How Much do I tip if I Don't Show?How Much do I tip if I Don't Show?
American Express, as good as cash for goods or services, even those you don't get.
This Valentine's Day was no exception to the practice of paying to not go to dinner.
With the blessing of American Express, some New York restaurants fine customers that don't make it for their reservations. Not those who are late, just the ones who leave their waiter fruitlessly setting a table for customers that will never come.
From Staten Island to Manhattan (well, maybe not quite Staten Island) restaurants are requiring not only "name" and "number in party," but "number on AMEX" as well.
These fines are not necessarily severe, but add up. Leave a two-seater empty and expect to cough up $50, and six unused water glasses could cost $150 ($400 per gallon!)
Something to think about when extolling the virtues of check acceptance to (non-restaurant) merchants. Consumers know: there are no surprises when using checks.
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