Say what, You are going to charge me?

[YouCanToo]

There's a store in Australia that really hates it when its customers walk around the store without buying anything.
Redditor BarrettFox posted a pic of a sign informing shoppers of a new fee at a  specialty food store in Brisbane.

It's $5 for "just looking."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/store-charges-customers-5-just-234300072.html

[joechimp]

Love to see them trying to enforce this in a video. Someone is bound to youtube and encounter.

[YouCanToo]

I think it is really a bad idea from a business prospective. Talk about begging to go out of business doing a stunt like this.  Like the article said if their prices are just as good or that they have items found no where else, why do they feel the need to charge some sort of fee.  It seems to me that this is just another example why people use the internet for shopping over the inconvenience of a brick and mortar store.  If I did live in Australia, I would not visit this store simple for this stunt they are trying to pull......  For all I care, any business that does this can go out of business!

[Linux-Blue]

I understand the stores point of view. a lot of people do it. I very very rarely do, and that's because I'm too lazy and eager to shop all over before buying something.

If it's a somewhat specific item that I want to look a certain way like a DVD/blu-ray shelve, I'll around until I find what I want, or the best I can get. If it's a specific movie, if I see it, I just buy it. Maybe I'll check online first to see best price.

Charging customers may stop or slow down the "check prices and then go elsewhere for a better bargain.", but in the long run, I don't think that's a good thing to do.

[YouCanToo]

I am sure that some people do indeed "Window shop"  but id you look at the sign they posted it is really a insult to their customer or potential customers.  They are claiming "Our prices are almost the same as other stores plus we simply have products simply not available anywhere else".   If this were entirely true there would be not use in going to any other store or going online to buy the product.  Their statement "These people are unaware" is nothing but an insult.  Do they really think the potential customer, does not know.  Perhaps they would be far better off to post a sign that say they will price match any product. Of course with some sort of proof of the price.

If they are so worried about this, why did they open a business in the first place?  I think, I would rather have people in my store, even if they are not buying. My thought here is my store looks busy and busy store tend to draw more people, who will buy the products I am offering, should they be of quality and at a reasonable price.

Perhaps we should charge them for the privilege of us coming to their place of business!

I think there is more going on here with their business that meets the eye.

[and then..]

I noticed a comment towards the bottom of the article...

"If it was me, I'd say 'Screw you.' and not give them a dime, walk out and refuse them any future business," wrote another.

I'm not to sure how applicable this persons comment is..    It sound like somebody mouthing off about matters that are completely irrelevant to them.  Should they be willing to spend the $2000 approx to visit Australia and do a little shopping, I'm confident the $5 can be waived..

They need another sign in this shop which should read   "all goods must be paid for in Australian currency!" 

[The Chief]

Bars and dance clubs have been doing it for years.  They call it a "cover charge!"

[and then..]

Coperto at Italian restaurants.  If the cloth goes on the table and you sit - coperto!   (cover charge applies)

[pupthai]

So is this how best buy will compete with online? 

[weirdwolf]

I'm going to hazard a guess that they won't stay in business long if they hold to that policy.
I cant post my first response.  

[johnmart]

My guess is that it was a joke. 
Provoked some comments tho. 

[nitrogen_widget]

Bars and dance clubs have been doing it for years.  They call it a "cover charge!"

Yep and we we usually avoid those places when we go out except when we have a large group & are dressed up. Then the guy at the door is smart enough to realize waiving us through is a good business decision when we balk at the silliness of a cover charge & turn around to leave.

However, if there is live music I don't mind paying a cover charge.
Does the store have live music?

[kjpetrie]

Coperto at Italian restaurants.  If the cloth goes on the table and you sit - coperto!   (cover charge applies)

I was caught by that once, but at least you can understand it if you've caused them a laundry bill, (Perhaps Italian hygiene law doesn't allow them to re-use the tablecloth for another customer.) A bar or night club calling their entrance fee a cover charge is a bit much.

I don't like hidden charges and will generally avoid places that have them.

[joechimp]

I used to be a manager at a night club and there was always a small cover charge. Lots of times it was just $5.00. To keep the riffraff out. It all went to the band playing that night unless it was a big name and they wouldn't work for the door.

I remember a guy coming to the door one night and said he had a group of 12 people that would like to come in for the "night" but they didn't want to pay the cover charge. Only $5 that night.
Of course without hesitation I said come on in. Even if they only bought one drink each it was worth having them in. They stayed all night and came back again and again. If they came in a group I would let them in for free. If they came like 1 couple they payed the cover without even asking.
On bigger name acts I would give them a break on the cover but not free. They were good with that too. Made lots of money off them.

I personally hate cover charges. I understand them in some circumstances but not a fan.
I hate tipping as well. I do tip and tip well, but tipping is something that just went wild at some point and businesses are laughing all the way to the bank. Better stop on that. Rubs me the wrong way.

And yet another thread goes off track. Sorry for my contribution to the wreck.