HOYTS Candy Bar Ripoff - Small Drink & Popcorn Combo for $17.90 Whereas Items Can Be Purchased Individually for a Total $14.40

partymix on 21/02/2017 - 13:07
Last edited 21/02/2017 - 14:07 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, last week I went to Hoyts cinema in Melbourne Central for my free screening of Hidden Figures (thanks OzBargain!).

I was at the candy bar and asked the girl serving me what combos they had and how much they were. As you would expect, everything cost an arm and a leg so I asked if she had a small combo. At first she told me she didn't, but then the girl next to her said there was one and showed the girl serving me on the screen where to get to it. She charged me $17.90. I paid, and off the movies I went.

Whilst in the movie, I remembered the price list rotates between advertisements and the cost of a small drink was $6.60 (for some reason it had caught my eye whilst waiting at the candy bar). I was curious if a small popcorn had indeed cost me $11.30!

After the movie I went to the candy bar to check the price list, and in fact the individual prices for a small drink is $6.60 and a small popcorn was $7.80. So I asked the staff members behind the counter - they explained that the small combo included a collectors cup (I did not receive any such cup, just the normal paper packaging).

I then checked with someone I know who works for Hoyts and it seems they are very much aware of this pricing issue and have done nothing about it.

I'm also going to write a complaint directly to Hoyts but I just wanted to share it with the community but I think this is bs!

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Comments

  • Dumax on 21/02/2017 - 13:09
    +18

    Why write when you could complain on their Facebook page?

    • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 13:10
      +7

      I checked their FB page and there's no messenger option.

      Edit: Looks like the messenger option was missing when I checked their FB page via my phone. It's there now when I'm on FB via a browser. Thanks, will message them that way. But still wanted to share this cos it's ridiculous.

      • tomsco on 21/02/2017 - 14:05
        +35

        I think Dumax meant more to post it on there wall for all to see, not via a private message

        • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 18:10
          +1

          I read some of their wall posts and seems to get directed to submitting an "official" request so I've done that too. Thank you

        • tomsco on 21/02/2017 - 18:46
          +8

          @sparathecat:

          No worries.

          For a public wall post, while it may be resolved behind closed doors, the purpose (whether right or wrong) is for the issue to be visible to the public. This way there is more pressure on the business to resolve it.

        • Marty131 on 22/02/2017 - 16:19

          @tomsco: Don't the business usually just delete it, as there would then be no public record?

        • tomsco on 22/02/2017 - 16:40

          @Marty131: some do, but if it's identified they are just silencing complaints (of which, a number would no doubt be unfounded) then they will just seem more shady.

          Better customer relations to appear to at least acknowledge the feedback.

        • malich on 23/02/2017 - 14:20

          @tomsco:

          acknowledge the feedback then hide the comment. That's the pro way

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 13:16
    +108

    I'm always fascinated when threads like this pop up.

    Why anyone, let alone an OzBargainer, would buy stuff from a cinema candy bar is beyond me.. even $14.40 for a small drink and popcorn.

    • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 13:18
      +4

      Sorry, I tried searching to see if this topic has been discussed previously but couldn't find anything.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 13:21
        +3

        That's fine :P Just maybe when you contact Hoyts to ask WTF is up with their pricing for the combos, ask them how they justify charging people so much for a bag of popped food-that-is-dirt-cheap-and-used-as-a-filler-in-practically-everything-edible, and sugar syrup.

        • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 13:24

          Thanks Altomic. Should I close this post?

        • WreckTangle on 21/02/2017 - 22:22
          +5

          @sparathecat:

          I'm glad you posted it. I often dont know the topics I'm interested in until I see them posted.I'd never go looking for this topic in Ozbargain archives but I'm glad I'm now aware thanks to this post.

      • ItsMeAgro on 21/02/2017 - 13:56
        +22

        @sparathecat

        What he means is, buying ANY food/drink at the movies is ALWAYS crazily expensive. You're complaining about being ripped off buy $3.50 when you're actually being ripped off by at least $15.

