Trampa501 Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 This what is happening with Sunak's "Eat out to help out" scheme. Go out Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and pay less tax. Go out at the weekend and you'll pay more tax in the bill. It's similar to the "surge pricing" that the likes of Uber employ. If demand is (normally) higher at weekends, then charge more - in this case keep the higher tax burden. Good idea, or a slippery slope to hell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottbeard Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 A large number of service businesses already operate this, except by different marketing : for example no pub would say “double price Saturdays” but plenty say “weekday lunchtime half price special” airlines are the kings of it however, it’s fair enough for private businesses to charge what they like for things i think there has to be a strong public interest reason for the government to do it - I’m not convinced it’s good even in these unusual Covid times. However It’s not such a dichotomy as “good” or “hell” - and indeed one could argue the government already play in that space with things like Council car park charges that are higher in the week etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trampa501 Posted August 11, 2020 Author Share Posted August 11, 2020 You could make the argument that eating out is more pleasurable mid-week, when it's less crowded and you're more likely to receive individual attention. I'd probably agree with that. I do wonder why people love to flock to mass events like the Notting Hill Carnival or Glastonbury festival. I much prefer a slower pace of life, but I'm obviously in the minority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trampa501 Posted August 11, 2020 Author Share Posted August 11, 2020 15 minutes ago, scottbeard said: A large number of service businesses already operate this, except by different marketing : for example no pub would say “double price Saturdays” but plenty say “weekday lunchtime half price special” airlines are the kings of it however, it’s fair enough for private businesses to charge what they like for things i think there has to be a strong public interest reason for the government to do it - I’m not convinced it’s good even in these unusual Covid times. However It’s not such a dichotomy as “good” or “hell” - and indeed one could argue the government already play in that space with things like Council car park charges that are higher in the week etc Good point - it already happens in the private sector, and if anything will increase. I suspect it will also increase in areas run by government - and your car park example is a good illustration of that. See also higher tube fares before 9.30am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 As Scottbeard said, many resturants, pub, cafes would have had some form of a low footfall time promotion. Its nothing new. Like may retailers would do with Just after Xmas sales (partly to get rid of xmas stock that didnt sell, partly to entice people through the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrink Proof Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Monkey said: As Scottbeard said, many restaurants, pub, cafes would have had some form of a low footfall time promotion. Its nothing new. Like may retailers would do with Just after Xmas sales (partly to get rid of Xmas stock that didn't sell, partly to entice people through the door. I suspect we are going to be seeing more than a few pre-Xmas sales this year. And even some pre-Xmas closing down sales too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riedquat Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 14 minutes ago, Shrink Proof said: I suspect we are going to be seeing more than a few pre-Xmas sales this year. And even some pre-Xmas closing down sales too. We've seen them for several years already, before this situation started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msi Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 How about a novel idea of 'supply side surge pricing'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winkie Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Makes me think of all those trying to sell stuff saying, ' this or that is very popular'..... won't be buying that then.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikhail Liebenstein Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 3 hours ago, Trampa501 said: This what is happening with Sunak's "Eat out to help out" scheme. Go out Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and pay less tax. Go out at the weekend and you'll pay more tax in the bill. It's similar to the "surge pricing" that the likes of Uber employ. If demand is (normally) higher at weekends, then charge more - in this case keep the higher tax burden. Good idea, or a slippery slope to hell? Actually it is probably a good idea and is possible now from a technical standpoint, though only good for short duration services. That said, it should be designed to coincide with peak demand, rather than days/times. The trains are quieter at the weekends, but the restaurants are busier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikhail Liebenstein Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Shrink Proof said: I suspect we are going to be seeing more than a few pre-Xmas sales this year. And even some pre-Xmas closing down sales too. 2020 calendars already on clearance sale in WHSmith! