Salate in the ice cream parlor: Customer confusion creates discussions

Salate in the ice cream parlor: Customer confusion creates discussions

Kassel, a popular place in late summer, attract many ice lovers who want to treat themselves to refreshment in warm temperatures. But in a certain ice cream parlor, an excess of signs causes confusion and resentment among customers. Images of the counter that show the confusing regulations quickly spread to social networks and ensure lively exchange, especially on Reddit.

The first sign informs the guests that to-go orders in the form of ice in the waffle do not entitle a seat or use the toilet. The reason for this regulation has to do with VAT: Products to take away are subject to a reduced tax rate of seven percent, while items that are connected to a service, such as a seat, are taxed with 19 percent. However, this explanation seems to be incomprehensible to the users. Some already express the intention to buy in the supermarket in the future.

confusion in payment methods

Another sign illustrates a restriction in the means of payment: Customers cannot use 1 and 2 cent coins. Whether this practice is legal is also heavily discussed. From a legal point of view, retailers have the freedom to restrict or reject cash payments as long as customers are informed in advance about what should be given by the sign in the case of the ice cream parlor. This ensures a mixture of astonishment and outrage for many.

The third regulation, which causes excitement, concerns the provision of tap water. The ice cream parlor raises two euros for half a liter, although free water is made available in many other European countries such as Spain and Italy. In Germany, there is no obligation for restaurateurs to offer free water at this point, which leads to a clear difference in perception. The EU drinking water guideline recommends offering water without additional costs.

customer reactions on the net

The reactions to this flood of signs are consistently mixed. While some users on social media criticize the procedure and indicate their dissatisfaction, there are also voices that do not interfere with the rules. Positive feedback such as "great ice cream cup" and "highly recommended" can also be found. The opinions of the customers reflect a broader discussion about how hospitality and regulations in the catering sector are perceived.

In a time when the expectations and practices of gastronomy are changing, an exciting trend manifests itself here: increasing transparency and regulatory density that does not always meet with approval. The challenge for gastronomic businesses is to find a balance between yield, administration and customer satisfaction, while the publications about their policies can spread more and more.