How to avoid or spot Dine-and-Dash customers?

Question

How to avoid or spot Dine-and-Dash customers.?

I am a server. It does not happen often but sometimes I get customers who dine-and-dash. I am required to pay the bill from my tips. How do I avoid or spot dine-and-dash customers?

Answer 1

If you suspect someone might be ready to do this, I would make a big deal of presenting their check to them. It might embarrass them into paying. Some people are going to get by you.

I don't think you should have to pay for this either.

I question its legality too.

There are lots of places for a good server to work. Move up. It sounds like you are undervaluing yourself.

Good luck!

Al

Answer 2

I would definitely check into your labor laws to see if that is legal for you to pay. I was a server and I only had 1 walk out and the bill was comped.

Just try and read them. If they seem very fidgety that might be a sign. Also, spend as much time you can on the floor if you supsect someone might dine and dash and if you can't, just ask the servers in the next section over to just keep an eye on that table.

There is no way you can 100% be on the floor, but just have other people pay attention to them so that way they won't have a chance to leave.  

Answer 3

make sure you keep eye on their plates. when they look finished then approach them about the check.  

why doesnt your restaurant have cameras...

you shouldnt have 2 pay 4 ur customers wrong doings.

Answer 4

Once the meal is done keep your eye on the tables.  If the customers seem to be waiting for you to disappear (like to go get someones food or to refill a drink) then maybe they're getting ready to dash!

Answer 5

ask for a deposit lol

Answer 6

Be present, they wont walk out if your in your section often. One thing that I look for is tables ordering beyond there means. Like a group of kids ordering expensive food or drinks. I would check your local laws as well I know here in Minnesota its illegal to make a server pay for a walk out. If you suspect a table is going to run ask other to help you watch them, they'll notice all these people around and might think twice. I like catching them and getting them arrested it should be the next olympic sport.  

Answer 7

I’d give my boss the finger and quit if he made me pay for theft. I question if that is even legal.

Answer 8

Perfect, the reason why servers have to pay for tabs that guests run out on is because, if it becomes a common occurrence for a server getting their checks comped, it seems as though THEY are stealing from the company rather than the guest. Also it shows that they aren't paying enough attention to their tables. The punishment is that they should pay for their guests leaving.

I can understand paying for one of my servers once, but when it happens once a week, they need to take some responsibility.

Again, to avoid these folks, get into fine dining or pay close attention your tables. Stay close when you see them finishing their meals.