Often it states on the coupon:”present to server when ordering” or “present coupon when paying” — If it doesn’t take the safe road and mention to your server “I will be using a coupon with my payment” when you order. They seem to appreciate the heads up and this avoids any confusion. Great question !
some places have a little note printed on the coupon that says “Present coupon prior to ordering”. If they do not have such a statement, I place the coupon into the check holder along with my cash or credit card. They will take it off then. If they are jerks, when they bring back your card/change they sometimes loudly announce “oh, and I took off your coupon”. If they are normal and good servers, they will just hand you the receipt with the amount taken off.
Remember to tip on the before-coupon price of the meal.
I always give it to them when ordering.
Mainly for some reason if they have an issue with the coupon or there is a misundrstanding then I am aware of it prior to pmt.
It beats thinking your getting it for coupon price to find out later its full price.
it really does not matter really though.
Technically when you pay your bill. However, I’ve noticed in many cases, they want to know about the coupon up front. Sometimes in a marketing ploy, the coupon is to bring you in the establishment to buy. But a few times you don’t the full value of the service or item. Or even worse, they do not honor the coupon and instead tell you that there is a “clause” to it– ie.not valid on certain days, or must order a minimum amount ( for food). On merchandise, they said no return no exchange etc. Safest so as not to embarass yourself, let the waiter /waitress know about your coupon before you place you order. You’ll never know about these “clauses” unless your scrutinize your coupon.
upon their arrival. they need to know so that they can clear it with their manager and let you know all the perks. they may suggest items to help you stay inside the budget!!
As a server I would say the best time for both parties would be at the beginning of the transaction. Different restaurants have different regulations about when their waitstaff is supposed to present the check to guests and they may be required to drop your check before asking about dessert. Most servers will not have a problem with your giving the coupon at any time, but if you are in a rush at all, it will be easier on you and the server to give the coupon as soon as possible – this way they can take the necessary actions of getting the discount added to your check and returning the bill as soon as possible. I know that where I work, it can be a real hassle tracking down a manager for a coupon discount. This isn’t the guests’ or the servers’ fault, but it has caused some hostilities before when a guest is in a hurry. So, if you forget about your coupon until the end of the meal, don’t feel shy about turning it in at that point. But if you are looking for the optimum time, I would definitely encourage you to turn it over when you are ordering your meal. The server will be grateful that you’ve given them what they need and the entire transaction will be smoother. And if there are any restrictions that go along with the coupon, you will find out immediately, rather than being surprised later. If you are still unsure at some time, most coupons do have a note on the bottom or the back specifying when you should turn it in for redemption.
You inform her when she asks to take order, as sometimes there are requirements a server has to complete with coupon and also patrons. Do not wait til end of meal as they can refuse. the coupons state, present to server at seating, beginning.
When you are cheap.
when you pay your bill.
when they ask if anyone wants desert
before the end of the meal, near dessert or coffee.
when you pay
Often it states on the coupon:”present to server when ordering” or “present coupon when paying” — If it doesn’t take the safe road and mention to your server “I will be using a coupon with my payment” when you order. They seem to appreciate the heads up and this avoids any confusion. Great question !
some places have a little note printed on the coupon that says “Present coupon prior to ordering”. If they do not have such a statement, I place the coupon into the check holder along with my cash or credit card. They will take it off then. If they are jerks, when they bring back your card/change they sometimes loudly announce “oh, and I took off your coupon”. If they are normal and good servers, they will just hand you the receipt with the amount taken off.
Remember to tip on the before-coupon price of the meal.
I always give it to them when ordering.
Mainly for some reason if they have an issue with the coupon or there is a misundrstanding then I am aware of it prior to pmt.
It beats thinking your getting it for coupon price to find out later its full price.
it really does not matter really though.
I’d let them know there’s a coupon involved when they take the order, in case it affects how they ring up your ticket later.
Do remember to tip for the full bill though (before the coupon discount).
Enjoy!
Technically when you pay your bill. However, I’ve noticed in many cases, they want to know about the coupon up front. Sometimes in a marketing ploy, the coupon is to bring you in the establishment to buy. But a few times you don’t the full value of the service or item. Or even worse, they do not honor the coupon and instead tell you that there is a “clause” to it– ie.not valid on certain days, or must order a minimum amount ( for food). On merchandise, they said no return no exchange etc. Safest so as not to embarass yourself, let the waiter /waitress know about your coupon before you place you order. You’ll never know about these “clauses” unless your scrutinize your coupon.
upon their arrival. they need to know so that they can clear it with their manager and let you know all the perks. they may suggest items to help you stay inside the budget!!
As a server I would say the best time for both parties would be at the beginning of the transaction. Different restaurants have different regulations about when their waitstaff is supposed to present the check to guests and they may be required to drop your check before asking about dessert. Most servers will not have a problem with your giving the coupon at any time, but if you are in a rush at all, it will be easier on you and the server to give the coupon as soon as possible – this way they can take the necessary actions of getting the discount added to your check and returning the bill as soon as possible. I know that where I work, it can be a real hassle tracking down a manager for a coupon discount. This isn’t the guests’ or the servers’ fault, but it has caused some hostilities before when a guest is in a hurry. So, if you forget about your coupon until the end of the meal, don’t feel shy about turning it in at that point. But if you are looking for the optimum time, I would definitely encourage you to turn it over when you are ordering your meal. The server will be grateful that you’ve given them what they need and the entire transaction will be smoother. And if there are any restrictions that go along with the coupon, you will find out immediately, rather than being surprised later. If you are still unsure at some time, most coupons do have a note on the bottom or the back specifying when you should turn it in for redemption.
You inform her when she asks to take order, as sometimes there are requirements a server has to complete with coupon and also patrons. Do not wait til end of meal as they can refuse. the coupons state, present to server at seating, beginning.