Tipping

[sbkline]

I seldom carry cash with me anymore, so when we go out to eat, not only do I pay the bill with my check card, but I also throw the tip on there as well. Well, for some reason, the thought didn't occur to me until this past weekend, that the waitress might not know that I gave her a tip. Sure, at the end of the night, her manager or whoever might give her a handful of money and tell her it's from tips left on debit cards, but is there any way for her to know it was me? I guess I was just concerned that she would come out to the table after we left, see no tip and think that we didn't leave her anything, and then have no way of knowing who that other money came from at the end of the evening. With all the people a waiter/waitress waits on, however, she surely wouldn't remember me anyway next time we come in, but I wouldn't want to come in next month and have her see us and remember us as the couple who didn't leave her anything.

So does anyone know how it works when you leave a tip on the card? Do they get to see the bills that those tips went with, or do they just get a handful of money amounting to the total of the tips? Do they have any way of knowing that this much came from this customer and this much came from that one, etc?

 

[Laura]

I've always wondered that myself. When I waitressed at Red Lobster I took care of the credit card payments myself (no cashier) so I always knew the tip amounts. I always feel weird tipping at places with a cashier and hoping they (the servers) don't think I'm screwing them over.

 

[TwoTigersMom]

In restraunts where your server takes the check from your table, the server will open it and see there was a tip left. Their tips are mostly their paycheck so they want to make sure that it's not getting pocketed by whoever rings it up. I think most servers assume if your paying by credit card that you'll tip on there. If you go to a cashier when you leave, just ask for the change so you can walk it back to your table.

 

[George]

If the service is really good, I'll give the money directly to the server and thank them.

 

[sbkline]

In this restaraunt, we take the check up to the cashier and pay, then I tell her to throw the tip onto my check card. So the waitress doesn't come by and pick it up like at fancier places such as Olive Garden or Red Lobster (where you put your card into that black binder thing and the waitress picks it up from your table).

 

[TwoTigersMom]

In this restaraunt, we take the check up to the cashier and pay, then I tell her to throw the tip onto my check card. So the waitress doesn't come by and pick it up like at fancier places such as Olive Garden or Red Lobster (where you put your card into that black binder thing and the waitress picks it up from your table).

Like I said earlier, in that situation we always ask for the change back and take it to the table ourselves. Hope that helps. We probably should wait for Paul (Oh Brilliant One) to weigh in on this one, to know for sure what to do.

 

[TurboCaroline]

When we eat at places where we have to pay after our meal, I just tell the waitress that I left her a tip on the credit card. They usually respond with oh ok thanks. They probably won't know the exact amount I gave them but at least they would know that I am leaving them something. :shrug:

 

[toadh63]

We usually put a credit card tip on at restaurants where the server takes the slip from you. If we have to bring it to the kiosk ourselves, we'll leave cash on the table, or track down the server. My fiancee spent 20 years as a server, so this is how she says they liked it.

 

[George]

I myself have shared your main concern – not getting proper credit for a credit or bank card tip. I have tossed and turned all night as I fretted about this problem. However, thanks to a unique set of circumstances, I was able to address this problem in a simple and straightforward way. Unfortunately, since the patent is pending on my device, I hesitate to show you a picture (click on for larger version). For the time being, the cartoon/schematic that appears below will have to suffice. First, I am a scientist and thus have access to some uncommon resources. For example, I can use a plotter that is commonly employed for poster presentations. This plotter allows for posters up to 6 feet wide. So..upon exiting the restaurant I immediately enlarge my receipt (after scanning) to this size. I know that many people don’t have access to a plotter such as this, but I think even enlargement on a simple 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper would suffice, especially if the new “big receipt” were at head level. I take my enlarged receipt and put it on a large piece of rectangular foam that we use for mounting the before mentioned posters. I then mount the receipt poster on a stainless steel rod (304 if you must know) that is 1.5” in diameter, also obtained from the machine shop. Next, I insert the rod in a revolving Christmas tree stand. Revolving is a key word here. You want to make sure that your wait person sees the receipt! Now, I know what you’re thinking. What if I want to display my receipt during the Christmas season? I brought a second stand for just such a contingency! Also, you may want to tap the rod using the same thread as the support bolts on the Christmas tree stand. This gives the whole structure extra stability. Now, a few words about the receipt before I proceed any further. Even though the receipt is large, I want to make sure that the correct waitperson sees it. Thus, I circle or write their name on the receipt. I also include a note on the bottom explaining the logic used to arrive at the tip amount. Don’t forget to block out important information that could be used for credit card theft! A second circumstance that has really helped with development of this device is that my wife likes to scrapbook. I use some brightly colored scrapbook paper (think bright red or hot pink) to frame the tip amount. Also, include a photo of your self on the receipt. You need to be sure that you’re getting credit for the tip and not just some bozo off the street. Finally, don’t forget to consider the placement of your now complete tip stand. You should inform a restaurant manager of your intention and make sure that the stand is placed in a good spot where your server is likely to see it. Believe me, with this system, I always get proper credit for my gratuities!