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longgone Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 his scheme has a max saving of £10 a person its not even worth bothering with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Banner Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 3 hours ago, Trampa501 said: This what is happening with Sunak's "Eat out to help out" scheme. Go out Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and pay less tax. Go out at the weekend and you'll pay more tax in the bill. It's similar to the "surge pricing" that the likes of Uber employ. If demand is (normally) higher at weekends, then charge more - in this case keep the higher tax burden. Good idea, or a slippery slope to hell? It's not Sunak's scheme, it's Cummings' scheme. Either way it's daft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuayThai18 Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Just went with the missus to a local restaurant to try out this half price nonsense. The burger was £17.50, half price would've been a normal price. Except we didn't get that far, we got up and left 25 mins after being seated and given menus because no one came to order our drinks and or food Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacedin Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 (edited) How about sweep the streets and pick up litter on Saturday and Sunday for cheaper food and drink on Mondays and Tuesdays? Maybe even get the food for free if you're willing to clean up sick and dog turds? Think Treasure Hunt... Edited August 11, 2020 by spacedin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habeas Domus Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 How long until places start ramping up prices on the days when "help to eat" is available? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winkie Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 22 hours ago, MuayThai18 said: Just went with the missus to a local restaurant to try out this half price nonsense. The burger was £17.50, half price would've been a normal price. Except we didn't get that far, we got up and left 25 mins after being seated and given menus because no one came to order our drinks and or food Ha....about says it all. Never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winkie Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 On 11/08/2020 at 12:07, Shrink Proof said: I suspect we are going to be seeing more than a few pre-Xmas sales this year. And even some pre-Xmas closing down sales too. The worse thing that could happen is if a Christmas spending spree is cancelled......kids are told we are doing better things together, doing all the things money cannot buy......that is not a five minute wonder, unwanted throwaway plastic toy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richmondtw Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 On 8/11/2020 at 10:27 AM, scottbeard said: however, it’s fair enough for private businesses to charge what they like for things Agreed On 8/11/2020 at 10:40 AM, Trampa501 said: You could make the argument that eating out is more pleasurable mid-week, when it's less crowded and you're more likely to receive individual attention. I'd probably agree with that. I do wonder why people love to flock to mass events like the Notting Hill Carnival or Glastonbury festival. I much prefer a slower pace of life, but I'm obviously in the minority. Agree on all counts - I have - no interest at all in being at some crowded event unless it is sport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odin Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 On 11/08/2020 at 20:29, MuayThai18 said: Just went with the missus to a local restaurant to try out this half price nonsense. The burger was £17.50, half price would've been a normal price. Except we didn't get that far, we got up and left 25 mins after being seated and given menus because no one came to order our drinks and or food But you're meant to scan the bar code on the table, download the app, setup the credit card and order everything via the app. You are still expected to tip the service for not breathing into your food. Anyone noticed any pricing / app / website glitches causing you to pay more, such as paying extra for a dash of mixer when ordering a standard measure, when the price is usually included. Still going out this weekend to eat out should be nice and quiet for example today Thurs has been completely dead of people movements around englands 2nd city centre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trampa501 Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 On 12/08/2020 at 19:05, winkie said: The worse thing that could happen is if a Christmas spending spree is cancelled......kids are told we are doing better things together, doing all the things money cannot buy......that is not a five minute wonder, unwanted throwaway plastic toy. The retailers based on Oxford Street are calling for the Christmas lights to be turned on early this year. November already seems early enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msi Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 2 hours ago, Trampa501 said: The retailers based on Oxford Street are calling for the Christmas lights to be turned on early this year. November already seems early enough. Given the reluctance of Priti Patel to give space for Middle Eastern migrants, should we be celebrating Christmas at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.steve Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 1 minute ago, msi said: Given the reluctance of Priti Patel to give space for Middle Eastern migrants, should we be celebrating Christmas at all? Not to mention the risks of improbable cross-species transmission if we were to allow them to stay in a stable. Also, what about quarantine for the visiting shepherds and wise men... or... should we assume that the guiding starlight will only appear after the Brexit withdrawal phase is complete? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winkie Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 2 hours ago, Trampa501 said: The retailers based on Oxford Street are calling for the Christmas lights to be turned on early this year. November already seems early enough. They can't wait for people to get out spending again, Christmas is a good excuse than ever. You either decide you will or decide you won't......nobody will think any worse of you, could put your creative hat on and make/create something original, lots of thought and effort put into that...... chutney anyone.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamnumerate Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 On 11/08/2020 at 13:39, Mikhail Liebenstein said: 2020 calendars already on clearance sale in WHSmith! Surely you mean 2021? I can't imagine many people want to buy a 2020 calendar now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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