• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Discreetly Paying the Bill

timosyy

timosyy

Golden Member
When you're trying to discreetly pay the bill for your table (more of an Asian thing maybe), or order a birthday slice of cake/cupcake etc., how do you go about it? Do you tell the person up-front as you're checking in, or try to find the waiter/waitress after you've all been seated?
 
timosyy said:
When you're trying to discreetly pay the bill for your table (more of an Asian thing maybe), or order a birthday slice of cake/cupcake etc., how do you go about it? Do you tell the person up-front as you're checking in, or try to find the waiter/waitress after you've all been seated?
Click to expand...

This. I usually will do it before the dishes come but after we've ordered, tell the table I'm going to the restroom and then let the waiter know to hand me the check
 
I just ask for the check when it comes to the table. Be the first to maintain eye contact with the server when they show up with the bill and a slight raise of your index finger should do the trick.
 
Hand the server your CC when you ask for the check. That way the check is paid before it ever reaches the table for people to fight over.

Also, servers seem to appreciate this as it takes them out of the situation where everyone is saying "No, no, no ... hand ME the check please!"
 
I never understood this "game." If one person at the table is really well off and wants to pay, let him. If everyone is about equal, why is some douche fighting for the bill? Take turns or let someone pay if they want.
 
slayer202 said:
I never understood this "game." If one person at the table is really well off and wants to pay, let him. If everyone is about equal, why is some douche fighting for the bill? Take turns or let someone pay if they want.
Click to expand...

People don't want to let someone else take the bill because it puts pressure on them to reciporicate in some way. It's not really that hard to understand.

But Blackjack, if someone want to pay the bill, that's THEIR business, I'm not obligated to do anything for them.

Good, then don't fight for the bill. Assume that you will pay your share, and if someone else wants to pay the whole thing, shrug your shoulders and let them. I don't give a shit.
 
slayer202 said:
I never understood this "game." If one person at the table is really well off and wants to pay, let him. If everyone is about equal, why is some douche fighting for the bill? Take turns or let someone pay if they want.
Click to expand...

At least for me, it has nothing to do with being "well off". Sometimes, it's just a nice surprise to give my friends or family an unexpected free meal. Nothing sinister or douchey about it.

But I agree that fighting over the bill is silly, that's why I would try to avoid that by being discreet.
 
ChopperDave said:
I just ask for the check when it comes to the table. Be the first to maintain eye contact with the server when they show up with the bill and a slight raise of your index finger should do the trick.
Click to expand...

That doesn't work with my in-laws (chinese). My MiL makes such a scene when I pick up the check at the table that it can get embarrassing. We've actually torn the check once playing tug-o-war. I use the "going to the restroom" move now and hand the server my credit card.

The in-laws are very well off, but we're doing fine as well, and it is just nice to reciprocate once in a while for all the times they paid when we were just getting started.
 
this is the worst with a group of Indians, everyone wants to be douchey and show that they can afford it etc.
 
slayer202 said:
I never understood this "game." If one person at the table is really well off and wants to pay, let him. If everyone is about equal, why is some douche fighting for the bill? Take turns or let someone pay if they want.
Click to expand...

That's not how it's played. It's more like a scenario that I had recently when a friend of mine (which I haven't seen for 3 years since he moved to Japan) came to California to visit us.

1) I wanted to pay for him since he's visiting me as a guest and I wanted to treat him out as thanks for coming so far to see me.
2) He wanted to pay since he really wanted to catch up and wanted to thank us meeting up with him on short notice.

/receipt grabfest ensures.

So as a result, I always do the restroom/pay trick. It seems to work well (especially if I'm paying for my parents).
 
slayer202 said:
I never understood this "game." If one person at the table is really well off and wants to pay, let him. If everyone is about equal, why is some douche fighting for the bill? Take turns or let someone pay if they want.
Click to expand...

You don't understand this game because you're always the guy that doesn't pay (cheap) or you are the one who usually pays which means you have cheap/lame friends. In both situations, that's a sucky life. I'd rather play this game, while annoying at times, because it means both parties are well off enough and generous enough to do so.
 
Bazake said:
Hand the server your CC when you ask for the check. That way the check is paid before it ever reaches the table for people to fight over.

Also, servers seem to appreciate this as it takes them out of the situation where everyone is saying "No, no, no ... hand ME the check please!"
Click to expand...

This. Don't let the bill come to the table, just give your card to the server.
 
offer to pay, if someone wants to fight for the bill they can have it

whatever respect/honor/high they are getting is not worth the $
 
vshah said:
this is the worst with a group of Indians, everyone wants to be douchey and show that they can afford it etc.
Click to expand...

Weird I usually offer to pay the bill just so no one thinks I'm freeloading. If I was with someone hellbent on paying I'm not going to stand in their way LOL
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top