We've started charging a fee for bailing on lunch plans at work.
By @piafr · Work
Someone in our department keeps organizing group lunches and then a bunch of people cancel last minute, leaving the person who made the reservation with a huge table. Now the organizer wants to charge a $5 'cancellation fee' to anyone who bails within 24 hours of the lunch.
The full story
I work in a pretty social department, and one person in particular loves to organize things. Every few weeks, she'll send out a big group email to get a headcount for a lunch at a new restaurant. It's a nice idea. The problem is, she always picks places that require a credit card to hold a big reservation, and they charge for no-shows. Almost every single time, she'll reserve a table for 10, and then the day of, like five people will suddenly get 'slammed with work' and back out. She's been burned a couple of times and had to pay the no-show fee herself. I feel bad for her, but I also think that's just the risk you take. Her solution is a 'cancellation fee.' She sent a group message saying from now on, if you RSVP yes, you have to Venmo her $5 if you cancel within 24 hours of the lunch. they says it's not about the money, it's the principle. A few people are acting like this is a totally normal and fair system. I just think it feels... weird. Now I feel like I can't say yes to a lunch unless I'm 100% certain nothing will come up. It's a little too much pressure for a casual work lunch.
How people voted
- Bad Move — 34% (102 votes)
- Needs Context — 36% (106 votes)
- Reasonable — 30% (90 votes)
Readers are split: “Needs Context” leads with 36% — 298 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@tateforsure — Can't you just go to restaurants that don't require a credit card hold?
@xenaish — I'd start organizing my own lunches and specifically not invite her.
@tateee — this is amazing i hope someone disputes the venmo charge
@remywelp — Soft.
@maraagain — I'm sure this will do wonders for department morale.
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