Diners are unwilling to split the bill if there’s a price difference of more than £27.57, according to a recent poll of 2,000 adults that explored key attitudes towards eating out. The survey found that if someone’s share exceeds £27 more than others, most people would refuse to split the bill evenly and would instead prefer to pay only for what they ordered.
Alcohol proved to be a major sticking point, with 55 percent of respondents expressing frustration at having to share the cost with someone indulging in drinks while they themselves aren’t drinking.
The study also revealed that, in the past, the majority of people have ended up paying more than their fair share just to avoid confrontation over the bill. Only 40 percent of diners feel comfortable asking others to pay their fair share if they’ve ordered something more expensive.
The study also identified ‘billphobia’ – the threshold at which individuals start fretting over their food and drink expenses – which sets in when spending £89.82 on dining out.
The research was commissioned by Compare the Market, which is offering 25 per cent off dining out, where people who take out a qualifying product can get a year’s membership.
Director Kristin Sonfield said: “Billphobia is a real thing for diners. A lot of us have experienced it where we’ve sat down and the bill keeps totting up, and you’re trying to make sure it doesn’t get too expensive.
“Searching for good deals and using discount codes to get money off may mean you don’t have to worry as much when the waiter does arrive with the cheque.”
When dining out, the mid-tier food option is the most popular, but 37 percent splash out on whatever they fancy, regardless of price.
Most people tend to worry when the bill arrives, with being overcharged, tipping the right amount and splitting the cost fairly key sticking points. Four in ten admit they have avoided going out for food altogether to avoid bill-related awkwardness.
The research also found three quarters feel it is important to get good value when dining out – with friendly service, generous portion sizes and locally sourced ingredients, all part of the secret recipe to a good night.
Others love nothing more than looking for a good deal when dining out, with pizza, burgers and pasta the top foods diners love to get money off.
Kristin Sonfield from Compare the Market, which has an app which allows customers to redeem deals, said: “Dining out should be about good food and good company – but for many, the stress of the final bill can take the joy out of it.
“With rising prices, being savvy with spending is more important than ever to ensure you’re getting a good deal.”
TOP WORRIES WHEN BILL COMES OVER WHEN EATING OUT:
- Being overcharged
- Tipping appropriately
- Splitting the cost fairly
- Someone not paying their share
- Paying for more than you ate
- Worrying about how much it costs
- Whether discounts will be valid
- Not having enough money
- Being judged for what you ordered
- The pressure to pay immediately
