Split Checks?

[ILoveToRun]

Either pay own or one person pays all. It's only even if it's at like PF Chang's where we all share the dishes.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

I was curious if those that split it evenly would also call their friends cheap if someone suggested separate checks, this might be why it's not brought up. Fear of being left out for not wanting to share the cost of your meal or they are letting you subsidize theirs. As someone up thread suggested you should try separate checks, you may be surprised.

For me it's separate checks, no way am I helping pay for some of the cheapskates I hang around.

 

[2goofycampers]

Separate checks or pay the whole bill.


Tennessee

 

[Andtototoo]

When we were younger and poorer, we got burned one too many times by "friends" on the split checks evenly game. And we also learned that the type of peson who would call us cheap for wanting separate checks is also the person who screws over their friends to pay for their drinks and desserts. So we found that asking for separate checks was a good way to weed out the moochers.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I was curious if those that split it evenly would also call their friends cheap if someone suggested separate checks, this might be why it's not brought up. Fear of being left out for not wanting to share the cost of your meal or they are letting you subsidize theirs. As someone up thread suggested you should try separate checks, you may be surprised.

For me it's separate checks, no way am I helping pay for some of the cheapskates I hang around.

No, I wouldn't think one of my friends is cheap if they said they wanted a separate check. I just know we all feel that it evens out in the end as we discussed it. None of my friends are trying to work each other over for an extra appetizer or a free drink, we enjoy the night out and don't worry about paying an extra dollar or two once in a while.

 

[BlovesC]

I'm amazed by the check-sharers just because of all the cash they must carry around! When I opened my first bank account at 17, it came with a visa check/debit card. I've really never been in the habit of carrying cash my entire life. I'd say it was a regional thing, but my friends were the same back home in NJ as they are down here in FL, so maybe it's more of a generational thing.

 

[cornflake]

When we were younger and poorer, we got burned one too many times by "friends" on the split checks evenly game. And we also learned that the type of peson who would call us cheap for wanting separate checks is also the person who screws over their friends to pay for their drinks and desserts. So we found that asking for separate checks was a good way to weed out the moochers.

It's not that someone would say others were cheap, or that people are moochers (why would you keep going out with those people?!). It'd be odd and seems unnecessary and just strange.

If you do that, then you do. I never have, I've never been with anyone who has, so why would I? Also, I think it'd be strange to ask.

I mean I can't really think where I even would. At a bar? Either people serially buy rounds, or people go to the bar itself, order and pay for a drink when they want one, or someone is running a tab, or it's a thing involving waitstaff in which case I can't imagine the pain in the rear of them trying to keep up with separate checks.

At a neighbourhoody restaurant? How hard is it to simply look at the bill? I'd think they'd think I was strange for asking; I've never seen it done, though it's not like I pay attention to how other tables are paying but you'd think I'd have run into anyone doing at some point it if it were common here.

At a nice place? As Janepod said, that's just, again, weird. Usually someone pays and other people just pay them if it's being split not traded off.

If separate checks are your norm then go nuts but some of us have managed fine without and if it ain't broke...

As to the 'drama' it usually works out fine. On occasion (usually with a big group at a sports or other bar) it'll be a bit short because someone can't add or forgot something was theirs, or it'll be over because everyone overestimated. No big. People toss in extra or take back some or the server gets a really nice tip (once during playoffs our fave sports bar waitress ended up with a 50% tip). No big.

Separate checks also seems like it'd take longer, with everyone having to pay the waitstaff as what if a whole bunch of people used cards...

 

[mhsjax]

It's not that someone would say others were cheap, or that people are moochers (why would you keep going out with those people?!). It'd be odd and seems unnecessary and just strange.

If you do that, then you do. I never have, I've never been with anyone who has, so why would I? Also, I think it'd be strange to ask.

I mean I can't really think where I even would. At a bar? Either people serially buy rounds, or people go to the bar itself, order and pay for a drink when they want one, or someone is running a tab, or it's a thing involving waitstaff in which case I can't imagine the pain in the rear of them trying to keep up with separate checks.

At a neighbourhoody restaurant? How hard is it to simply look at the bill? I'd think they'd think I was strange for asking; I've never seen it done, though it's not like I pay attention to how other tables are paying but you'd think I'd have run into anyone doing at some point it if it were common here.

At a nice place? As Janepod said, that's just, again, weird. Usually someone pays and other people just pay them if it's being split not traded off.

If separate checks are your norm then go nuts but some of us have managed fine without and if it ain't broke...

As to the 'drama' it usually works out fine. On occasion (usually with a big group at a sports or other bar) it'll be a bit short because someone can't add or forgot something was theirs, or it'll be over because everyone overestimated. No big. People toss in extra or take back some or the server gets a really nice tip (once during playoffs our fave sports bar waitress ended up with a 50% tip). No big.

Separate checks also seems like it'd take longer, with everyone having to pay the waitstaff as what if a whole bunch of people used cards...

