questions → why do restaurants insist on bogo coupons?

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Why do restaurants insist on BOGO coupons?

Dec 2, 2011 3:56 PM

I always scan the newspapers and online deals for fast-food coupons and deals since I eat out for lunch almost every day. It seems like the vast majority of coupons is for "Buy One get One Free", but these are useless to me since I'm eating alone! Surely with all the college students and single buyers, they would do better to do coupons like "Buy a side and a drink and get a free sandwich". Anyone else affected by this?

tossthedice tossthedice

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I'd say the majority of restaurant customers go in groups of 2 or more, so BOGO offers are a better deal typically than something that would appeal to a lone customer. But there are still some options for someone dining solo, just have to look for other discounts (happy hours, appetizer discounts, etc.).

Or alternatively, get that free dinner to go and have leftovers the next night.

lordebon lordebon
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I agree with you that it would be nice to be able to use a coupon free item without having to buy one. However, I think it would be a sure money-loser to do it that way. With the BOGO, they are sure of selling one expensive item anyhow. JMO - because I have often wished that I could take advantage of an offer when dining alone - dining may be the wrong word - grabbing a bite?

klozitshoper klozitshoper
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I don't think it's really economically viable for them to offer free dinners for a single person. Once you knock out the biggest portion of the meal the server is going to get an Awful tip... and they already work for less than minimum wage. So I don't think it would be fair based on that alone. Usually I'll just find a co-worker to go with if it's during the lunch hour or take a brother or something. At least with two people they make 99% profits on 2 sodas to help offset the sandwich you're purchasing.
Coupons never works though, I end up giving the 6 or 7 dollars to the server every time.

Also don't forget about lunch specials! No coupon needed and you usually get a soup/salad with your meal for less than the price of your meal.

Either that or they know we have an "obesity epidemic" and they are preparing for the future of single eaters? No- That's terrible. I'm sorry. Keep it civil...

cowboydann cowboydann
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I almost never go out to eat alone, since going out to eat, for me, is about being with the other person(s) rather than merely getting food. (I like cooking and am good at it, so I'll bang together something at home from whatever I have around rather than go out to spend money on food that usually isn't as good.)

However, I get your point and agree that most restaurant deals do not take single eaters into account.

baqui63 baqui63
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I should have clarified this in the description, but I'm mostly talking about fast-food restaurants.

tossthedice tossthedice
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@tossthedice: I was thinking that for some reason but I answered it for a restaurant anyways. D'oh

I don't know what you're talking about. Our local junk mail/news papers always has free fries and drink with purchase, 1 dollar off... Just because they're not 3 dollar deals doesn't mean they aren't great deals. Jack In The Box, Carls Jr. and subway always seem to have great dollar off/free upgrade to meals...

cowboydann cowboydann
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@cowboydann: Maybe it's just my area then... McDonalds, Burger King, Hardee's... they all use BOGO around here. The only place that I ever get good coupons from is Steak & Shake =/

tossthedice tossthedice
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I've seen BOGO on fries and drinks but not really a meal. With the fires and drinks the other is bound to purchase sandwich or something more. So that free drink that cost them $.15 to make just made them $5. Well worth it for the restaurants. The fries are the same deal, maybe just cost a bit more.

poang poang

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