More than 80 percent of survey respondents said they would not be willing to pay even a small additional fee for condiments. However, roughly one in six consumers surveyed said they would be willing to pay extra for condiments. More than half of those willing to pay additional money for condiments said they would pay 25 cents or less. Men said they would pay more than 50 cents for condiments, while more than half of women said they would not pay more than 25 cents.
“Charging for condiments carries more risk than any revenue benefit a restaurant operator would derive from charging for condiments,” said Bonnie Riggs, NPD restaurant industry analyst. “Condiments are viewed as a standard component of the menu items being ordered, rather than an “add-on.” While some restaurant visitors said they would pay for condiments, there are too many others who would be bothered by the fee and would go someplace else to eat.”
NPD Group found that half of the consumers surveyed said that they would go to another restaurant rather than pay for condiments. Other respondents said they would find ways to avoid the charge by ordering items that didn’t require condiments, and roughly a fourth of consumers said they would accept the added fee.
