
– Yes, in some cases if you get good food and good service. Not always.
How much do you usually drink?
-Around 5-10 percent.
Do you drink more or less with the percentages?
– It’s the same.
What do you think about the percent buttons?
– It’s okay.
Christian Bergståhl
Photo: Sara Damne
Christian Bergståhl, 52 years.
Do you drink?
– Yes, I do. I see that as a matter of course.
Do you think you should drink?
– Yes, I really think so. It is a bit neighboring part of our culture that you show appreciation for both chefs and service staff who have made a little extra effort. It’s about tradition and culture, I think.
How much do you usually drink?
– If I am normally satisfied, I always spend 10 percent. I can both go below and over depending on whether something has been worse or better – but not to give anything at all, I probably never do. I think that is a direct insult. However, I have not received enough attention, or if my views have not been taken seriously, I may only spend 5 percent.
Do you drink more or less with the percent buttons?
– More or less I don’t really know, but in general I think there will be more tips with the percent buttons.
What do you think about the percent buttons?
– Yes, it makes it easier. But if I usually put 10 percent and want to add a little more, then the next alternative is 15 percent, and maybe I would not have chosen otherwise. But on the other hand, it is a choice I can make at the moment. A good and flexible solution, I still think.
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