    • nubzy on 21/02/2017 - 13:30
      +6

      beats me too? If I really have a need to take a drink/snack in, I go to the supermarket beforehand. I would feel so dirty paying $10+ for popcorn and post mix drink..

      • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 13:51
        +15

        I promise I'm a true ozbargainer who carries a large handbag and does a woolies run prior. This was very out of character for me!!

        • PJC on 21/02/2017 - 18:00
          +7

          This is why my wife keeps her largest handbag. Last month we saw Lion free via https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/286605 with sandwiches, 600ml bottles of water and a 92c bag of Cheetos Cheese & Bacon balls. We may as well keep the costs low.

      • try2bhelpful on 21/02/2017 - 14:48
        +2

        +1 on this. If I'm going to the Cinema at Chadstone I usually go to Sweetas and get the shortdated choccies. I figure I'm eating them that day so why not. I never buy a drink at the piccies - I usually have to make a dash to the loos part way through.

      • fozzie on 21/02/2017 - 20:55
        -5

        You are not meant to bring food from outside

        • Hirolol on 21/02/2017 - 21:07
          +3

          What do they expect when they charge so much.
          They have no right to tell anyone what they can and can't bring in. (I know they can refuse entry ect but I'm trying to make a point here)

        • treeman on 23/02/2017 - 10:19
          -2

          @Hirolol:

          Doesn't a true ozbargainer eat nothing at all at the cinemas?

    • geoffs87 on 21/02/2017 - 21:15
      +39

      Worked at a cinema for many years, much of it at management level.

      Cinemas lose a large proportion of their ticket sales to the film distributors. Generally, the agreement to lease a film from the distributor is to pay X% in the first week, with the percentage getting less the longer the film is showing. That percentage can be as high as 80% in the first week. As a result, cinemas must charge higher prices for candybar items in order to make a margin and stay in business, paying high rents (cinemas take up a huge amount of space, and rent isnt cheap), wages (cinemas require alot of people to run), electricity (all those projectors and air cons etc) etc etc.

      The price they charge is justified by a simple supply and demand curve. They estimate the number of combos they will sell, at each possible price point, and determine what the optimal price to charge is to meet their margins. It is vastly better to sell 1000 combos a week at $20 than 2000 at $10. I remember seeing once that a large coke costs 17c in product to produce, I'm not pretending the markups aren't redic.

      Regardless, i can't comment on their pricing error, seems crazy, and yes i think the prices are outrageous. But - i'd say their finance guys & girls have done the math and know what they're talking about, and while they hope you DO buy their F&B, if you DON'T they aren't too worried as they've already accounted for that when setting their prices.

      Since i stopped working at the cinemas, i rarely go, muuuuch cheaper to cook popcorn at home and watch the movies on itunes/netflix etc than go to the cinema - the whole experience is waaaaay overpriced. However, without that industry - i wonder how long quality movies would continue to survive…

      edit - should also mention - i really hated the particular chain i worked for, their method of running their business and treating staff was quite appalling, so i in no way am defending any particular chain, rather explaining the way cinemas stay (or try to stay) in business.

      • ItsMeAgro on 21/02/2017 - 22:08
        +2

        However, without that industry - i wonder how long quality movies would continue to survive…

        This worries me. I don't want cinemas to die off. The Cinema is fantastic for the huge screen and sound experience, and especially for comedies, a theatre full of people makes a big difference.

        But in-home streaming options will continue to improve in quality, hopefully to at least compete with blu-ray, then eventually 4k and HDR. As will displays and sound systems. Hell, my $400 projector and $200 Yamaha audio receiver with ancient speakers offers a pretty spectacular 80" (with 5.1 surround) film experience in my home. I wonder how long cinemas in their current form will last…

        • benjamin on 22/02/2017 - 10:41

          What projector do you have?

