The ‘Single or Double’ Scam: Unveiling the Truth Behind India’s Fast Food Deception

Fast food chains have become an integral part of our lives, offering quick and convenient meals. However, in India, a controversy has been brewing over a practice known as the “single or double” scam at fast food joints like KFC. This practice involves employees asking customers if they want a “single” or “double”, often leading to confusion and customers inadvertently paying more than they intended. This article aims to unveil the truth behind this alleged deception, its legality, and why employees are taught to do this.

Understanding the “Single or Double” Scam

The “single or double” scam is a sales tactic used by fast food employees in India. When a customer orders a burger or a sandwich, the employee asks if they want a “single” or a “double”. Many customers, assuming that “single” refers to one burger and “double” to two, choose “single”. However, “single” actually refers to a burger with one patty and “double” to a burger with two patties. As a result, customers end up paying more for a double patty burger when they only wanted one burger.

Why are Employees Taught This?

Fast food chains often have aggressive sales targets and employees are trained to upsell products to meet these targets. The “single or double” question is a clever way of upselling without the customer realizing it. It’s a subtle way of suggesting a more expensive item without explicitly asking the customer to spend more.

Is it Legal?

While this practice may seem deceptive, it is not illegal. The terms “single” and “double” are industry jargon used globally to refer to the number of patties in a burger. However, the issue arises when customers are not aware of this terminology and are misled into paying more. It could be argued that this practice is unethical, but it does not break any laws.

How Can Customers Protect Themselves?

• Be aware of the terminology: Knowing that “single” and “double” refer to the number of patties can help customers make informed decisions.

• Ask for clarification: If unsure, customers should not hesitate to ask the employee for clarification.

• Check the bill: Always check the bill before paying to ensure that you are only paying for what you ordered.

In conclusion, while the “single or double” scam may not be a scam in the legal sense, it is a deceptive practice that can lead to customers paying more than they intended. Awareness and vigilance are key to avoiding such situations.