There was an article linked on Fark today to an article titled “7 Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off”
Movie Theater Snacks
The Rip-off: It’s a law of business that captive customers pay through the nose. Proof: At an AMC Lowe’s theater in Manhattan, a 5.3-ounce bag of peanut M&Ms sells for $4.25. That hurts more than just your teeth.How To Avoid It: Buy your snacks at a drug store on your way to the theater and stow them in your purse (it’s not like anyone’s going to check it). Less than one block from that same theater a Rite Aid charges $2.99 for an 8.2-ounce bag of peanut M&Ms–that’s 55% more candy for 30% less! — Melanie Lindner
Now, I work at a movie theater. As a person, I am well aware that the prices are steep, and a “rip off”. Prices at theater concessions suck because it’s where the theater makes the most money, and part of that money doesn’t have to go to a studio (some of the profit made from box tickets go to the movie studio that produces the movie). Every single shift I work, I deal with people buying $25 or more of soda/popcorn/candy. When I tell them their final price (plus tax), their reactions are always the same: “Woah!! That’s steep” “How do you get away with charging so much?” and my personal favorite, “Gawd, it’s like you’re raping my wallet” (emphasis mine). And each time, I try to look apologetic and smile and nod.
However, these exclamations of surprise are always irritating, because everyone knows that theater prices are expensive. It has been that way since I was little, and will probably continue until I’m old and dead. Also, if you order 4 or more items, then it IS going to be expensive. There are prices on the menu, and everyone can use the calculator function on their fancy little cell phones, iphones, sidekicks, etc to get an estimate of the price (before sales tax). Or, you could just use some good ‘ol mental math, and add 35 cents to get an even better estimate with sales tax (or just memorize the sales tax in your particular city).
In conclusion, if you do go to a theater, you should already be aware of the prices. It’s your fault if you choose to buy 30 bucks worth of stuff. Use common sense. If you must complain, do so to your friends and not employees. I don’t get paid enough (minimum wage) to listen to people bitching about how expensive their popcorn is and STILL pay for it. I can’t change the prices, so complaining to me accomplishes nothing. Oh, and the best deal is to get a large drink and a large popcorn, and take advantage of the multiple refills. If you’re hungry/thirsty enough and get enough refills, it should even out.
I totally agree with you here, i’ve had experience dealing with customers, and taking shit from them is never pretty…
Best advice i have for you here is to not take it personally. They aren’t bitching at YOU, they’re bitching at the theatre itself, and you just happen to be the closest thing listening.
I completely feel for you, working at a movie theatre myself. My favorite (and most startling) was back in June.
This guy is bitching about how my theatre charges for butter (we buy it separately and it’s real butter which means it’s better and better for you) and his Raisenetts that I managed to up sell him on, and then I say, “Can I get you anything else with this today, sir?”
“Yeah. I’d like a kiss on the neck.” *Margaret blink STARE* “Cause I like a kiss once in awhile when I’m getting FUCKED.” *Margaret STILL blink STARE* “Ah, I barely know you, so you know I’m kidding.”
“That’ll be $11.50, sir.”
“Wow, that’s not as bad as I expected it to be.”
Also, concessions is what pays most of our paychecks, and anyway, if you just pull the “Look, I’m just a kid trying to pay for college,” they usually back off cause they feel bad. We’re going to have SO many movies stories for our apartment! I’m kind of excited!
I’m not one of those who complain. I know it’s going to cost 35 dollars to take my teen to a movie. No problem. If I can’t afford the 35 I will keep my broke ass at home.
HOWEVER.
No one is paid enough to listen to people bitch – get over it. We all get it. I used to work for an answering service. I didn’t get paid enough to listen to the crap either. So. People still have the right to open their mouths and speak the words. Develop a thicker skin for there is no escape. My husband does glass work, mainly automotive these days. Guess what the body shop owner’s first reaction is to how much *your* windshield costs? Yup. That’s right, he bitches about the price. Even the pros complain about price. It will not change no matter how much you make or what kind of job you get. And one day you will be on the other side of that counter and catch yourself doing that very thing- so get over it. Consider it character building and move on to something you can actually do something about.