        • Munki on 22/02/2017 - 11:44
          +6

          Streaming 4K UHD with Aussie broadband? Tell him he's dreamin'!

        • ItsMeAgro on 22/02/2017 - 11:59
          +1

          @benjamin:

          BenQ MW 516. Only 720p, though. I'd recommend at least 1080p for a projector (though no visitor has yet guessed it's not 1080p without me telling them. It really looks amazing). I'll get a 1080p one eventually, and an HDR 4k one when that becomes sensible, but the colour and contrast are so good, it's hard to justify the $900 to upgrade to a BenQ W1090 or similar until this one dies or loses it's brightness…

        • Big Bad Bagheera on 22/02/2017 - 15:30
          +2

          There was a noticeable drop of in cinema attendance circa 1996 when VCR's became main stream, since then the frequency has been steady albeit a very minor downwards trend.
          http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/fact-finders/cinema/audien…

          The slight decrease in frequency is countered by the total population increasing.

          Cinemas has survived, VCRs, DVDs, easily accessible illegal torrents and streams, services such as netflix etc and constantly improving technology and it's affordability.

          even though TV's are getting bigger they have to plateu soon, people don't have houses or walls big enough to support 100+ inch screens and the average person will never have room (or money) for a couple meter big screen!

          I don't see any foreseeable technology advancement harming the cinema and inherently film business.
          Maybe when VR is so realistic that you can simulate the entire experience from your lounge room with friends and for free then will Cinema's have to change something.

        • lyl-Lychee on 22/02/2017 - 23:06

          Watching netflix originals & Amazon offerings like A Series of Unfortunate events or the Grand Tour, looks like online streaming companies are really cashed up. Seems like their business models are working and they have plenty cash to splurge on their productions.

          Which makes me wonder why Netflix/Amazon/etc insist on crippling their international markets. If they stopped limiting their international catalogues, and charged the same subscription fee USD internationally, I wonder if they would have a huger market and bigger profits.

        • ItsMeAgro on 22/02/2017 - 23:51
          +1

          @LymeLychee:

          why Netflix/Amazon/etc insist on crippling their international markets. If they stopped limiting their international catalogues,

          That's actually the studios/networks fault, nothing to do with Netflix. Netflix WANT us to have all the content, as that gets them more customers, but the content owners are stuck in the stone age and will only licence content per country, charging different prices everywhere.

          and charged the same subscription fee USD internationally,

          Australian price is what, a dollar more? worth it so we don't get a different price whenever the USD gains value. Not worth mentioning, honestly, with all the much bigger ways we get ripped off.

        • lyl-Lychee on 23/02/2017 - 00:42

          @mgowen: alright, a reasonable premium charged for the fx hedge factor is fair enough. But the fact that we pay MORE USD for LESS content? They added a premium for fx fluctuations yet they haven't discounted/scaled for our reduced content? The AUD isn't that volatile to ask that big a premium.

          And the $ difference more might not matter to you here, but I was actually referring to prices globally where some countries are paying 3x what other countries are paying USD. Denmark pays near double what the US pays and I sure doubt they have as big a library. They have a much bigger case for going with cable TV & torrents there.

          Your point on the international content I appreciate though. But frequently I wonder if they really put that much effort in negotiating with the networks or they're just wanting everyone outside the US to settle. Netflix in particular seems happier to spend their efforts baring everyone from their US catalogue.

      • Roman Sandstorm on 22/02/2017 - 11:15

        Geoff,

        Thanks for your informative reply.

        Of course…

        Cinemas lose a large proportion of their ticket sales to the film distributors. Generally, the agreement to lease a film from the distributor is to pay X% in the first week, with the percentage getting less the longer the film is showing. That percentage can be as high as 80% in the first week. As a result, cinemas must charge higher prices for candybar items in order to make a margin and stay in business, paying high rents (cinemas take up a huge amount of space, and rent isnt cheap), wages (cinemas require alot of people to run), electricity (all those projectors and air cons etc) etc etc.

