Wetherspoons staff reveal sales 'trick' used to make thirsty punters spend more money

Staff at budget pub chain use simple trick to get more cash from thirsty puntersHowever, Wetherspoons denies using 'tried and tested' tactics to upsell booze READ MORE: Wetherspoon profits soar by £36m as boss freezes breakfast prices

Wetherspoons staff have revealed their secret strategy to encourage punters to spend more during their visits.

Employees at the the budget pub chain have been trained to subtly upsell booze to customers at the point of sale, enticing them to purchase larger drinks without thinking.

The 'tried and tested' trick involves asking customers if they would like a double shot of alcohol before offering a single option, according to Ladbible.

By mentioning the more expensive option first, such as a double shot of liquor, it is intended to linger in the customer's mind, increasing the likelihood of them opting for the pricier choice.

Wetherspoons staff disclosed the chain's cheeky method of coaxing customers in the Channel 5 documentary, Wetherspoons: How Do They Do It?, which aired in 2021.

Wetherspoons staff have revealed a simple yet effective strategy that boosts sales and encourages punters to spend more during their visits

One employee said: 'It's part of the training for members of staff to try and add an extra item onto every order.'

Another member of staff confirmed the technique, stating: '[We say] "do you want a double or do you want a single?" We say the word "double" first so it sticks in their head. It works most of the time.'

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However, Wetherspoons has denied actively promoting the upselling of alcoholic beverages, and have claimed that such practices are encouraged only for soft drinks.

In a statement, the chain said that while customers are still asked 'if they want a pint of Pepsi, rather than the standard size', it has 'discouraged... upselling of spirits... for the last 10 years'.

And, while a budget-friendly pint is the order of the day, 'speedy service has to be matched with precise pouring.'

The narrator from the documentary said: 'Staff mustn't give the staff more alcohol than necessary. So ensuring a fair share of froth is vital.'

It comes after Wetherspoon axes 18 drinks from its menu as part of a major revamp ahead of the summer season.

A selection of spirits have been dropped from the chain's latest menu update in May, such as Lambs Navy Rum, Bombay Bramble and Gordon's Sicilian Lemon.

Employees at the the British budget pub chain have been trained to subtly upsell booze to customers at the point of sale, enticing them to purchase larger drinks without thinking

Duppy Share White, Chase pink grapefruit pomelo gin and Buffalo Trace have also all been shelved for now.

According to a former branch manager, bar staff need to ensure a certain amount of head with every draught pour to avoid giving away too much booze.

The cocktail menu has also been altered, with Tanqueray Spritz, Bubblegin, Bubblegin syrup, as well as Smirnoff and Monster pitchers all bowing out.

Tropical Raspberry and Tropical Guava Corona seltzers have also been removed.

Manquila shooters, along with four other craft drinks - Williams Bros Tin Man, Inniss & Gunn Mangoes on the Run, Backyard 3 States and Rooster's Baby Faced Assassin - will no longer be available to customers.