So I was given a GC this past Christmas and was thinking of using it this weekend. Example: if the GC is for $100 and our bill comes to $75 can I leave the remainder as a tip to the waitress since to cash refund is given on GC's? Or does the remainder just go back to the resturaunt? I'm not sure if laws vary by state but any info would help.
Edit: This isn't a gift card but an actual written GC on paper. Similar to a check.
If you have a balance on the gift card, it will most likely remain on the gift card to use next time. To be safe, just bring cash and expect to tip the usual 15%-20% on the TOTAL bill.
I agree with the suggestion to conact the esablishment.
Personally I would bring cash for a tip, bring 20bucks in 5's & singles if you are planning on a 75 dollar meal.
Call the restaurant that issued it and ask.
I'd double check with the restaurant. I know that I can't add a tip onto many of the gift certificates we use, so we always bring cash just in case.
Why don't you call the restaurant directly and ask? I wouldn't think that they'd allow you to use the gift certificate for the tip, too. They will probably just give you a credit to come back in.
Mom:
most of those gift certificates are of no cash value. So if you don't use it all - the portion you did use will be taken out and used for your next visit.
Call the restaurant PRIOR to your going to see what their rules are. It might even say it on the gift certificate - "no cash value".
Good luck and Bon Appetit!!
Leave a cash tip for the FULL amount of what you would have paid if you went in with no GC.
If you do not use all of a GC, the remainder is void. Most of the time, it spells that out on the GC. Call the restaurant ahead of time and ask and present the DC BEFORE you order.
Enjoy.
I would check with the restaurant management. My understanding here in CA, and I give and receive lots of gift cards, is that a difference cannot be refunded, it just remains on the card for future use. Only something originally purchased on the gift card, then returned is refunded to the card. So if you left the waitress the card it could only be used at that restaurant, not like cash or a tip on your credit card.
I think you can do that but if you don't use it all the remainder stays on the card. Or at least that's how most work.
just ask the waiter/waitress when you sit down. :)
Ask the waitress. Many places will say no but for example, the Cheesecake factory will allow it.
Call the particular restaurant to ask. When I worked at a big family-owned steak house in the Twin Cities, our gift certificates were written on greeting card type paper. The policy was that if the amount left was less than $10, we'd give the refund in cash. If it was more, we'd issue a new gift card for the balance due.
If the service was/is good, leave 15 - 20 % to the waiter, which could/should be the rest of the gift (more or less).
Balance can be used for the tip.
Or leave cash & the balance WILL likely be noted on the certificate.
Where I waitress, you could tip on the GC. Just keep in mind, please tip at least 20% of what u would have spent and maybe extra since u didn't pay for your meal :). This will make her week to even get $5 over 20%!
I would definitely leave a cash tip over the gift certificate amount. Just consider the idea that you can really splurge and it will only cost you the amount of your gratuity! Happy Happy!
Whoops! Didn't have anything to say after all.
It totally depends on the restaurant. At the restaurant where I work, gift card balances can only be put back on the card, not used for a tip. So be prepared if that is the case with your gift card.
if the gift certificate was purchased by someone either for face value or even at a discounted rate it is worth the entire amount of face value. If the gift cert. was donated to a raffle or auction and won then no change is normally given back. Call the restaurant and ask their policy. They will be happy to assist and the server will be happy you are trying to not stiff them.