        This is a common refrain of many businesses which routinely complain about the cost of doing business. Well, my answer is simple: If it's not profitable, don't do it! I mean, it is not ordained by Moses, and inscribed on stone tablets that someone "Shall only ever raise cows for milk, and never do anything else in life", or "Cinemas shall only ever run at the tiniest margins, and gouge patrons on their food and drinks".

        As a wage-earner all my working life, I have never been guaranteed a position; companies have gone broke, made me redundant, changed conditions, moved premises, etc, etc. Likewise no business owner is guaranteed endless profitability forever. (Well, unless you are a government-backed monopoly. But that's another economic story.)

        I find it tedious to so often read of the complaints by business and property owners about the cost of running their operations. Note how many threads we seem to get about landlords and their pesky tenants (how much better things would be if renters just paid up and shut up, and provided never-ending profits for their overlords).

        It seems that the majority of our society wants a capitalist system; well, this is the consequence, folks. It's not compulsory for businesses to stay in operation. Or farmers. Or hairdressers. If it's a loss-maker, there's an obvious and simple solution.

        To return to another point:

        the cinema - the whole experience is waaaaay overpriced. However, without that industry - i wonder how long quality movies would continue to survive…

        The movie industry has been saying this for many decades. First when talkies arrived. Then the advent of TV. Then Video tape. Now streaming. It may or may not survive. If enough people care (ie, pay their $$$ at the door) then it will. And if not enough care…

        I would argue that 'quality' cinema-type experience has now migrated largely to television anyway; the standards (writing, direction, production values) of many TV series is in many cases superior to most cinema releases. And it seems cinema increasingly relies on formulaic superhero movies to produce profits. Hardly 'quality'.

      • weezlebub on 22/02/2017 - 11:27
        +1

        Curious, most of what comes out at the cinemas from the usual companies is junk …

        Especially when you consider:
        TV series are getting to be higher and higher quality
        Marvel run their own production studio, so could break from tradition at any time
        International movies are getting better and better

      • Japius on 23/02/2017 - 08:14
        +1

        http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/11/united-state…

        A good run down of how they got expensive

        • geoffs87 on 23/02/2017 - 09:38
          +1

          Good read, thanks for that! Gives a bit more depth of what i was trying to explain :)

  • Diji1 on 21/02/2017 - 13:21
    +3

    And that's why I watch movies at home!

  • kolorijo on 21/02/2017 - 13:22
    +25

    a real ozbargainer would go to coles/woolies, get their (discounted) popcorn and drinks and enjoy the free movie.

    • altomic on 21/02/2017 - 13:23
      +58

      a real ozbargainer would go to the parents room and use the microwave to pop their paper bag of popping corn with butter and salt.

      • ItsMeAgro on 21/02/2017 - 13:56
        +7

        This is genius and you are genius

        • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 14:08
          +2

          They often have comfy chairs and TVs in them too.

        • altomic on 21/02/2017 - 14:14
          +22

          @blue-dinosaur: next OZbargain meet up - movie night at shopping centre parents room.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 19:12
          +1

          @altomic: I also hear rumours about free fresh milk, but I don't understand why they don't provide kettles and teabags.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 06:23
          +1

          @blue-dinosaur:
          Free milk - byo mum only.

        • Seraphin7 on 22/02/2017 - 08:37

          @blue-dinosaur: Perhaps you could BYO HDMI cable and lap top and hook up the Netflix?

      • itajac on 21/02/2017 - 14:26

        I'm gonna have to do this next time I take the kids, just for the "cheapskate thrills", my kids will love it ( well at least my predecessor will) :D

      • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/02/2017 - 16:26

        I can imagine all the reactions with all the popping sounds.

      • FutureTech on 21/02/2017 - 20:33

        Do you have to have a baby to go in though?

      • UFO on 23/02/2017 - 10:09

        Holy crap!

