Comments on: Fight Thieving Restaurant Servers With Checksum Tips http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/ Adding a punchline to your bottom line Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:02:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Aaron http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-198414 Aaron Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:02:22 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-198414 This is great information. I have always wondered if they were sneaky enough to try to rip you off and get extra tip money. This is a very decent method of outsmarting them! This is great information. I have always wondered if they were sneaky enough to try to rip you off and get extra tip money. This is a very decent method of outsmarting them!

]]> By: Financial Applications for iPhone and BlackBerry : The North American Journal http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195936 Financial Applications for iPhone and BlackBerry : The North American Journal Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:22:27 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195936 [...] your tip, and divide the check. Handy features include the ability to round the bill, or even palindrome your amount so that you’ll be sure the correct amount is [...] [...] your tip, and divide the check. Handy features include the ability to round the bill, or even palindrome your amount so that you’ll be sure the correct amount is [...]

]]> By: Top 50 Business Applications for iPhone and Blackberry http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195622 Top 50 Business Applications for iPhone and Blackberry Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:15:09 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195622 [...] your tip, and divide the check. Handy features include the ability to round the bill, or evenpalindrome your amount so that you’ll be sure the correct amount is [...] [...] your tip, and divide the check. Handy features include the ability to round the bill, or evenpalindrome your amount so that you’ll be sure the correct amount is [...]

]]> By: Aimee http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195058 Aimee Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:18:20 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-195058 Does anyone know which line you should take when there are obvious math errors? Say a bill was $39, they wrote $5 on the tip line, then wrote $34 as their total? Obvious math mistake, but legally, which is better "okay"....to put in the $5 or to put 0 for the tip? Does anyone know which line you should take when there are obvious math errors? Say a bill was $39, they wrote $5 on the tip line, then wrote $34 as their total? Obvious math mistake, but legally, which is better “okay”….to put in the $5 or to put 0 for the tip?

]]> By: Dave http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-194183 Dave Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:55:32 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-194183 Bill Mueller, tipping well is 15% for decent service. As a server that is what I expect for standard service. Am I greedy and would like 20% yes, but realize that 20% is for great, going above and beyond type service at least in the Chicago area. Bill Mueller, tipping well is 15% for decent service. As a server that is what I expect for standard service. Am I greedy and would like 20% yes, but realize that 20% is for great, going above and beyond type service at least in the Chicago area.

]]> By: Josh http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-190963 Josh Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:37:29 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-190963 Better idea How about 1. Don't go to restaurants 2. Don't tip 3. Always keep your costs low, so you'd know immediately. (I never pay more than $20, so I notice every buck) 4. Pay in cash, see what they steal. Better idea

How about
1. Don’t go to restaurants
2. Don’t tip
3. Always keep your costs low, so you’d know immediately. (I never pay more than $20, so I notice every buck)
4. Pay in cash, see what they steal.

]]> By: Bill Mueller http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-189524 Bill Mueller Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:11:48 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-189524 I notice most people here are worried about servers stealing money. I have never seen this happen but I have seen many people tipping less than 15% sometimes nothing at all and thinking this is perfectly acceptable. Servers depend on these tips the same way you depend on your paycheck. When people tip 2 dollars on a thirty dollar check you are screwing them big time, especially is they have to tip out bus boys, bartenders and hosts. They end up paying for a portion of your meal. Tipping well does not mean 15% either it means tipping 20-25% of your bill. Stop worrying about getting ripped off and start thinking about the people that your greedy obese asses are ripping off. I notice most people here are worried about servers stealing money. I have never seen this happen but I have seen many people tipping less than 15% sometimes nothing at all and thinking this is perfectly acceptable. Servers depend on these tips the same way you depend on your paycheck. When people tip 2 dollars on a thirty dollar check you are screwing them big time, especially is they have to tip out bus boys, bartenders and hosts. They end up paying for a portion of your meal. Tipping well does not mean 15% either it means tipping 20-25% of your bill. Stop worrying about getting ripped off and start thinking about the people that your greedy obese asses are ripping off.