 

[Hakunamatata]

Like I said earlier, in that situation we always ask for the change back and take it to the table ourselves. Hope that helps. We probably should wait for Paul (Oh Brilliant One) to weigh in on this one, to know for sure what to do.

I apologize for taking a while to get to this issue...I was figuring out where all the new planets in a galaxy far far away should be placed....:lookaroun

Write it in, just as you would on a credit card transaction. If the server isnt on top of his or her business enough to know a cashier is ripping them off for tips, they need to be in a different line of business. Most servers worth their salt will make sure they get their portion of the tip left. Further, many establishments have tip sharing. The kitchen staff, wait staff, and bus staff share tips, so it goes to a general pool then is dispersed amongst those who have an interest.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I myself have shared your main concern – not getting proper credit for a credit or bank card tip. I have tossed and turned all night as I fretted about this problem. However, thanks to a unique set of circumstances, I was able to address this problem in a simple and straightforward way. Unfortunately, since the patent is pending on my device, I hesitate to show you a picture (click on for larger version). For the time being, the cartoon/schematic that appears below will have to suffice. First, I am a scientist and thus have access to some uncommon resources. For example, I can use a plotter that is commonly employed for poster presentations. This plotter allows for posters up to 6 feet wide. So..upon exiting the restaurant I immediately enlarge my receipt (after scanning) to this size. I know that many people don’t have access to a plotter such as this, but I think even enlargement on a simple 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper would suffice, especially if the new “big receipt” were at head level. I take my enlarged receipt and put it on a large piece of rectangular foam that we use for mounting the before mentioned posters. I then mount the receipt poster on a stainless steel rod (304 if you must know) that is 1.5” in diameter, also obtained from the machine shop. Next, I insert the rod in a revolving Christmas tree stand. Revolving is a key word here. You want to make sure that your wait person sees the receipt! Now, I know what you’re thinking. What if I want to display my receipt during the Christmas season? I brought a second stand for just such a contingency! Also, you may want to tap the rod using the same thread as the support bolts on the Christmas tree stand. This gives the whole structure extra stability. Now, a few words about the receipt before I proceed any further. Even though the receipt is large, I want to make sure that the correct waitperson sees it. Thus, I circle or write their name on the receipt. I also include a note on the bottom explaining the logic used to arrive at the tip amount. Don’t forget to block out important information that could be used for credit card theft! A second circumstance that has really helped with development of this device is that my wife likes to scrapbook. I use some brightly colored scrapbook paper (think bright red or hot pink) to frame the tip amount. Also, include a photo of your self on the receipt. You need to be sure that you’re getting credit for the tip and not just some bozo off the street. Finally, don’t forget to consider the placement of your now complete tip stand. You should inform a restaurant manager of your intention and make sure that the stand is placed in a good spot where your server is likely to see it. Believe me, with this system, I always get proper credit for my gratuities!

View attachment 23944

Very impressive post. :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[Laura]

I myself have shared your main concern – not getting proper credit for a credit or bank card tip. I have tossed and turned all night as I fretted about this problem. However, thanks to a unique set of circumstances, I was able to address this problem in a simple and straightforward way.

View attachment 23944

You goof!

I love the note at the end about the 21% tip. LOL

 

[unkadug]

Very impressive.

You end up spending $200.00 in order to get credit for a $7.00 tip ! :lol:

 

[sbkline]

I myself have shared your main concern – not getting proper credit for a credit or bank card tip. I have tossed and turned all night as I fretted about this problem. However, thanks to a unique set of circumstances, I was able to address this problem in a simple and straightforward way. Unfortunately, since the patent is pending on my device, I hesitate to show you a picture (click on for larger version). For the time being, the cartoon/schematic that appears below will have to suffice. First, I am a scientist and thus have access to some uncommon resources. For example, I can use a plotter that is commonly employed for poster presentations. This plotter allows for posters up to 6 feet wide. So..upon exiting the restaurant I immediately enlarge my receipt (after scanning) to this size. I know that many people don’t have access to a plotter such as this, but I think even enlargement on a simple 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper would suffice, especially if the new “big receipt” were at head level. I take my enlarged receipt and put it on a large piece of rectangular foam that we use for mounting the before mentioned posters. I then mount the receipt poster on a stainless steel rod (304 if you must know) that is 1.5” in diameter, also obtained from the machine shop. Next, I insert the rod in a revolving Christmas tree stand. Revolving is a key word here. You want to make sure that your wait person sees the receipt! Now, I know what you’re thinking. What if I want to display my receipt during the Christmas season? I brought a second stand for just such a contingency! Also, you may want to tap the rod using the same thread as the support bolts on the Christmas tree stand. This gives the whole structure extra stability. Now, a few words about the receipt before I proceed any further. Even though the receipt is large, I want to make sure that the correct waitperson sees it. Thus, I circle or write their name on the receipt. I also include a note on the bottom explaining the logic used to arrive at the tip amount. Don’t forget to block out important information that could be used for credit card theft! A second circumstance that has really helped with development of this device is that my wife likes to scrapbook. I use some brightly colored scrapbook paper (think bright red or hot pink) to frame the tip amount. Also, include a photo of your self on the receipt. You need to be sure that you’re getting credit for the tip and not just some bozo off the street. Finally, don’t forget to consider the placement of your now complete tip stand. You should inform a restaurant manager of your intention and make sure that the stand is placed in a good spot where your server is likely to see it. Believe me, with this system, I always get proper credit for my gratuities!

