In the middle of the heated tax debate, a new survey now makes clear: 91 percent of the Austrians call for tax exemptions for tips – a clear announcement of politics. The marketing study also shows how often the Austrians go to the restaurant and what annoys them the most.
When it comes to tips, there is a tension: nine out of ten Austrians are ready to give a good tip with good service. At the same time, 85% are in favor of rewarding good service through fair wages – instead of the voluntary gift. Austria also agreed on the currently highly discussed tax debate: 91% argue for a tax exemption from the tip. Remarkable: 34% of local guests also get the wallet and give tips.
About two -thirds of the Austrians treat themselves to a meal outside at least once a month (65%) – more than in Germany (54%), but less than in Switzerland (69%). But culinary joy has its limits: in general the majority of the Austrians think that the customer is actually “king” in the catering trade (73%). But only every fifth experience (22%), but 51%, on the other hand, only occasionally. Another quarter rarely or never feels royal (27%).
Price performance quality as the main reason for dissatisfaction
Usually guests are irritated in gastronomy about poor price-performance ratio (33%), followed by poor quality in food and drink (27%) and unfriendly or poor service (25%). A third of the Austrians have the impression that the quality of service has disappeared in recent years – considerably more than in Switzerland or Germany, where only a quarter think. Despite occasional problems, the tone in the domestic restaurants is usually friendly – or complete. On average, Mr and Mrs Austria only express a critical note twice a year and only once an important complaint.
When it comes to reservations, the Austrians prove their reliability, because the vast majority of domestic guests adhere to similarities: Despite reservation and without cancellation, not only 12% has been published. It happens even less often that reservations are made in different restaurants (9%).
Reserve yes – check no!
On the other hand, new practices of the gastronomy that want to increase the reservation morality are not very well received by the Austrians. 84% clearly rejected that they must specify credit card data during reservation. Time slots, permanent service costs or penalty payments also represent clear red lines for the majority of domestic catering seekers, who would have a (further) restaurant visit.
“Our study shows that the Austrians like to go food – but they want to feel well treated, pay transparent and make a freely decision. Complex reimbursement models and impersonal requirements are changing the fragile balance between hospitality and business model,” said Thomas Schwabl, director of marketing agent.
Free services yes, but not at an extra costs
Ordering a “decompenes” (an empty sign on which children receive parts of their food from their parents) or tap water is widespread in Austria – half of them have already done this. However, very few would like to pay for this: a maximum of 90 cents would be accepted on average for a glass of water from the line, an average of 1.12 euros for the theft. If these services become more expensive, many prefer to do it without.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