]]> By: indyserver http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186303 indyserver Mon, 26 May 2008 20:18:38 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186303 I ALSO WANTED TO MENTION, IF YOU DINED AT A CHAIN, THEN GO TO THE WEBSITE WITH COMPLEMENTS , COMMENTS AND OR COMPLAINTS. THEY USUALLY RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. DO NOT ATTACK THE SERVER FOR ALL MISTAKES BUT ADDRESS THEM ABOUT THEM. NO PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED IF YOU SAY NOTHING! ALL GOOD SERVERS KNOW THAT YOUR SATISFACTION IS THE MAIN FACTOR FOR THEIR INCOME! MANAGERS KNOW YOUR SATISFACTION IS A FACTOR IN FUTURE VISITS. IF, AFTER ADDRESSING ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SERVER, AND YOU STILL FEEL THINGS ARE NOT RESOLVED, THEN CONTACT THE MANAGER. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE FOOD, PLEASE REALIZE THE SERVER PROBABLY DID NOT PREPARE IT. IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF ANY ONE OF A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PREPARING, PURCHASING, OR RUNNING YOUR FOOD. I UNDERSTAND YOU WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY! I ALWAYS GIVE MY BEST TO ENSURE YOU GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH. I ONLY GET PAID IF YOU TIP. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT YOU SHOULD CONTACT A MANAGER IF A SERVER DOES NOT ADDRESS A PROBLEM...BUT MAKE SURE YOU MENTION BEFORE GETTING THE MANAGER! IF THE MANAGER DOES NOTHING, PLEASE TIP THE SERVER IF THEY ARE NOT THE CAUSE! IF A MANAGER DOES NOTHING, TRY CONTACTING THE OWNER AND/OR CORPORATE OFFICE. I ALSO WANTED TO MENTION, IF YOU DINED AT A CHAIN, THEN GO TO THE WEBSITE WITH COMPLEMENTS , COMMENTS AND OR COMPLAINTS. THEY USUALLY RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. DO NOT ATTACK THE SERVER FOR ALL MISTAKES BUT ADDRESS THEM ABOUT THEM. NO PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED IF YOU SAY NOTHING! ALL GOOD SERVERS KNOW THAT YOUR SATISFACTION IS THE MAIN FACTOR FOR THEIR INCOME! MANAGERS KNOW YOUR SATISFACTION IS A FACTOR IN FUTURE VISITS. IF, AFTER ADDRESSING ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SERVER, AND YOU STILL FEEL THINGS ARE NOT RESOLVED, THEN CONTACT THE MANAGER. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE FOOD, PLEASE REALIZE THE SERVER PROBABLY DID NOT PREPARE IT. IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF ANY ONE OF A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PREPARING, PURCHASING, OR RUNNING YOUR FOOD. I UNDERSTAND YOU WORK HARD FOR YOUR MONEY! I ALWAYS GIVE MY BEST TO ENSURE YOU GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH. I ONLY GET PAID IF YOU TIP. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT YOU SHOULD CONTACT A MANAGER IF A SERVER DOES NOT ADDRESS A PROBLEM…BUT MAKE SURE YOU MENTION BEFORE GETTING THE MANAGER! IF THE MANAGER DOES NOTHING, PLEASE TIP THE SERVER IF THEY ARE NOT THE CAUSE! IF A MANAGER DOES NOTHING, TRY CONTACTING THE OWNER AND/OR CORPORATE OFFICE.