        Genius suggestion by Altomic above!

        (thought I'd bold in case someone was scanning down the list)

        True OzBargaining spirit right there :).

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 13:32
      +1

      I always bring my big handbag with me for this exact reason :)

    • BargainKen on 21/02/2017 - 17:10

      A real tightarse would eat from home before going to the cinemas.

    • mmd on 22/02/2017 - 00:33
      +2

      A real ozbargained will also mention they were 'scammed' by the candybar. And also will report to ACCC

  • Fergy1987 on 21/02/2017 - 14:12

    why are you hiding it? I just walk in with the woollies plastic bag? I feel like they don't care anymore because they know how much of a rip off their stuff is.

    And if they ask "It's my shopping"

    • princess peach on 21/02/2017 - 14:22
      +1

      This can backfire on you if there happens to be a cranky attendant on duty. I went to the cinemas once with a Woolies plastic bag with some groceries in it including some cans of Coke. The attendant spotted the cans in the bag and wouldn't let me into the cinema as it's against their food and drink policy. Had to go back to the car and drop it off first.

      • tomsco on 21/02/2017 - 14:26

        I've always been interested in the contract side of it. As far as I'm aware, most cinemas still don't advise the terms that no outside food or drink is allowed, and would the purchase of the ticket not be the creation of the contract - how can they impose new terms once you're at the ticket booth?

        • geoffs87 on 21/02/2017 - 21:23
          -1

          Their T&C's should be displayed somewhere in the complex (usually somewhere front of house but not front and centre) and yes, outside food and drink is likely a no no on their T&C's. Your purchasing a ticket will be an assumption you comply with the terms (probably says that on the ticket stub). You're welcome to a refund within 30mins of the sessions start time (at most cinemas) if you don't agree.

          I used to suggest customers could store their shopping in our store room / cool rooms for the duration of their films.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2017 - 02:51
          +3

          Technically you purchase a ticket which is a different form of currency you then purchase entry at the entrance with your ticket. At least that's what 6 months of a failed law degree taught me 😀

        • Jalif on 23/02/2017 - 09:25
          +1

          @geoffs87:

          Terms and conditions written on the back of a ticket are not valid for contractual purposes under Australian law.

        • cnrmlj on 23/02/2017 - 09:42

          Our local one has it come up in red on the ticket. Not sure of the legal side though.

        • tomsco on 23/02/2017 - 11:54

          @voolish:

          I'd be interested (although I would doubt it, unless for sports/concerts, where tickets are bought online and T&C are forced) if there was any actual precedent for this.

          Yes, it could be argued that the ticket is acting as "currency", but it could also be argues the ticket is simply authorisation for entry, and that the contract was formed on purchase of the ticket.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2017 - 12:58

          @Jalif: You're probably right but I wouldn't know I'm not a lawyer. I think you're right though because that wasn't agreed upon before purchase.

      • nubzy on 21/02/2017 - 14:32

        I would ignore them and keep walking, what are they going to do. Someone takes their minimum wage job way too seriously if they would hassle customers over taking some cans of drink into the cinema..

        And that has never happened to me. I take a woolies bag in, plain view of the staff and never been hassled. Driving away customers and creating bad will is not good for business.

        • havebeerbelywillsumo on 21/02/2017 - 14:43

          "Driving away customers and creating bad will is not good for business."…………except it seems (& unfortunately) for cinema chains who shear their sheep mercilessly AND repeatedly with seemingly no detrimental effect on customer show.

        • OzBrogains on 21/02/2017 - 23:44
          +2

          We've got a badass over here.

        • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 14:04

          I think it has to do with the risk of the cans exploding. I once had to pour my can of drink into on of their cups for that exact reason. Not sure if it was bs or not.

      • tebbybabes on 21/02/2017 - 14:59

        I've always had my chips and drinks in plain view. And I usually have enough for a family of four. No one's ever made mention of it. In fact, until today, I didn't realise that they had a food and drink policy. If some kid tried to enforce it on me, then I would be asking where this policy is clearly published for all to see. Then I would be getting a refund quick smart.

