Tipping by Credit Card
Every two weeks, I buy a sandwich for dinner at my local independent coffeeshop. I don’t tip the kids behind the counter a lot of money because it’s not real table service. But I do like to give them 10% because they’re nice kids and they do walk the sandwich to me when it’s ready. They will give me extra pickle and are generally very nice to us regulars. But that 10% tip is never more than a dollar.
I just found out that they don’t get the tips on the credit card receipt when I make it out for less than a dollar. It’s some weird credit card policy. So now I vow to try to carry some change in my pocket when I go places where I might want to write a small tip.
I guess the other thing to do is tip extravagantly every other time so that it evens out over time, but I hate doing that because the staff changes around. I’m a firm believer in giving the tip to the person to whom it is due.
So whenever you are writing tips for small amounts, keep this in mind. I don’t know if you have heard this, but it’s better in general to tip in cash anyway since it’s easier for the staff to keep it under the table, and they don’t get a chunk of their tip taken from the credit card company’s transaction fees.
I know you aren’t supposed to buy lattes on credit cards. But I try to buy my meals with my debit card and that’s basically the same thing in this instance. Don’t stiff your service by tipping with your credit card. Apparently it’s an all or nothing deal for them when the amount is less than a dollar.
Now I know what to do with all my spare change.
Rob Carlson wrote:
That’s why I carry dollar coins.
Posted on 17-May-06 at 10:29 am | Permalink
lpkitten wrote:
good to know! those credit card companies are sneaky!
Posted on 17-May-06 at 11:51 am | Permalink
LAMoneyGuy wrote:
Dang, that sounds like a scam to me. What happens to the change? Don’t tell me the CCs keep it!
By the way, I like the blue background. It’s pleasing on the eyes.
Posted on 17-May-06 at 1:03 pm | Permalink
mapgirl wrote:
I think what happens is that it goes to the shopkeeper when the credit card company settles all the charges. So it goes to someone, but not the person who earned the tip. (Unless of course, it was the shopkeeper who served you.)
Posted on 17-May-06 at 4:53 pm | Permalink
Mandy wrote:
That doesn’t sound fair really. We’re not big into tipping over here - wages are higher and all that. But tipping is becoming more accepted and expected.
I’m sure the same thing happens with CC companies here too so I will definitely start carrying coins.
BTW love the blue background
Posted on 17-May-06 at 7:49 pm | Permalink
KevinsView wrote:
I also am a firm believer in tipping, however, it bugs me when these buffet places make a big deal of how ou aren’t hounded by wit staff, because its self serve, but then want me to tip.
A number of times I will have got my food and drink and someone comes up and says, “I will be your server today,” makes me want to push my plate aside and say, “I’m sorry, I thought this was serve yourself, I’ll have..”
So far I have held my tounge, but it sure is in my thoughts.
Posted on 18-May-06 at 12:23 am | Permalink
mapgirl wrote:
Are the drinks self-serve at the buffet too? If not, then I think you still ought to leave a tip. Do you bus your own dishes when finished?
I like going to a Chinese buffet with my co-workers, but we’re always asking for extra stuff and the staff is really nice to us so we like to leave a good tip. We’re not regular enough to be recognized, but someone still buses our table and refills our drinks for us. I suppose it would be different if you had to do absolutely everything yourself.
Posted on 18-May-06 at 8:29 am | Permalink
KevinsView wrote:
yep….Old Country Buffet has you get everything yourself, food, drinks etc…another buffet place you get your drinks at the register when you pay and the “server” brings you your extra plates and sets on the table, while you are at the buffet, and then disappears and has to be hunted down if you choose to get a refill.
Posted on 18-May-06 at 9:03 am | Permalink
Andrew wrote:
I never heard of that CC policy before. Good to know. Considering I had a brief stint as a waiter I understand the importance of tipping. But much like you I believe in only leaving a tip for those who deserve it. If they scowl or generally are jerks then no tip for them. Gotta earn your keep.
Posted on 18-May-06 at 9:01 pm | Permalink