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Members shared experiences of restaurants claiming credit card system failures, especially when ordering expensive menu items, and speculated whether this was a tactic to avoid credit card fees or a sign of deeper fraud. Some RVers believe these requests are often about saving the 3% transaction fee or possibly tax evasion, while others pointed out that genuine technical issues do occur, especially in areas with unreliable internet. Several noted that some establishments now legally add a...
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Members shared experiences of restaurants claiming credit card system failures, especially when ordering expensive menu items, and speculated whether this was a tactic to avoid credit card fees or a sign of deeper fraud. Some RVers believe these requests are often about saving the 3% transaction fee or possibly tax evasion, while others pointed out that genuine technical issues do occur, especially in areas with unreliable internet. Several noted that some establishments now legally add a surcharge for credit card use or offer cash discounts, with practices varying by state and region.
The conversation expanded into tipping culture, with comparisons between the U.S. and other countries where tipping is rare or even offensive. Members debated whether tips should be eliminated in favor of higher menu prices, with some preferring to reward good service directly and others advocating for a service-included model. Payment preferences also came up, with many favoring credit cards for rewards and tracking, while others use checks or cash to avoid fees or when required by the business.
Key takeaways include: always check for signage about payment policies, carry some cash as a backup, and be aware that credit card surcharges are increasingly common. The group remains divided on whether these cash requests are mostly about fees, fraud, or legitimate technical problems, but most agree that transparency from restaurants is key.