        Also, good on the OP for spotting this rip off. Damn cinemas.

      • Sammyboy on 21/02/2017 - 18:24
        +1

        They wont be able to stop you physically. Even supermarket staff cant stop a shoplifter walking out. Just keep walking. I'd like to see someone get kicked out for bringing their shopping into the cinemas. Make a big scene and it would be posted on social media straight away and be a PR nightmare for the cinema

        • FutureTech on 21/02/2017 - 20:37

          Supermarket staff can perform citizen's arrest on a shoplifter and stop them from walking away because the shoplifter has committed an offense. Taking in food & drink into a cinema is not in itself an offence though.

        • WreckTangle on 21/02/2017 - 22:33

          Both standalone cinemas and cinemas in malls are on private property, If you refuse to leave when they ask you to then they have a right to call the police and have you charged with trespass.

        • Sammyboy on 22/02/2017 - 00:34

          @maolin95: Yes they could, but due to H&R policy in both Coles and Woolworths, staff are not allowed to apprehend or try and pursue a shop lifter. The staff member may actually be reprimanded for doing so. The supermarkets are scared of the employee getting injured and making a work cover claim and potentially suing the employer. Even worse for the supermarket if the employee is killed. I've also been told those hired security guards that some centres use, are also pretty useless and just there as deterrents as they too have been told not to chase but to contact police. I'm sure many of the other large retail companies also have similar policies too. By the time they call the police and arrive, you would have left the premises.

          In regards to bringing shopping that contains food into the cinema and they refuse entry, you are entitled to a refund, as you have not technically entered into the actual cinema yet, so are not in breach of their terms and conditions yet. Only once entered into the cinema room (?) and getting caught inside, are you in breach and then not entitled to refund.

        • ronnknee on 22/02/2017 - 09:47

          @maolin95:

          They can but it's part of their training not to.

    • itajac on 21/02/2017 - 14:24

      I always feel "guilty…" , not sure why?. I always see people eating Maccas or Oporto waiting around the lounge area until the movie starts, surely this is worse?

    • Fergy1987 on 21/02/2017 - 15:14

      Everyone needs to go to the Springfield QLD store - half the time they don't even check if you have a ticket lol, you just walk in. (I of course paid for a ticket)

  • kolorijo on 21/02/2017 - 14:38
    +2

    Watch out for the older gentleman who check ticket at Event Cinema george street, he's really strict in not letting outside food or drinks into the cinema

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/02/2017 - 16:27
      +15

      I hope he's there for the next Mission Impossible. I'll play the theme music as I stroll past him trying to achieve the impossible.

      • wakkawalla on 22/02/2017 - 13:06
        +1

        He is always there!

    • wakkawalla on 22/02/2017 - 13:06

      The big branches usually have tighter rules.

      • kolorijo on 22/02/2017 - 13:17

        Bondi is pretty lax, so coles/woolies for drinks & snacks before you go into your movies

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 14:41
    +16

    last time I went to the cinemas these big islanders brought a whole bucket of kfc. dem odours

  • garffi on 21/02/2017 - 14:47
    +1

    This is why I hardly go to the movies anymore. I can get cheap movie tickets, but popcorn and drinks cost more… Can't really cheap out when I'm with friends. I rather go lunar drive-in and bring my dog.

    • itajac on 21/02/2017 - 16:33
      +2

      Then you need new friends ;). Ozb kinda peeps.

    • hilariouspowerr on 21/02/2017 - 22:06
      +4

      A true OzBargainer would lecture their friends on how to save ;)

  • Reggie74 on 21/02/2017 - 15:38
    +1

    The drive-in is great & I prefer that over the cinema. No one kicking the back of my seat, no one checking their mobile phone in a dark cinema every 5 minutes, I can bring my own pillow & easier to take my own food & drink in with me.

