While the US has been very slow implementing the chip and pin credit card that Europe uses, US banks are finally starting to roll out the chip and signature cards on a bigger scale.
Under the new system, American chip card users will be presented with a handheld card reader at their table and given tip options on-screen with the waiter standing right there. Under the current system the waiter swipes the credit card and leaves the customer with the receipt allowing more privacy in choosing the tip amount.
Read More:
http://qz.com/513592/the-way-y…-is-about-to-change/
Note that the tip suggestions on the machines have a habit of creeping up.
New York cab tips were about 15% for years, as a standard, and as recently as 2 years ago, a Times survey found that was about the norm. But…when you pay by credit card, the machine offers a choice of 20%, 25% or 30%. To use 15%, you have to go back one step in the process, make a manual entry, and then back to the close-out screen…all while you’re trying to get out of the cab and stop holding up traffic. I’ll bet a survey now would show that the average has jumped!
Actually, that’s only one way of looking at it…another is that it may push many people (I included) to resume cash tips.
The “convenient” suggested amounts, which even now appear on many slips can be very deceptive, both because they usually place the normal or usual amount as if it were the lowest “acceptable” amount, but also because often—not always—they calculate percent not on the restaurant bill but on the total of the bill plus tax. The difference can be significant.
Interestingly, Tom Colicchio, a top chef, is now implementing a “service included” policy similar to what finds in Europe, and removing the tips line from the receipt. He’s starting with lunch at Craft; if it works out well, it will be extended to dinner and to his other restaurants. I have to agree when he says “It’s time for a change. It’s time to pay the servers a salary.”
In the UK where we’ve had chip and pin cards for years we never include the tip with the total.
Always cash to the waiter.
We know how unscrupulous Restaurant owners can be.
We’ve had suggested amounts for years on the machines. I was just in Ireland where tips weren’t usually included as an option on the bill I never had the right amount of cash. Frankly maybe I’m lazy but I don’t mind having the option on the machine.
It’s been a while. Nice to see you all (metaphorically that is).
According to that link I posted above, tipping is up for NY Taxis 10% with those default setting tips and they are expecting an increase at restaurants too now.
It is safer that the card doesn’t leave our sight with the chip cards and cash tips seem to be the answer. I don’t know the statistics on the percent of people not carrying cash, but I know several young people that almost never carry cash.
Good seeing you JohnT!