Cross Out The Tips Box On Receipts And Write In The Total
We do this little thing to protect against someone charging us more when we swipe with a card for a good or service that doesn't require tip.
Sometimes the receipt comes with a "tip" write-in area and we're paying for say, beer at the store. Now, by reflex, we always put a slash through the tip box and write in the total before signing.
If you don't, it's possible someone could write in a tip later for themselves and charge you for it. Having worked in a restaurant at one point, we know it can happen.
Probably means we're not living our life to its fullest potential, but everything has a price we guess. — BEN POPKEN
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But you still do tip in a service situation, right? Don't be too cheap.
I've seen drivers write tips in when customers are rude at a pizza place where I worked. This is a good way to avoid it. Whenever customers paid on a card and gave me cash I asked them to write in the total, but some people are just greedy.
But you leave a cash tip, right? (Sorry if this is my second post here. Consumerist doesn't like me today.)
@fizzer fitz: Oh, that's a great idea. I think I'll do that from now on.
You should also put the $ in front of every amount to prevent someone from adding digits there. Pretty rare, but better safe than sorry.
Don't forget to watch your debits at the counter. There are many machines that have "Add Tip?" as a question in the process of paying for the bill. We prefer to put cash on the table instead of adding it to the total deduction for our bill. We got scowled at by the waitress at the last place for not putting a tip throught, so I think that justified our just barely over 10% tip we did leave.
If you do tip with credit you can make the tip + bill equal a even dollar amount so its easier to spot an over charge.
i put down "cash" too.
You're not alone Ben. I do something similar. I write in a zero with a slash through it between two lines spanning the tip line. Someone would have to scribble out the whole thing to write in a tip I didn't give.
I generally just place the full amount on the total area. I also make sure it's very clear the amount I am paying. I haven't had any issues with being overcharged when i do that.
I don't tip because society says I have to. All right, if someone deserves a tip, if they really put forth an effort, I'll give them something a little something extra. But this tipping automatically, it's for the birds. As far as I'm concerned, they're just doing their job.
I like when restaurants do this.
Dispute the charge... what are they going to do, submit the fraudulent receipt to Mastercard?
Free meal.
Been doing this for years. I however write "none" in the tip field so the line can't be altered to look like a figure.
And you're exactly why I wish things had stayed as they were long ago, when a tip was given before service in a restaurant in order to insure proper service. Servers make well below even minimum wage, so when you don't tip you cost them money, since regardless they have to pay taxes on the assumed tip (usually about 11%). Congratulations on being a jackass.
Here I thought I was the only one who tried to give a cash tip, or portion in cash. Mostly because it's easier for the waitress to hide it from Uncle Sam. That, and the girls at Platinum Horse don't take Visa or MC:P
the tips line is useless and never used by the person inputing the amount into their credit card machine. the total line is the only line you need to worry about. if your bill was $20 and you wrote $5 on the tip line and $23 on the total line, I believe legally they're only allowed to charge you $23.
So it doesn't matter what you write in the tip line at all.
If crossing it makes you feel safer, by all means do it.
@petrieslastword: I have had my fair share of servers in my life. Those who deserved big tips, got big tips. Those who didn't, didn't. I have had people criticize me over this, and my response is, "Yes I know that they make less than minimum wage. BUT, if you know you're working for you tips, then put forth a little effort customer service wise." I have had servers who have gotten 35% tips because they were courteous and personable. Some have gotten whatever change was left when I payed the check. And I don't take it personally if you had a bad day. If you tell me you did, I'll cut you a lot of slack, because hey, we've all been there.
Having worked in a Full Service Hotel for over 15 years, I make the following suggestions:
Write the dollar amount of the tip $10.00 = Ten Dollars (I know a pain, but it beats the worst)
No tip because you left cash= None-Table (Again a pain)
Percentage = 18% - Eighteen Percent
Now, most servers are honest and will not take advantage of you, but it does happen.
The tricky part is if you are in a bar having a REAL GOOD time.
Tip in advance, you will get better service, you can always give more.
Pay Cash and forget the credit card. Mot disputes over tips were from people, who were intoxicated and forgot leaving the $100.00 tip, (it happens)
If you must pay by credit card, let you designated driver pay or use your card, less chance of tip fraud.
BE CAREFUL in a bar with your credit card, that is were most of the problems occurred.
