What would you do in thins strange tipping situation?

Question

I am a waitress in pretty spendy place. Last Saturday I waited on a party of 10. 8 people paid cash and 1 guy paid 2 tabs, his and one other, with a card. The 2 tabs came to $160.00. He said "Here. If the people who paid you cash didn't leave you enough, put some extra on my card." I said "I can't do that." He didn't respond, which made me nervous. I counted the cash. The people who paid cash had left a nice tip for their share, which was about $160.00 as well. So they left $30.00. I debated adding money to his card, but I think it would be unethical on my part, so I entered the amount for the two tabs and gave him back his card. I felt so uneasy the whole time. He signed the card, left the "TIP" spot blank and handed it back. I never added any money to it. I felt really bad getting such a small tip on a dinner that was over $300.00, but I just didn't want to put something on someone else's credit card. It was so weird. Is this an odd situation for him to put me in or do others do this

It was odd that the two had so much more than the rest of the table, but drinks vary ALOT in price... 1 tap beer vs. 6 kettle one martinis, for example...I don't remember the exact details of the order, but this guy had a $50.00 dinner and a few large beers, plus the other tab he paid may have actuall y been for a couple. I never disected it until now.

Answer 1

Lisa,
next time write it on./..you deserve it!!!

Answer 2

This is actually a common tactic used by cheap assholes who want to bullshit their way out of leaving a tip and still try to look like big spenders. Or, giving him the benefit of the doubt, he may just not be a good listener and thought you added something, or left it blank in case you wanted to

You'll see it again. here are a couple ways to try to avoid it.


1. Say something like "I can only ring the total up when I swipe the card. We do this for your security." Phrase it carefully: don't say "we can't ..." -- he may have left you no tip because you said no to him and his panities were all in a knot from it. Believe it, people are like that. Also, if you say it, you have Taken A Position and you can't go back. Say something more flexible.

If they don't fill it out, do it yourself. It isn't unethical if they gave you permission. Just keep it to 15 - 18% No one will question an average tip. (See?!? Keep it AVERAGE so you don't look dishonest! He wants to seem like Mr Big Spender, but he knows you CAN'T get a generous tip out of this!)

If he's a total dork, you might even try reinforcing this by showing him the form when you bring it back and explaining it to him as though he has never used his credit card before.

2. Some restaurants have a policy of adding gratuity to the check on large parties. Check with your manager to see if your restaurant has this policy. If they do, ALWAYS use it.

3. Accept that you got hosed, grit your teeth and deal with it. People suck.

Answer 3

The guy that paid for it w/card is just CHEAP! He knew better and he just thought he could get away with it. I am a waitress myself and alot of customer always leave the tip blank. I would have to them total it just a hint for them to fill in the tip. You worked hard and deserve your 15-20%. You did the right thing for not adding additional tip on his card. It is also illegal for you to do so. He can call and despute it with the credit card company. There are just people out there that are inconsiderate. Yea they spend big buck on food alright but when it comes to tipping they sure they don't their shared. I am sorry that you got jipped. Next time pay close attention on the credit card and if they leave it blank ask them to total it hopefully they will get your hint. THere is really nothing to can do about cheap people.

Answer 4

You did the right thing! Some people will fool with you like this, but mostly people will be good and kind. He doesn't have to leave anything, it isn't against any law, tips are entirely voluntary based on acceptable behavior. Let it go, forget about it. If he comes in again, do not bring it up, but don't do anything nice for him either.

You should not write in a tip on someone's credit card slip ever. It falls under the same rule of acceptable behavior. It isn't against the law, unless you do it after the card-holder has signed the copy.

Answer 5

You did the right thing. Though I'm sure it must be very annoying. If he really wanted you to have something he would have written it in himself. There's all sorts of legal problems with doing that on somebody's credit card chit, even if they say it's ok to do it. I reckon if you had written on something, then you'd be sitting there at your computer now worried about it. So your choice is to feel hard done by and a bit annoyed or uneasy & anxious.....wondering what would come off it, if anything....personally I think I'd get over the 'hard done by' feeling quicker than the anxiety. You were under pressure at the time but you made the right decision. Well done.

Answer 6

I would have done the same thing you did...I think he could have been looking for a lawsuit or something.Or was just a Cheap B@st@rd! By You putting The amount on there He could have come back and Tried to Sue...By NOT Putting An Amount He puts you on the spot getting out of Tipping...You cant trust anyone these Days...Hopefully He doesnt come Back and If he Does Tell Him you need HIM to write the Amount in there!

Answer 7

First, I think it odd that a ticket for 8 people was the same as the ticket for 2 people. You did the right thing. He should decide how much to tip, not you. There is a space on the credit card slip for a tip.

Answer 8

It was definitely odd and RUDE. While it sounded initially as though he wanted to help you out, the fact that he left nothing for $160 in food, made him look the opposite. It may have been a ruse, knowing you wouldn't add anything, or if you did, he could say it was done after the fact -- not in his handwriting.

If it ever occurs again, you should politely tell the customer that it is against policy for you to add the tip, and he must be the one to do so. That way, you put the ball back in *his* court and he can't justify his actions (of leaving nothing) by saying to himself, "Well, I *gave* her the opportunity ... not my fault she didn't want a tip!"

Answer 9

Although you got the raw end of the deal, you did the right thing. It was up to him to designate a specific amount. It would have been inappropriate for you to arbitrarily add your own tip. It was thoughtless of him to ignore you, however, when you brought the slip, clearly without a tip added on. Just chalk it up to a bad experience, but sleep well knowing that you did the right thing.

Answer 10

It is not uncommon for a customer in a restaurant to do this when they trust you and want to be sure you are well taken care of--you should never, however, take advantage unless they are treating you very badly and then you can decide how much your trouble was worth. You should have added a good but fair tip to his total, say 20-30%. I understand how you feel, but you'll have to chalk this one up to experience.

Answer 11

That's weird. But if you wrote in a normal % for a tip, and he signed the bill, is that wrong? Don't you have to pay taxes on what the government assumes you'll get, whether you get that amount in tops or not? I think next time ask the manager what to do.