The holidays are often a time of indulgence, laughter, and shared meals around the table, but what happens when the host asks for payment? For Richard, founder of Lopay, this isn’t just a bold move—it’s a conversation starter. As the rising cost of living forces families to rethink traditions, Richard has taken a pragmatic yet polarizing approach to the festive feast: charging his guests £75 per head for Christmas dinner.
In a world where carrying cash is increasingly rare and digital payments reign supreme, Richard saw an opportunity to blend practicality with promotion. Introducing Lopay—a low-cost card payment solution—to his own holiday gathering not only solves the awkwardness of cash transactions but also sparks debate about the changing dynamics of hospitality.
From defending himself against “Scrooge” labels to exploring the future of card payments in everyday life, Richard opens up about the cost of Christmas—and the cost of convenience.
Richard gave an unashamed chat to Loaded. Inspired or mortified?
1. The Concept • What inspired you to introduce a card reader at Christmas dinner? How did your guests react when you first told them about the plan?
Charging for Christmas dinner is becoming more commonplace, especially in the last year or so with the cost of living crisis affecting a huge number of households across the UK. However, we’ve seen that more and more people have stopped carrying cash and prefer to just tap their phone or card when paying for something. If I’m charging guests for their Christmas dinner this year, I want to make it as convenient as possible for them when it comes to coughing up, so using a card payment app such as Lopay is the best option for a quick and fairly cost-effective transaction.
2. The Practicalities • Did you arrive at £75 per person based on the meal’s cost or to make a point? • Are you prepared for anyone who refuses to pay on the day?
I looked at the average cost of meat this year in a high-street supermarket or local butcher alongside the pairing of some decent wine, £75 was the number we settled on, it’s pretty competitive when looking at what local pubs would charge per head for a Christmas meal too.
I’m expecting some pushback to the charge but when they see the quality of the meal and the wine selection, I’m hopeful they’ll come round to the idea.
3. The Reactions • How do you feel about being called “Scrooge”? • Does your wife’s criticism make you reconsider this decision?
I’m tired of always footing the bill and being the one left buying others rounds during seasonal catchups so I discussed this with my wife and decided it was time to take a stand, even if that does make me a ‘Scrooge’. Let’s just say I’m waiting to be visited by three Ghosts next Tuesday evening. My wife is on watch.
4. The Business Tie-In • Is this decision partly a Lopay promotional stunt? • Do you think events like this normalise card payments in everyday situations?
If it helps drive awareness of my brand, then I’m all for that, Lopay charges as little as 0.79% on every card or phone payment, compared to as much as 4% by the major card reader firms. So I’m keen to spread the word and if I need to do that by being a Scrooge, then so be it!
5. Looking Ahead • Would you consider donating all the proceeds to charity as your wife suggests? • Do you think more families might follow this trend in the future?
My wife and I have discussed donating the proceeds to charity and the idea is that our guests can decide on Christmas Day which charity we’ll go with.
Unless the cost of hosting a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings drops drastically next year, I think the idea of charging guests will become more commonplace. Perhaps they’ll stop calling me the ‘Bah-Humbug Businessman’ by that point!
Interviewed by Mark Haddon for Loaded Magazine.
