There was a group of 6 of us that dined at James Squire Melbourne. The bill came to just over $300 and they wouldn't accept 2 coupons from us….just the one. They said it was against company policy to accept multiple coupons.
On the Entertainment Book website this is what they mention:
When more than two people dine together, these rules apply:
One bill for the party – no separate bills
No more than three Entertainment™ Cards / Vouchers per party
This happen to anyone else?
Did you let them know you'd be using coupons (and more specifically, two coupons) before ordering?
Not that I'm defending their refusal, though! It just seems like the best way to avoid any hassle with coupon use is to make your intention to use coupons (and show them which ones) very, painfully clear to the restaurant prior to ordering.
Being screwed over when the bill comes = not cool.
Keep us posted on what happens.
I would never tell them before hand.
It gives them an excuse to give you sub par food or quantity
Good point.
But which is riskier? Telling them and getting an inferior version of the meal, or not telling them and then having an issue with using the coupons? Tricky one.
I would enquire about using two coupons in one go, over the phone then say "let me get back to you" after you have confirmation of the other guests you were thinking of going, and also ask for their name (and then thank them for therir time).
Then once you're about to pay the bill after you've eaten, mention (employee name) said you could use 2 coupons in one go, it adds credibility, if they refuse, then chuck a fuss, because most likely you won't be going back again, cause a scene as a final revenge of not being able to use two coupons in your bill.
I would enquire about using two coupons in one go, over the phone then say "let me get back to you" after you have confirmation of the other guests you were thinking of going, and also ask for their name (and then thank them for therir time).
Words of a pro OzBargainer. +1
I agree ….the other thing we do is always order your take away over the phone and then rock up at last minute and pay as you hand vouchers over …make sure you get same meals as any other customer who orders..
I am sure that some places would give you different servings or quality if they knew you were about to order 4 or 5 take away dishes and save 30 bucks compared to the other customer who stands there and pays up front without a voucher
maybe I am imagining it but its something we do
anyone else do this with takeaway vouchers
Is this Squires at Docklands? If so, they tried the same trick with a group of 4 of mine earlier this year. I insisted that I knew what the rules were, and fortunately they had their own Book behind the counter, for which I referred them to the dining rules page. It was only then when they agreed to accept 2 vouchers.
Just complain to Entertainment Publications and they will send you a gift voucher, as a similar incident happened to me a few years ago at a different venue.
lol yeah docklands!
I ate there recently. The risk mentioned above is no longer relevant, you end up with sub par food regardless. I was so glad I had used the entertainment book or I would have been really annoyed had I paid those prices.
What is most disappointing is that I went through the dining rules in the Book with their manager. Yet they still try to scam people.
And yes, their food was absolutely shocking, and their tables were sticky and dirty. 3 reasons why I won’t bother to ever go back there.
I also got refused when I tried to use two coupons once. It was at an Asian restaurant. It seems like some restaurants need a lot more communication from EP, especially with the app.
Yup, as others have mentioned, you can use 3 vouchers for 6 people. Complain to Ent Book and you will either get your discount money owed to you (Ent Book will actually visit the venue and discuss with them, and get cash from them) and/or issue you with a gift voucher for another place/coles/woolies.
It has happened to me so many times I now don't hesitate to complain. These operators know the rules fully, they signed up for the process themselves but obviously try to avoid discounting as much as possible (profits). If they try so hard to deny vouchers i just don't understand why they even sign on with Ent Book… it creates more negative word of mouth than it's worth! Rant over.
Hmm I complained several times about a certain Thai restaurant in Melbourne that was consistently breaking the EB rules (their menu specifically excluded certain meals from the discount which isn't allowed).
It took ages to get anyone to even reply to me from the book and then several months for someone to do something. They said they'd visited the restaurant but when I went back months later they hadn't changed their policy or menu. This was even after the next EB was out.
All I got for my trouble was a few extra vouchers from the book and that was only after I escalated it with them. Their customer service isn't good.
Incidentally the restaurant in question is no longer in the book.
It's an aside from the topic but unfortunately quite a few other ones we used to use are also no longer in the book.
my understanding is:
1 person = 1 voucher/card
2 person = 1 voucher/card
3 person = 1 voucher/card
4 person = 2 voucher/card
5 person = 1 voucher/card
6 person = 3 voucher/card (MAX)
5 people dining allows for 2 cards / vouchers to be used.
I would contact the Entertainment Book and let them know, never had this problem.