Actually having done both with large groups and in VERY nice restaurants, and they assume we want it that way, never had a problem at all. It takes longer for one check. Separate checks are easy, no lingering to see who owes what, you get your bill and you pay it. NO telling the server that you are paying X amount on this bill, another couple saying they are paying X amount and the poor server has to keep it straight, no way is that faster or easier.

 

[cornflake]

I'm amazed by the check-sharers just because of all the cash they must carry around! When I opened my first bank account at 17, it came with a visa check/debit card. I've really never been in the habit of carrying cash my entire life. I'd say it was a regional thing, but my friends were the same back home in NJ as they are down here in FL, so maybe it's more of a generational thing.

This I think is regional. It may be generational too, I dunno but the cash thing has come up before in different threads.

Apparently lots of people other places like, never use cash so don't carry cash.

Here, we use cash. All the time. I don't know anyone who never carries any. I mean if I'm just going to the market I might just take my card but even then usually cash too. People leave teens cash, hand them cash if they're going out for the evening, etc.

Newsstands only take cash. Yellow cabs now take cards, buy gypsys don't, just cash. Street vendors (generally) only take cash. Farmer's market (generally) only takes cash. Lots of pizza places only take cash, as do other such things, like the good little bakery down the street, the bagel shop, etc. Most delis only take cash unless you're spending like $20+ (some only take cash period), etc., etc.

 

[mhsjax]

This I think is regional. It may be generational too, I dunno but the cash thing has come up before in different threads.

Apparently lots of people other places like, never use cash so don't carry cash.

Here, we use cash. All the time. I don't know anyone who never carries any. I mean if I'm just going to the market I might just take my card but even then usually cash too. People leave teens cash, hand them cash if they're going out for the evening, etc.

Newsstands only take cash. Yellow cabs now take cards, buy gypsys don't, just cash. Street vendors (generally) only take cash. Farmer's market (generally) only takes cash. Lots of pizza places only take cash, as do other such things, like the good little bakery down the street, the bagel shop, etc. Most delis only take cash unless you're spending like $20+ (some only take cash period), etc., etc.

Ah the street vendors, YUM. This makes sense, but when we go out we are going somewhere that is probably going to cost us close to $100.00 I don't like to carry that type of cash.

 

[mjkacmom]

It's not that someone would say others were cheap, or that people are moochers (why would you keep going out with those people?!). It'd be odd and seems unnecessary and just strange.

If you do that, then you do. I never have, I've never been with anyone who has, so why would I? Also, I think it'd be strange to ask.

I mean I can't really think where I even would. At a bar? Either people serially buy rounds, or people go to the bar itself, order and pay for a drink when they want one, or someone is running a tab, or it's a thing involving waitstaff in which case I can't imagine the pain in the rear of them trying to keep up with separate checks.

At a neighbourhoody restaurant? How hard is it to simply look at the bill? I'd think they'd think I was strange for asking; I've never seen it done, though it's not like I pay attention to how other tables are paying but you'd think I'd have run into anyone doing at some point it if it were common here.

At a nice place? As Janepod said, that's just, again, weird. Usually someone pays and other people just pay them if it's being split not traded off.

If separate checks are your norm then go nuts but some of us have managed fine without and if it ain't broke...

As to the 'drama' it usually works out fine. On occasion (usually with a big group at a sports or other bar) it'll be a bit short because someone can't add or forgot something was theirs, or it'll be over because everyone overestimated. No big. People toss in extra or take back some or the server gets a really nice tip (once during playoffs our fave sports bar waitress ended up with a 50% tip). No big.

Separate checks also seems like it'd take longer, with everyone having to pay the waitstaff as what if a whole bunch of people used cards...

This exactly. I've never been in a situation where someone has asked for separate checks, or didn't split the bill evenly. In an area where basic homes cost close to a 1/2 million bucks, most aren't concerned over someone's after dinner latte. Appetizers are usually shared by the table, most people tend to order similar entrees, some get dessert and/or coffee, most drink alcohol (lots of places here are BYOB, though, and everyone brings a bottle of wine to share), and it all works out.

Really, when it comes to money here, I think people tend to be very generous (ie - $300 wedding gift for a co-worker). I've never been friends with any "cheapskates." Heck, my kids just got paid $100 for watching a neighbor's dog for 3 days! Nuts! It's almost a contest, who can be the most generous! When it comes to eating out, the servers can really cash in with the group tip.

 

[cornflake]

Actually having done both with large groups and in VERY nice restaurants, and they assume we want it that way, never had a problem at all. It takes longer for one check. Separate checks are easy, no lingering to see who owes what, you get your bill and you pay it. NO telling the server that you are paying X amount on this bill, another couple saying they are paying X amount and the poor server has to keep it straight, no way is that faster or easier.

I've never seen that done either, assuming you mean what I think you do 'we're paying X amount' 'we're paying Y' on the same bill with different cards? I wouldn't even have thought you could? That seems... I would be very embarassed to do that, that seems totally cheap or something I can't quite articulate.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

With one group of friends we just divide by how many are at the table. Doesn't matter what was ordered.