If you must use your debit card, do not be surprised that there is an extra $50 to $100 hold on your card, it all depends on how you act and how much you drink, and if you are buying "for everyone"
Last note, the $100.00 tip does not a date get, just bragging rights for the server.
I always write CASH--and leave CASH--especially if it's a server I expect I'll see in the future. It's far better for the server, who can determine how accurate he or she wants to be with the tip accounting.
yeah, i write in 'cash' if i'm leaving cash on the table. hadn't thought of it as a fraud deterrent, just didn't want to give the impression i was stiffing someone out of a tip!
I know for a fact that the Papa Johns Pizza in Chatsworth, Georgia does it. I caught them at it and called to complain. We paid with debit card and gave the tip in cash. (the amount of tip depends on how late the driver is)
Later, we checked the bank statement and found the charge was several dollars more. I called the PJ's manager and they said that my debit card was only charge the correct amount. The next day, the bank showed the correct amount. hmmm
On a similar note to what Jim C. does above, when filling out one of these credit card receipts, I put slashes to the left and right of BOTH of my entries (the tip and the total) so that nobody can add anything to either end of the total, similar to the line you draw on a check to show that you haven't written any more dollar amounts on the "amount" line.
Now somebody is thinking "but you use a period to show the decimal place, why do you need the slash on the end." The answer is simple, do you know how easy it is to turn a period into a comma?
My 2 cents.
I am curious, and would like some advice on something. What does everyone tip for a Buffet? My friend and I got in an argument about it. I thought 15%, but he said the usual tip for a buffet is 10%.
I know it is based on service, but when all the servers are doing are filling up your drinks--what do you tip?
@oncewascool
US Bank does this with gas stations and restaurants. They overcharge just to get an authorization, make sure there is money in the account. Then the correct amount will go through.
I thought everybody already did this!?
Also, watch out for receipts that reproduce your ENTIRE credit card number, some still do this. Be sure to COMPLETELY scratch out at least part of the number! You don't need that out in the world when the establishment tosses their receipts a few weeks later.
And just because you cross out or put an amount, doesn't guarantee they won't change it. I've had it happen more than once. I guess they assume I wouldn't notice, but I check receipts against the statement. Also thought everybody did that, but have come to find lately that I'm in the minority. Eeek.
I tip heavy. Believe me it pays off in the end. 20% seems like alot for a tip, but I've never gotten bad service from a place because of it.
But yeah, I never tip using those unless I can't help it. If I have the money in my pocket I'll tip like that instead of adding it to the card. But if I need to I will put it on the card.
@tonkyhonk: Yes, they're doing your job- and you are obligated to pay part of their wage. You may not understaqnd this, but most waitpersons are legally paid under minimum wage and are expecvted to collect the rest in tips. Further, they are expected to pay taxes on those tips whether you can be bothered at aqll. 15% is obligatory, unless the service fails completely- more for exemplary service. if you don't tip, you're an asshole, period.
@Bay State Darren: If I think they've gone above and beyond standard service, yes, that's what a tip is for.
@infinitysnake: Gee, wow, I'm an asshole if I don't pay MORE than the amount on the menu? IF you want a tip, EARN IT. If you want to be paid more, raise the damn price, and don't get pissed at your customers.
Tips are earned, not given.
If you have an "I expect something for nothing" attitude, you're an asshole, period.
@Buran: Are you the guy that comes onto every tipping discussion page to start up a fight that's not there?
My two cents: Use cash when you can;
If you feel even a little off about the place, write out the final amount in words like it's a check.
@oncewascool: I asked my bank about the same thing - when using a debit card they will sometimes automatically add a percentage in anticipation of a tip. Not sure if it is restaurant dependent or bank dependent, I forget. In either case, the amount I was charged returned to the original amount (I did leave a cash tip).
What I don't get are the "casual" fast-food places that add the tip line. Yes, I know the employees have to prep the food, but they don't bring it to my table, and they surely don't refill my drink. They call my number and I have to walk up and get it. If you are in L.A., places like El Pollo Loco, Baja Fresh (is it nationwide?) and Daphne's Greek Cafe do this.
Let me just add that, as a former waitress, I really enjoyed getting cash tips on a credit card because they allowed me to lie to the IRS about my income. Also, on the rare days when I had no cash tables, at least a few cash tips gave me some take-home pay.
Don't bother with the anti-tipping trolls, people. They are already being punished by getting terrible service wherever they are known. And by being spiritually small people.
