I’m back now from a few weeks in Mexico (Oaxaca) via the USA (LA and Arizona) and here are three things of a strategic nature that amazed, frustrated and startled me.
There's no drip pricing in Australia? I'm used to the kind of pricing scheme you mentioned, just like tipping 20% on nearly every service is common but surprising to Europeans who don't tip as often.
It's not SO common here. Taxes are, by law, included in all marked prices. Tipping is elective, largely. Resort fees and the like for hotels I haven't ever come across anywhere except the US. Plenty of places, like restaurants, will try to upsell ("Would you like the additional course on the set menu?"), which I think is different from drip pricing.
I know that countries EXPECT tips from North Americans. For instance, a cocktail barman I know here who works in a hotel assumes (correctly) that for each drink he makes a US visitor will give him $5. No Australian would ever do that - in fact, we presume people are offended by offering them 'handouts'.
There's no drip pricing in Australia? I'm used to the kind of pricing scheme you mentioned, just like tipping 20% on nearly every service is common but surprising to Europeans who don't tip as often.
It's not SO common here. Taxes are, by law, included in all marked prices. Tipping is elective, largely. Resort fees and the like for hotels I haven't ever come across anywhere except the US. Plenty of places, like restaurants, will try to upsell ("Would you like the additional course on the set menu?"), which I think is different from drip pricing.
Interesting. I'm always surprised when I visit countries with elective tipping cultures. I likely tip in places that don't requite just out of habit.
It tells you how the behaviors of consumers can be shaped through hundreds and thousands of interactions.
I know that countries EXPECT tips from North Americans. For instance, a cocktail barman I know here who works in a hotel assumes (correctly) that for each drink he makes a US visitor will give him $5. No Australian would ever do that - in fact, we presume people are offended by offering them 'handouts'.