Again, I am clearly in the minority...

a2pfunk

On the way home from a camping trip last weekend, The Wife and I took The Shamrock and Lamppost to McDonalds, mostly because it was the only stop for about an hour in any direction.  Seeing as it was the only thing around for miles and it was a busy weekend, the place was PACKED.  I remember that both of us were super annoyed because there was a large family taking up a large booth.  The whole family was eating chinese food and the adults were using ipads. It was clear that they were there solely for the free wifi.  Despite the fact that there was a line out the door, they had no problem occupying a table and not buying a thing.  I thought this was ridiculous until I read the post about McGermland in which everybody says they have no problem going there and not buying anything. 

 

We don't go to The Arches too often because The Wife is all about "eating healthy" or something. But there were a few times in the winter when I took The Shamrock to the playland just to get out of the house.  When I went there, I just sort of assumed that BUYING our meals there was sort of part of the deal.  Now I see I was wrong. 

 

quidditchcapn1120

I think you should absolutely buy something if you are going to use the wifi or the playplace.  However, I have no problem eating McDonald's.  I would choose a healthier option for J if possible, but he's underweight so if it's a way to force calories, I'm fine with it.

I always side-eye people who use a business' free services for their paying customers without buying anything.  People do it all the time at Starbuck's and Panera too and it drives me nuts. 

a2pfunk

quidditchcapn1120:

I think you should absolutely buy something if you are going to use the wifi or the playplace.  However, I have no problem eating McDonald's.  I would choose a healthier option for J if possible, but he's underweight so if it's a way to force calories, I'm fine with it.

I always side-eye people who use a business' free services for their paying customers without buying anything.  People do it all the time at Starbuck's and Panera too and it drives me nuts. 

 

I honestly do NOT understand Starbucks and most book stores. It is like they ENCOURAGE people to come in and NOT spend money.  Here, come into our place and read all of our books by a fireplace on our nice cushy couch while you post about how intellectual you are on your iPad cia our free Wifi. 

Then again, this is likely why Borders is now out of business. Don't even get me started on Starbucks.

 

numeria11

No I'm with you on this one.  You use the bathroom, the play place, the wifi or anything else a business provides then you need to at least pony up a buck for something on the dollar menu to help offset that cost.  Yes they make plenty of money but it's just common sense to me that you pay for the privilage of using those items.   

ablou

numeria11:

No I'm with you on this one.  You use the bathroom, the play place, the wifi or anything else a business provides then you need to at least pony up a buck for something on the dollar menu to help offset that cost.  Yes they make plenty of money but it's just common sense to me that you pay for the privilage of using those items.   

ITA.  

 

Venus04d

+2

Kitiara5512

Just because you can do something does not make it right.

Wufroggy79

I agree as well.  I haven't gone to a Playplace yet ( actually for some reason they keep remodeling McDonald's around here and making them without the playgrounds), but if I used it I would at least buy a drink.  ITA about Borders and Starbucks.  People look like they are packed up to spend the day there, but I rarely see them eating or drinking anything.  

AGmomof3

It never occurred to me NOT to buy anything if I'm gonna hang out there.  The exception would be Barnes and Noble. . . I could hang out there for hours, but I'd at least go and look for something to buy - ok - I'd probably buy something. . .

a2pfunk

Kitiara5512:

Just because you can do something does not make it right.

Does this apply to lighting farts and peeing off of overpasses?

seamco12

I agree with you. I was surprised that some people go and don't buy anything. I always feel like I'm being side eyed because we only get one kids meal and a couple of coffees. I especially don't think I could bring in outside food. Well we do bring in food for the baby, but I assumed that got a pass. Maybe not? Anyways, I worked in fast food when I was 16. No way was I going to take the time to confront customers over the rules. So I can see how this probably happens all the time.

MonkeySender

I have used fast food bathrooms without buying anything, but I wouldn't hang out and surf the net or take my kid to the play area without at least getting drinks and some apples.

[Deleted User]

How can you not at least get a drink or a soft serve?  Yeah, if I saw people eating chinese at a McD's. I'd biitch loudly to the manager.  Way uncool.

Mirror+Mirror

sofamonkey:

How can you not at least get a drink or a soft serve?  Yeah, if I saw people eating chinese at a McD's. I'd biitch loudly to the manager.  Way uncool.

Don't be surprised when your LO starts tattling. 

I use the bathroom sometimes without buying anything if we are on the road, which is rarely.  But if I'm going to sit in there for any amount of time I buy something.

mrebecca

I would convince DH to fart silently as we walked past them.

[Deleted User]

Mirror+Mirror:

sofamonkey:

How can you not at least get a drink or a soft serve?  Yeah, if I saw people eating chinese at a McD's. I'd biitch loudly to the manager.  Way uncool.

Don't be surprised when your LO starts tattling. 

I use the bathroom sometimes without buying anything if we are on the road, which is rarely.  But if I'm going to sit in there for any amount of time I buy something.

If my kid justifiably complains to the manager about people abusing services at an establishment, I won't be heartbroken over it.  I don't see that as quite the same as tattling.  

insertclevername

I may have used a fast food restroom once or twice on a road trip without buying anything but I definitely dont make a habit out of it. I wouldnt go someplace to use wifi or the play area and not purchase at least something.

scoutkate

I've never heard of such a thing.  It would never occur to me to go someplace like this and not buy something.  Who would go to a fast food restaurant just for funsies? 

alice2Bcheshire

MonkeySender:

I have used fast food bathrooms without buying anything, but I wouldn't hang out and surf the net or take my kid to the play area without at least getting drinks and some apples.

Yep. On road trips I'll use fast food and gas station bathrooms without buying anything, but otherwise I feel obligated to spend some money. 

[Deleted User]

The user and all related content has been deleted.

seahorse102410

mbenit4:

I buy something. I would be too embarrassed not to.

Me too!  Plus I would feel cruel taking my child into McDonald's and not letting them at least get some cookies or a sundae.