]]> By: indyserver http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186298 indyserver Mon, 26 May 2008 19:56:32 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186298 I HAVE SERVED FOR MANY YEARS. MOST SERVERS HAVE TO INPUT THEIR CREDIT CARD TIPS AT THE END OF THE SHIFT. THE ESTABLISHMENT I WORKED AT HAD A TOUCH SCREEN AND WAS QUITE SENSITIVE. I HAVE NEVER MADE SUCH A MISTAKE, BUT BEFORE YOU GET ANGRY, REALIZE THAT MISTAKES ARE POSSIBLE IN SUCH A FAST PACED WORK PLACE. ANY RESPECTABLE MANAGER OR OWNER WILL NOTICE FRAUD AND TAKE ACTION. ALSO, REMEMBER THAT THE SERVER IS ONLY THAT, AND LATE FOOD, OR INCORRECTLY PREPARED FOOD IS SOMEONE ELSE'S FAULT. ASKING TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER IS ALWAYS A GREAT IDEA IF DISSATISFIED. MOST SERVERS HAVE TO REPORT TIPS FOR FOOD EVEN IF THE CUSTOMER DID NOT HAVE TO PAY, SO DONT NOT TIP JUST BECAUSE THE MANAGER TOOK CARE OF YOUR BILL. MANY TIMES I HAVE HAD TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF SOMEONE ELSE'S MISTAKES. TALKING TO THE MANAGER IS THE BEST COURSE FOR ANY PROBLEM THE SERVER COULD NOT OR DID NOT FIX. ONCE WE HAD A COOK WHO WAS PLANNING ON WALKING OUT. HE THREW AWAY OVER THIRTY TICKETS, WITHOUT MAKING THEM. HE WAS ON GRILL COOKING ALL STEAKS(AT A STEAKHOUSE)CHICKEN,PORK, ETC. EVERYTHING HAD TO BE ENTERED INTO THE COMPUTER AGAIN. AT THIS PARTICULAR RESTAURANT AND MOST OTHERS, A TICKET PRINTS FOR THE SALAD GUY, ONE FOR THE GRILL, AND ANOTHER FOR THE FOOD PREP LINE. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE NOTICED EARLIER, BUT ONLY THE SERVERS DID. ALL THE OTHER EMPLOYEES WERE HOURLY, AND TIPS DID NOT EFFECT THEM. A SERVER IS ONLY THAT, YET HE USUALLY SUFFERS FOR THE MISTAKES OR INEFFICIANCY OF OTHERS. SO ALWAYS ASK FOR A MANAGER. LASTLY, WAS YOUR SERVER EXCELLENT? ASK FOR THE MANAGER, TELL THEM HOW WELL YOU SERVER DID! ASK FOR THEM WHEN YOU DINE THERE AGAIN. AS A SERVER, IT ALWAYS FELT GREAT TO GET A COMPLEMENT,EVEN IF THE TIP WAS LESS THAN EXPECTED! I HAVE SERVED FOR MANY YEARS. MOST SERVERS HAVE TO INPUT THEIR CREDIT CARD TIPS AT THE END OF THE SHIFT. THE ESTABLISHMENT I WORKED AT HAD A TOUCH SCREEN AND WAS QUITE SENSITIVE. I HAVE NEVER MADE SUCH A MISTAKE, BUT BEFORE YOU GET ANGRY, REALIZE THAT MISTAKES ARE POSSIBLE IN SUCH A FAST PACED WORK PLACE. ANY RESPECTABLE MANAGER OR OWNER WILL NOTICE FRAUD AND TAKE ACTION.
ALSO, REMEMBER THAT THE SERVER IS ONLY THAT, AND LATE FOOD, OR INCORRECTLY PREPARED FOOD IS SOMEONE ELSE’S FAULT. ASKING TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER IS ALWAYS A GREAT IDEA IF DISSATISFIED. MOST SERVERS HAVE TO REPORT TIPS FOR FOOD EVEN IF THE CUSTOMER DID NOT HAVE TO PAY, SO DONT NOT TIP JUST BECAUSE THE MANAGER TOOK CARE OF YOUR BILL. MANY TIMES I HAVE HAD TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF SOMEONE ELSE’S MISTAKES. TALKING TO THE MANAGER IS THE BEST COURSE FOR ANY PROBLEM THE SERVER COULD NOT OR DID NOT FIX. ONCE WE HAD A COOK WHO WAS PLANNING ON WALKING OUT. HE THREW AWAY OVER THIRTY TICKETS, WITHOUT MAKING THEM. HE WAS ON GRILL COOKING ALL STEAKS(AT A STEAKHOUSE)CHICKEN,PORK, ETC. EVERYTHING HAD TO BE ENTERED INTO THE COMPUTER AGAIN. AT THIS PARTICULAR RESTAURANT AND MOST OTHERS, A TICKET PRINTS FOR THE SALAD GUY, ONE FOR THE GRILL, AND ANOTHER FOR THE FOOD PREP LINE. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE NOTICED EARLIER, BUT ONLY THE SERVERS DID. ALL THE OTHER EMPLOYEES WERE HOURLY, AND TIPS DID NOT EFFECT THEM.