@Buran: Yes, you are. The menu does not reflect the price of servbice, only the price of the food. If you don't like to tip, eat at McDonald's like the other children. If someone brings your food from the kitchen to your table, you must pay for the service.
Last night a family came in and got great, quick service. I had the cook make them something that wasn't on the menu and got their son some extra crayons. Their bill was $50 and they left me $2 in cash and only signed the credit slip. I was awfully tempted to write in $5.
I guess some people don't get the concept of if you eat at a restaurant that a tip is basically part of the bill. If you don't then order take out.
It's okay cause there are @GitEmSteveDave 's out there that make up for the cheap people.
I don't know about the rest of you but I always look forward to giving a great tip and then end of a good meal.
Just cross them both out; it's faster.
@Buran: "If you have an "I expect something for nothing" attitude, you're an asshole, period."
Good luck getting that person you're not paying to bring the food from the kitchen to your table.
@Buran:
Leaving a tip is more about human decency and generosity, not an exercise in price gouging. If you are that bitter about the pricing structure, you tell the management and the server upfront BEFORE you eat that you intend screw them on tip.
Yet you chicken out by enjoying their service and walking out afterwards and leaving nothing. yeah...how classy of you.
here's a tip...try leaving one.
I too always leave a cash tip, even when I pay the total by credit card. Our family owns restaurants here in NYC and people forget to fill in anything on the CC fields plenty and they are asking for trouble.
I always leave the tip as double tax and always write in the tip box ...'CASH TIP'. I fill in the total on the total line & on the top of the receipt too.
FYI: I grew up in an affluent town on Long Island and used to deliver for a restaurant. When people screwed me on the tip, my boss would add an extra $10 on to their credit card and they would never know. Karma is a hell of a drug, so be nice and tip.
I can't understand why someone would stiff a tip (unless the service was atrocious). Tipping well is one of the small joys in life. I feel good, the server feels good, and I'm only out a couple extra bucks that I can spare.
That said, I always write 'table' if I leave cash on the table - half so that I don't piss off the server and half so that someone unscrupulous doesn't screw me. (I try to be generous, not naive). I also do what Jim C. does and put $ in front of my amounts.
I was a night auditor at a hotel that had a thriving bar. When the IRS announced they would mandate that servers had to claim at least 8% of their charge receipts as income, there was a huge uproar.
As I balanced out everything, I noticed an amazing phenomena - without a single night's variance, the actual tip percentage for the credit receipts was 13%. Although some servers received slightly better then 13%, nobody received less than 11%. Ever.
To all the servers who still bitch and moan about having to declare minimum income based on receipts, I give you the folks who bitch and moan because they are expected to tip you above and beyond the cost of their meals/drinks.
You are both cut from the same cheap-ass cloth.
Last night a family came in and got great, quick service. I had the cook make them something that wasn't on the menu and got their son some extra crayons. Their bill was $50 and they left me $2 in cash and only signed the credit slip.Was the family European? My European friends don't tip and don't understand the concept. I worked for a European man who would tip rounded up to the next ten - so $92 became $100 until I commented.
When I write in my total, I just slash, but will use the "CASH" or "TABLE" next time, and I draw on both sides of the dollar amount:
===$25.00===
Try to do that at gas stations, too - I worked in a self-serve gas station when I was 16, and the other cashiers used to add money all the time.
I am a server in a large corporate steakhouse. Different systems work different ways, some systems have you type in the total written at the bottom as a way of declaring credit card tips, my system has me write in the actual tip being given. If ever there is a discrepancy between the tip and the total, I always go with whatever gives me the most money.
Another thing, I think some of you think your service people are out to screw you. I'd have to be pretty bold to write tips in on a slip, there's a lot at risk when you do that. But, sometimes mistakes happen, and you claim the wrong tip on the wrong card.
Cash in general is always better for me, as it gives me discretion in how much tip I wish to declare.
I find it highly, highly embarrassing when my friends say, "Oh, we're students, it's ok for us to be cheap and tip less than 15%." If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. I pay 15% -- the standard minimum, according to my father, who is a server at a hotel restaurant -- every time for standard service, and more if the service is noticeably more attentive.
If you encounter one of those [for me at least] frequent scenarios where you have thrown a physical buck or three down on the table/jar for a tip and are staring at that damn space on the CC receipt I put 'on table' where Mr. Popken put the slash. That way you prevent an extra charge and you make it clear that you've tipped the waitress and avoid any phlegm or other ungodly substances in your future visits to said establishment.