ConsumerValue: Entertainment and Recreation
1. Socialising
We all like to get together with friends, be it over a pint, a meal or sharing an activity like a game of bowling. These social pleasures can sometimes be what enjoyment is all about, so we don’t want to have to cut them out just because finances are getting tighter.
The first thing to note is that traders in these service businesses are very susceptible to a drop off in custom.
They typically have a relatively high proportion of fixed overheads, in terms of rent or mortgage for their premises, so they need regular cashflow to keep their businesses operating.
The smarter business people in this sector are already responding to the current difficult climate by introducing special offers.
This has been particularly noticeable in the restaurant sector, with eating establishments anxious to earn and keep customer loyalty introducing early bird specials, mid-week dining deals, group discounts, buy one get one free/half price promotions.
Keep your eyes peeled for these and vote with your feet to support businesses that are responding to consumer needs.
Check out the following websites for information on dining promotions:
As ever, watch out for the “tried and trusted” ways to get you to part with a few extra euro – the meals may be discounted, but the bottles of wine are possibly still at a relatively high mark up.
Gratuity charges
Beware the “gratuity” line on your credit card slip. If a service charge has already been added to the bill, then you might be paying twice.
More relevant for many of us is to ask whether any gratuity/service charges is actually deserved, is it distributed equally amongst the staff, or does it go straight to the bottom line of the operator?
Bear in mind too that there is a difference between “grabbing a bite to eat” and having a blow-out culinary extravaganza.
There are some things that simply cannot be done well on a tight budget, so while it may give you a “feel good” factor to have a night out on a budget, do remember that there are times when it is worth paying good money for an experience that will be memorable for a long time to come.
Pubs and clubs
In the bar/pub/club sector, while there has been a generally slower response to the downturn, recent press reports suggests a return to a pricing model more tailored to affordability.
Some publicans have announced decreases in the prices of their core products (stouts, beers, ciders, wine by the bottle), while others are enticing drinkers with other services to ease the cost of a night out.
Some establishments now offer “You Drink, We Drive” services to transport you home after a night out, others provide free entertainment on certain nights, as an added attraction to customers.
The power very much rests with consumers here, to support businesses that are reacting to the times we are in with fair deals for willing buyers – after all, that is what ConsumerValue is all about.
Learn more
Read our tips on getting better value in restaurants
Find out about your rights when eating out