Outrage or Justified? Café Owner Speaks Out on Why Holiday Surcharge is a Must-Read Story for Every Australian
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When you're out and about enjoying the leisurely pace of a public holiday, the last thing you might expect is an extra charge on your café bill. But for many business owners, like Ruby Rule, a young entrepreneur with three cafés in Queensland, this surcharge is not a ploy to pinch more pennies from customers but a 'necessary evil' to keep the business afloat during these costly days.
Members of our Seniors Discount Club, you've likely encountered this scenario: you're sipping on your flat white or enjoying a slice of cake, and when the bill arrives, there's an additional 15% tacked on for the public holiday. It's a common practice that has stirred up quite the debate among Australians, but Ms. Rule's candid breakdown of the costs involved in running her business on a public holiday sheds light on the other side of the counter.
On a recent public holiday, Ms. Rule's cafés operated on reduced hours, yet the financial figures were telling. With $4,705 in revenue, $719 came from the surcharge alone. However, the wages for her nine staff members, who worked a total of 55 hours, amounted to $3,500 – a significant leap from the $1,800 it would cost on a standard working day. The surcharge, while helpful, didn't even cover the majority of the additional wage expenses.
This isn't about greed; it's about survival. The surcharge is not there to line the pockets of business owners but to offset the hefty penalty rates that come with employing staff on public holidays. Ms. Rule's transparency in sharing these figures has sparked a conversation about the realities of running a hospitality business and the costs that customers don't often see.
Some patrons argue that businesses should incorporate these costs into their everyday pricing, spreading the burden across the year rather than hitting customers with a surcharge on the few public holidays. Suggestions have been made to increase prices slightly throughout the year or to offer weekday specials to balance the books. However, Ms. Rule believes her customers prefer the option to stay home on a public holiday rather than face higher prices all year round.
The debate is complex, and opinions are varied. While some customers feel that surcharges dampen the spirit of hospitality on public holidays, others have expressed their understanding and willingness to support local businesses that choose to open on these days. They recognize the value of being able to enjoy café services on a day off and acknowledge the extra compensation deserved by the staff who serve them.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of supporting local businesses while also being mindful of our budgets. It's a delicate balance, and we encourage our members to consider both sides of the coin. Whether you choose to dine out and accept the surcharge or opt for a home-cooked meal on public holidays, it's essential to stay informed and understand the economic dynamics at play.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Have you encountered public holiday surcharges at your local cafés or restaurants? Do you think they are justified, or should businesses find other ways to manage the additional costs? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below – let's have a conversation about the value of service and the cost of convenience.
Members of our Seniors Discount Club, you've likely encountered this scenario: you're sipping on your flat white or enjoying a slice of cake, and when the bill arrives, there's an additional 15% tacked on for the public holiday. It's a common practice that has stirred up quite the debate among Australians, but Ms. Rule's candid breakdown of the costs involved in running her business on a public holiday sheds light on the other side of the counter.
On a recent public holiday, Ms. Rule's cafés operated on reduced hours, yet the financial figures were telling. With $4,705 in revenue, $719 came from the surcharge alone. However, the wages for her nine staff members, who worked a total of 55 hours, amounted to $3,500 – a significant leap from the $1,800 it would cost on a standard working day. The surcharge, while helpful, didn't even cover the majority of the additional wage expenses.
Café owner Ruby Rule defends the public holiday surcharge to offset higher staff penalty rates. Credit: Tiktok / @Ruby..rule
This isn't about greed; it's about survival. The surcharge is not there to line the pockets of business owners but to offset the hefty penalty rates that come with employing staff on public holidays. Ms. Rule's transparency in sharing these figures has sparked a conversation about the realities of running a hospitality business and the costs that customers don't often see.
Some patrons argue that businesses should incorporate these costs into their everyday pricing, spreading the burden across the year rather than hitting customers with a surcharge on the few public holidays. Suggestions have been made to increase prices slightly throughout the year or to offer weekday specials to balance the books. However, Ms. Rule believes her customers prefer the option to stay home on a public holiday rather than face higher prices all year round.
The debate is complex, and opinions are varied. While some customers feel that surcharges dampen the spirit of hospitality on public holidays, others have expressed their understanding and willingness to support local businesses that choose to open on these days. They recognize the value of being able to enjoy café services on a day off and acknowledge the extra compensation deserved by the staff who serve them.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of supporting local businesses while also being mindful of our budgets. It's a delicate balance, and we encourage our members to consider both sides of the coin. Whether you choose to dine out and accept the surcharge or opt for a home-cooked meal on public holidays, it's essential to stay informed and understand the economic dynamics at play.
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