  • tonyjzx on 21/02/2017 - 15:50
    +3

    i'm surprised that anyone would pay $14,40 let alone $17,90 for a small coke and a popcorn… i mean…

    • veritas_mendax on 22/02/2017 - 22:25
      +9

      $14.40 $17.90. This isn't Europe man

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/02/2017 - 16:36
    +4

    They're double dipping on the stupid tax. Knowing that only an idiot would pay so much for popcorn to begin with they make the combo even more expensive since they've already validated their target market.

    The same way that Nigerian scam e-mails are intentionally written to look implausible to select for the gullible.

    So in summary, the people who buy exorbitant popcorn combos think they can afford it because they believe a princely sum should be arriving soon from the widow of a deceased African prince they recently assisted via a Western Union transfer.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 16:39
    -8

    I don't understand why people feel so ripped off paying for candy bar items.

    Cinemas often lose money on ticket sales once:
    1) They pay their percentages to the distributor
    2) They pay for wages, maintenance, cleaning, projector consumables

    The candy bar is where they make money. Their popcorn seed and oil isn't cheap. They don't buy at the same volume as woolworths etc and pay more for candy bar items.

    Overheads to build a cinema are also huge.

    • mskeggs on 21/02/2017 - 16:51
      +9

      Their popcorn seed and oil isn't cheap

      Come on. I can buy half a kilo for under $2 at any supermarket. It would make $200+ worth of popcorn at movie prices. Post mix drinks are cheap. Snacks purchased even at supermarket retail prices would give them large margins.

      I can accept that the movie industry has narrow margins, but don't make up falsehoods to try and make the argument stronger.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 08:10
        -3

        What falsehoods?

        Are you saying that they have to pay wages is false? Coconut oil isn't cheap at all.

        Postmix is cheap, yes, but the company has the overhead to install the system, the syrup, carbon, etc.

        All I'm saying is that cost of popcorn and drinks includes more than the raw ingredients obviously.

        Do you all go to restaurants and complain paying $40 for a steak when you can buy one from coles for $13? No, because you understand there are costs in running a restaurant an you're also paying for a service.

        It's fine if people don't want to buy a product, but comparing an end product to only the raw materials is plain dishonest.

        • mskeggs on 22/02/2017 - 08:57
          +6

          You said: "Their popcorn seed and oil isn't cheap. "

          The cost of those ingredients in a $10 popcorn is under 20c. Saying that these costs are the ones that lead to high prices is a falsehood.

    • SydStrand on 21/02/2017 - 16:58
      +7

      Yes, cinemas make most of their money from concessions, but the popcorn and butter are cents on the dollar. Considering the economies of scale, I'd be shocked if cinemas weren't marking up the cost of popcorn by 500% (being conservative).

    • FutureTech on 21/02/2017 - 20:43
      +1

      Don't care. the popcorn and drink there are priced uncompetitively so I don't buy them. Simple as that.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 11:11
      +4

      Their popcorn seed

      It's called 'corn'

      And it's dirt cheap, which is why you see corn and corn byproducts in nearly every damn processed food around you.

  • Forenti on 21/02/2017 - 17:02
    +7

    The first mistake was going to the candy bar

    • partymix on 21/02/2017 - 17:55
      +2

      I take full responsibility for my mistake. I always avoid the candy bar, the lines alone are ridiculous… we were running late and were desperate for something to tie us over until dinner after the movie.

  • Olokun on 21/02/2017 - 17:14
    +2

    What's funny is that Hoyts didn't always advertise a price list for the candy bar

    As our prices regularly change to make way for new promotional combos, we rely on our crew members to readily share this information with our guests when requested. With many candy bar promotions available at any one time, we’ve found that discussing candy bar choices with our crew members can benefit our guests as the items requested may be of greater value when applied to a promotional combo.

    Can't see a price menu? Need advise on the best combo for you? Just ask the candy man. The candy man can.

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