Some Stores And Restaurants Are Adding COVID-19 Surcharge

• Many stores, restaurants, and salons are starting to reopen.
• After being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are really struggling.
• To offset costs, some are opting to charge customers with a COVID-19 surcharge.

As many restaurants and other businesses begin to open back up after months of being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, some are adding an extra charge to customers. This is a warning that you may see an extra fee if you head to a salon, restaurant, or retail store. Some people are sharing receipts with the fee on social media.

The new surcharge is helping some businesses stay afloat. After being closed for months, some businesses are really struggling. If they were not able to conduct business online or offer carryout or delivery, they are likely facing some big financial struggles.

Companies are charging a COVID-19 surcharge to customers during the pandemic

Even though most businesses are reopening, there are different rules. Many need to reduce the number of customers or increase cleaning guidelines. One salon owner named Rachel Gower said that she is adding a $3 sanitation charge to all bills in hopes of offsetting the costs of all the new cleaning supplies she had to purchase to reopen.

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Rachel said, “I think, as a whole, the industry is stepping up and really making sure we’re doing this right. The cost of reopening includes all the extra supplies that we need and all the cleaning supplies that we need. It’s worth it! It’s absolutely worth it!” Many believe that a surcharge is better than raising all of their prices.

Of course, the surcharge doesn’t come without customer backlash. Many are already going to social media to complain. One Twitter user said, “Saw this pic on FB. Someone please explain to me why there’s a tax for ordering food during a pandemic?!?! #COVID19SurCharge #COVID19Tax”

While others don’t mind the surcharge, they just want to be informed before they purchase. Some businesses are quietly adding the surcharge, while others are telling customers upfront with signs or posts on social media.

What’s your take on this surcharge?