A SERVER IS ONLY THAT, YET HE USUALLY SUFFERS FOR THE MISTAKES OR INEFFICIANCY OF OTHERS. SO ALWAYS ASK FOR A MANAGER. LASTLY, WAS YOUR SERVER EXCELLENT? ASK FOR THE MANAGER, TELL THEM HOW WELL YOU SERVER DID! ASK FOR THEM WHEN YOU DINE THERE AGAIN. AS A SERVER, IT ALWAYS FELT GREAT TO GET A COMPLEMENT,EVEN IF THE TIP WAS LESS THAN EXPECTED!

]]> By: anon server http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186122 anon server Mon, 26 May 2008 05:45:58 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186122 By the way, servers actually "make" $2.13/hour in the U.S. by law. However, this hourly rate is deducted from our paychecks to compensate for taxes not taken out of cash tips received at night. Therefore, our checks for about 30 hours a week are usually ZERO DOLLARS. I have never, ever received a paycheck from work because the government takes this money as taxes. So we don't even actually ever see that $2.13/hr until we do our taxes each year. Just a fun fact for you. By the way, servers actually “make” $2.13/hour in the U.S. by law. However, this hourly rate is deducted from our paychecks to compensate for taxes not taken out of cash tips received at night. Therefore, our checks for about 30 hours a week are usually ZERO DOLLARS. I have never, ever received a paycheck from work because the government takes this money as taxes. So we don’t even actually ever see that $2.13/hr until we do our taxes each year. Just a fun fact for you.

]]> By: anon server http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186120 anon server Mon, 26 May 2008 05:43:31 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-186120 This is basically ridiculous, if you tip your server twenty percent, they won't steal from you. Ever think of that? Of course not, because people are too cheap to give any type of 'gratuity'. Verbal gratuities not counting. We have to pay our rent and car payments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Amber, I've had people come in asking for a refund after realizing gratuity had been added onto their check and then paying double the tip. (Actually, not really double, since they'd been planning on tipping only 10% anyway, and gratuity for large parties is usually 18%.) Anyway, it's the wife's problem that her husband tipped you extra! I'm not sure whether or not it's legal to give back the money, but I know that the restaurant I work at would probably give back the money out of the restaurant's money rather than yours, if the man had come in with the wife, showed a picture ID, gave his credit card, and asked for a refund. Otherwise, if the husband was not present in the demand for a refund, it probably could not be done. But, I've also had people try to use gift cards that they probably thought had more money on them than they actually did, and not give enough money to cover the bill. I've had people WALK OUT on the bill, making me responsible for paying the ENTIRE BILL out of my POCKET. I've had people tip A DOLLAR because the kitchen was backed up on a Saturday night and there was nothing I could do about it. Please understand that most servers NEED to make money; to support their children/family, to pay rent, car payments, mortgage, etc. Most times our efforts are not careless. Kitchen staff is paid by the hour, so if they mess something up, it's not their problem. It instantly becomes the server's problem, because we are the ones who walk out of the restaurant at night with barely enough money to pay our bills. WE DO NOT GET PAYCHECKS EITHER! Understand this! We NEED your tips! True, many servers work to make extra money, but most work out of financial NECESSITY!!! Many are college students trying to pay tuition, or young adults trying to support their families. Please be sensitive to this. That's all.. TIP 20% !!! This is basically ridiculous, if you tip your server twenty percent, they won’t steal from you. Ever think of that? Of course not, because people are too cheap to give any type of ‘gratuity’. Verbal gratuities not counting. We have to pay our rent and car payments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Amber, I’ve had people come in asking for a refund after realizing gratuity had been added onto their check and then paying double the tip. (Actually, not really double, since they’d been planning on tipping only 10% anyway, and gratuity for large parties is usually 18%.) Anyway, it’s the wife’s problem that her husband tipped you extra! I’m not sure whether or not it’s legal to give back the money, but I know that the restaurant I work at would probably give back the money out of the restaurant’s money rather than yours, if the man had come in with the wife, showed a picture ID, gave his credit card, and asked for a refund. Otherwise, if the husband was not present in the demand for a refund, it probably could not be done.

But, I’ve also had people try to use gift cards that they probably thought had more money on them than they actually did, and not give enough money to cover the bill. I’ve had people WALK OUT on the bill, making me responsible for paying the ENTIRE BILL out of my POCKET. I’ve had people tip A DOLLAR because the kitchen was backed up on a Saturday night and there was nothing I could do about it. Please understand that most servers NEED to make money; to support their children/family, to pay rent, car payments, mortgage, etc. Most times our efforts are not careless. Kitchen staff is paid by the hour, so if they mess something up, it’s not their problem. It instantly becomes the server’s problem, because we are the ones who walk out of the restaurant at night with barely enough money to pay our bills.