Ha ha, very funny. :lol:

All joking aside, though, my question might have seemed trivial, and perhaps it is. But it isn't about me wanting to "get credit" per se. I just don't want a nice waiter or waitress who did a good job, to come to my table and be offended or have his or her feelings hurt thinking that I was dissatisfied enough with their service not to leave them anything, for one. Number two, although I know that I left a tip, I don't want the server thinking that I am a stingey scrooge who didn't leave them anything. Like I said, I've been tipping this way for quite a while now, but the thought didn't really occur to me until a few days ago. There is a lady from my church who waits tables at a restaraunt I eat at periodically, and it kind of embarasses me thinking that what if all these times I put her tip on the card, she didn't know I did that and sees me in church the next Sunday thinking I didn't leave her a tip.

Sure, in the final scheme of things, I guess it's kind of a trivial concern, but I just don't want to make myself look bad, or offend any servers. But, on the other hand, since these restaraunts DO allow you to put your tip on the card when you pay, then I'm sure these waiters/waitresses are well used to getting tipped on the card as opposed to seeing the cash laying on the table and therefore think nothing of it if they come out to clean the table and find no tip there. So perhaps I'm concerned over nothing at all.

And, like someone else said, I can always just have them give me the cash back and I can go put it on the table myself.

 

[maelstrom]

I always leave the tip in cash, even if I pay with a credit card. Just carry around a small amount of money for tipping purposes. I know that it's always the best to see cash on the table that you can pocket right away, taken from some server friends of mine.

Fiance works at Domino's and at Pizza Hut before that, and sometimes gets tips left on credit cards. Believe me, he opens that folder up right away to see what that person left on the card for him. I could always tell by his reaction: smile and nodding of the head "they left me a $7 tip. yay!" or ed-off teenager look "no tip! *expletives*". Not tipping is unacceptable in my book and I don't know why people think it's ok not to tip their server or delivery driver. He was delivering pizzas to people in the last big snowstorm we had and he was getting $1 tips. Everyone I asked about that said that if they ordered pizza in that weather, the tip would be *at least* $5, and probably more depending on the amount of food ordered. I look at that as my way to say, "hey, I appreciate you coming out in this storm to bring me food. I know it's your job, but you could have just as easily called out today or not brought my pizza because my road was badly plowed. So, thank you!". I'd also have my driveway shoveled and the front walk if necessary. Some people don't. /end rant.

 

[xdan0920]

I myself have shared your main concern – not getting proper credit for a credit or bank card tip. I have tossed and turned all night as I fretted about this problem. However, thanks to a unique set of circumstances, I was able to address this problem in a simple and straightforward way. Unfortunately, since the patent is pending on my device, I hesitate to show you a picture (click on for larger version). For the time being, the cartoon/schematic that appears below will have to suffice. First, I am a scientist and thus have access to some uncommon resources. For example, I can use a plotter that is commonly employed for poster presentations. This plotter allows for posters up to 6 feet wide. So..upon exiting the restaurant I immediately enlarge my receipt (after scanning) to this size. I know that many people don’t have access to a plotter such as this, but I think even enlargement on a simple 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper would suffice, especially if the new “big receipt” were at head level. I take my enlarged receipt and put it on a large piece of rectangular foam that we use for mounting the before mentioned posters. I then mount the receipt poster on a stainless steel rod (304 if you must know) that is 1.5” in diameter, also obtained from the machine shop. Next, I insert the rod in a revolving Christmas tree stand. Revolving is a key word here. You want to make sure that your wait person sees the receipt! Now, I know what you’re thinking. What if I want to display my receipt during the Christmas season? I brought a second stand for just such a contingency! Also, you may want to tap the rod using the same thread as the support bolts on the Christmas tree stand. This gives the whole structure extra stability. Now, a few words about the receipt before I proceed any further. Even though the receipt is large, I want to make sure that the correct waitperson sees it. Thus, I circle or write their name on the receipt. I also include a note on the bottom explaining the logic used to arrive at the tip amount. Don’t forget to block out important information that could be used for credit card theft! A second circumstance that has really helped with development of this device is that my wife likes to scrapbook. I use some brightly colored scrapbook paper (think bright red or hot pink) to frame the tip amount. Also, include a photo of your self on the receipt. You need to be sure that you’re getting credit for the tip and not just some bozo off the street. Finally, don’t forget to consider the placement of your now complete tip stand. You should inform a restaurant manager of your intention and make sure that the stand is placed in a good spot where your server is likely to see it. Believe me, with this system, I always get proper credit for my gratuities!

View attachment 23944

Brilliant!

 

[Nemo14]

and 7 years old!

 

[xdan0920]

and 7 years old!

I thought, in Chit Chat, anything goes!

 

[Nemo14]

true...

 

[unkadug]

and 7 years old!

7 years old is still just a baby

OHHH you meant the thread!