The Sneaky Way Dining Kiosks And Service Tablets Jack Up Food Costs - Tasting Table

"Kiosks and tablets might make food service seem more convenient, but the technology could be causing you to spend more than you intended."

"Consumers are likely to spend as much as 20% more on an order placed through one of these devices."

"The placement of items on apps and digital kiosks also impacts the way in which a customer approaches an order."

"Restaurants trick you with the most expensive menu item by listing it first, setting a benchmark so that the next viewed items seem less pricey."

Kiosks and tablets in restaurants encourage higher spending through automated upselling tactics. Consumers may spend up to 20% more when ordering through these devices. The anonymity of kiosk ordering reduces social pressure, making customers more likely to indulge in extras. The placement of menu items also influences spending, as the most expensive items are often listed first, creating a benchmark that makes subsequent items appear cheaper. This cognitive bias, known as the anchoring effect, further drives increased spending.

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