WE DO NOT GET PAYCHECKS EITHER! Understand this! We NEED your tips! True, many servers work to make extra money, but most work out of financial NECESSITY!!! Many are college students trying to pay tuition, or young adults trying to support their families. Please be sensitive to this.

That’s all..

TIP 20% !!!

]]> By: Derek http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-182349 Derek Mon, 12 May 2008 20:52:56 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-182349 Wow, this is a fantastic idea. True its not foolproof, but I doubt any server would take the time to even notice such a system (unless they're reading this right now :O). Wow, this is a fantastic idea. True its not foolproof, but I doubt any server would take the time to even notice such a system (unless they’re reading this right now :O).

]]> By: Amber http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-176734 Amber Sun, 27 Apr 2008 02:59:24 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-176734 Okay so I'm a server and I came on this website to find out some answers about the whole credit card thing..... my deal is some guy tip'd me and another server double because he said we were fantastic.... and he already informed me that he knew that there was a gratuity. So here's my question....LEGALLY...can his wife call in the next day and ask for that tip to be put back on the credit card even though it's not her credit card...and she could be anybody....and she didn't come in with an picture id with a matching credit card or nothing...she lied and said it was hers..but it was in his name!? i just think it's retarded......... thats between them...I think.... I already payed bills with that money and everything and now i'm out of pocket! and i had to stay late as hell that night so i was happy that he compensated us for our time ya know???? Is that legal...what that women did? Okay so I’m a server and I came on this website to find out some answers about the whole credit card thing….. my deal is some guy tip’d me and another server double because he said we were fantastic…. and he already informed me that he knew that there was a gratuity. So here’s my question….LEGALLY…can his wife call in the next day and ask for that tip to be put back on the credit card even though it’s not her credit card…and she could be anybody….and she didn’t come in with an picture id with a matching credit card or nothing…she lied and said it was hers..but it was in his name!? i just think it’s retarded……… thats between them…I think…. I already payed bills with that money and everything and now i’m out of pocket! and i had to stay late as hell that night so i was happy that he compensated us for our time ya know???? Is that legal…what that women did?

]]> By: Recent Links: April 09 to April 16 at Alex Jones http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-175314 Recent Links: April 09 to April 16 at Alex Jones Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:59:18 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-175314 [...] Fight Thieving Restaurant Servers With Checksum Tips | Punny Money An easy method to combat the most common type of tip fraud - wait staff changing the amount of tip left on a credit card receipt. [...] [...] Fight Thieving Restaurant Servers With Checksum Tips | Punny Money An easy method to combat the most common type of tip fraud - wait staff changing the amount of tip left on a credit card receipt. [...]

]]> By: M.V.P. http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-160655 M.V.P. Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:48:37 +0000 http://www.punny.org/money/fight-thieving-restaurant-servers-with-checksum-tips/#comment-160655 Great idea, thieves suck. There are two reasons servers steal from their guests; 1. Greed 2. Ire from a guests bad tip. Greed you can't control, we all know that. In the situation when you feel you have to leave a bad tip, let the server AND the manager know why the service was bad (no drink refills, attitude, long wait for food, etc...). 9 out of 10 times the server will understand and apologize sincerely and the meal will be comped. Just remember, the server doesn't cook the food, so if you don't like what you ordered, it's not their fault. Just be fair, servers generally make between $2-3/Hr before tips. Not all servers are thieves, just honest people trying to make a living like everyone else. Great idea, thieves suck. There are two reasons servers steal from their guests; 1. Greed 2. Ire from a guests bad tip. Greed you can’t control, we all know that. In the situation when you feel you have to leave a bad tip, let the server AND the manager know why the service was bad (no drink refills, attitude, long wait for food, etc…). 9 out of 10 times the server will understand and apologize sincerely and the meal will be comped. Just remember, the server doesn’t cook the food, so if you don’t like what you ordered, it’s not their fault. Just be fair, servers generally make between $2-3/Hr before tips. Not all servers are thieves, just honest people trying to make a living like everyone else.

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