With friends near me, who we rarely go out with, they go down to the penny. It's not regional it's cheap vs not cheap.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ah the street vendors, YUM. This makes sense, but when we go out we are going somewhere that is probably going to cost us close to $100.00 I don't like to carry that type of cash.

We have cash only places here, and lots of people I know carry lots of cash at all times (many own their own businesses, and do a lot in cash). I seem to never have any money, but when going out, our first stop is always the ATM (have to pay the sitter, too).

 

[mhsjax]

I've never seen that done either, assuming you mean what I think you do 'we're paying X amount' 'we're paying Y' on the same bill with different cards? I wouldn't even have thought you could? That seems... I would be very embarassed to do that, that seems totally cheap or something I can't quite articulate.

Just trying to figure out how you do it then. If we go out, usually six couples, and go to a nice restaurant. How do you do it. Most of us don't carry cash, so you can't just throw in your card and say here you go.

OU servers usually come up and ask us to let them know who is on what check, they assume we want it that way.

 

[mhsjax]

We have cash only places here, and lots of people I know carry lots of cash at all times (many own their own businesses, and do a lot in cash). I seem to never have any money, but when going out, our first stop is always the ATM (have to pay the sitter, too).

DH has his own business too, he doesn't carry cash. I won't carry that much cash, do't like to. If we lose it, we are out. Safer to pay by CC or debit card. We don't have baby sitters anymore. THANK GOD.

Also your comment about houses in your area costing what they do, Yeah, we have that to, and up. So what. That has NOTHING to do with splitting a bill.

 

[ilovemk76]

I was curious if those that split it evenly would also call their friends cheap if someone suggested separate checks, this might be why it's not brought up. Fear of being left out for not wanting to share the cost of your meal or they are letting you subsidize theirs. As someone up thread suggested you should try separate checks, you may be surprised.

For me it's separate checks, no way am I helping pay for some of the cheapskates I hang around.

I guess I pick my friends differently. None would be considered cheapskates. None order the most expensive thing to get a "deal" when it is split.

If we are splitting and a person ordered alcohol or an appetizer that was not split or a way more expensive meal will chip in the cost of those items before the bill is split.

 

[cluvsdisney]

Just trying to figure out how you do it then. If we go out, usually six couples, and go to a nice restaurant. How do you do it. Most of us don't carry cash, so you can't just throw in your card and say here you go.

OU servers usually come up and ask us to let them know who is on what check, they assume we want it that way.

For us, we all come prepared with cash. We know we are going out and going to be paying for dinner and plan accordingly. Even my friends who never carry cash, make a stop at the ATM so they can pay for their meal.

Like Cornflake and others have stated, locally, I have never been asked who is paying for what, there's just one check. When we are done, one of us will asks for the check and we take care of it at the table among ourselves. Sometimes we might need some change which we'll ask for when we pay but otherwise, it's a pretty simple transaction.

 

[mjkacmom]

DH has his own business too, he doesn't carry cash. I won't carry that much cash, do't like to. If we lose it, we are out. Safer to pay by CC or debit card. We don't have baby sitters anymore. THANK GOD.

Also your comment about houses in your area costing what they do, Yeah, we have that to, and up. So what. That has NOTHING to do with splitting a bill.

Well, I'm just relaying what is done in my area. For whatever reason, people here tend to carry a lot of cash (think sopranos or NJ housewives). Some of my friends do not use credit cards, at all. I never heard of more than one person using their credit card to pay the bill - really, it's just not done here. If someone didn't have cash, everyone else would give their cash to that person, and he or she would cover the bill with the card.

Where do you live that homes cost that much? I don't think it can be around here (just guessing, since no one does separate checks here).

 

[cornflake]

Just trying to figure out how you do it then. If we go out, usually six couples, and go to a nice restaurant. How do you do it. Most of us don't carry cash, so you can't just throw in your card and say here you go.

OU servers usually come up and ask us to let them know who is on what check, they assume we want it that way.

I've never had a server ask about separate checks.

As I said, I don't know anyone who doesn't carry cash. If you normally carry cash, $100+ isn't that much to carry. I don't mean in a rich/not rich way, I just mean if you normally have a few $20s on you at least, it's different than if you don't carry cash to suddenly be cognizant of having cash, if you see what I'm saying.

If you know you're going out for the evening then 'do you have money' is a standard thing to ask/think about and you'd take more or stop at an ATM.

So if it's being split (not serially picked up) either one person/couple pays with a card and everyone just hands them cash for their share, or everyone puts cash in and someone picks it up, counts to make sure it's correct, and voila. Takes no time. If someone needs change they take from the pile or ask the server to break a bill.

If someone doesn't have cash, like 'oops, I forgot I picked up the dry cleaning/paid the whatever/bought something' as I think I said above has happened, someone will just spot them and you all stop at the ATM when you walk outside.