Mumbai man explains how a common restaurant practice quietly pushes diners to spend more: ‘Decision is made for you’
A Mumbai-based entrepreneur has sparked a discussion online after explaining how a common restaurant practice can lead people to spend money without actively choosing to.The post has left users divided over whether the practice is problematic or simply part of doing business. (Unsplash/Representational image )Taking to X, Chanakya Shah, co-founder of hydration supplement brand UP&RUN, pointed out how many restaurants place a bottle of water on the table even before customers place an order. He said that what was once an ₹15 mineral water bottle is now often replaced with ₹60 options or premium labels like Vedica and Himalayan.In his post, Shah argued that this subtle placement acts as a default, nudging customers into spending more. “When something is already placed in front of you, it feels like the default choice. Saying no suddenly requires effort. Asking for a cheaper option feels awkward, so people just go with what’s already there. Customers end up spending more without ever actively choosing to,” he wrote.Shah suggested that a more transparent approach would be for restaurants to ask customers up front whether they would prefer regular drinking water or bottled water. “But that small question brings awareness. And awareness usually reduces unnecessary spending. So instead, the bottle is placed quietly, and the decision is made for you,” he said.(Also Read:
