Ladies and gentlemen this is a very common problem that many deal with from time to time - but not to worry I have the solution that will work every single time in most every situation! Before I delve into the solution I have to share an incident that happened to me a few years ago - I had a group of like minded friends that would come together every weekend to have fun and experience new things. From playing games at someones home to jumping out of an aircraft at 30,000 ft..
Even though we got along famously and enjoyed spending time together, I always noticed that whenever we went to a bar or restaurant where we shared the same bill, there was ALWAYS a problem. Either someone didn't put up all they needed to to cover his/her portion, or the tip for the server was too small even though some in the group gave generously for the service....or my personal favorite - when all but 1 person has cash and uses his/her credit card to cover the bill while collecting everyone's cash as well as earning points towards travel and other deals through the credit card company on the backs of friends.....nice.
I have seen these situations - and as simple as they may sound, they do ruin friendships, break up groups and earn someone lots of airline miles! There is a solution to this problem that will stop all of this MADNESS and CHAOS from happening over and over again. Get separate bills! If you have a group of people who are ordering from a menu with different prices that can't be divided evenly - just GET SEPARATE BILL!
OK - no need to go crazy and get 20 bills - one for each person in your group at the table - that would just frustrate the staff and TRUST ME you don't want to annoy anyone who is bringing your food and drinks. Those things you see happening on movies where at restaurants they drop the food and then put it back in the plate or put bodily fluids into your drink to give it that added kick - IT'S ALL REAL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Don't think for a moment that it doesn't happen! I recommend that prior to ordering - someone should take the initiative and tell the waiter ahead of time to ascertain who will share and who will go individual on the bill. This way no one needs to get anxious about the expense everyone else is incurring - and can concentrate on conversation instead of worrying about what will happen when the bill arrives. For a group of 20 for example - you can split the bill into 5 groups of 4 based on the section you are seated or standing in for an easy life come bill payment time as well as for the protection of your friendships. This way everyone WINS! Except for the person who wants the airline miles.
This is a guaranteed way to ensure no one feels taken advantage of or feel like they are getting over on others (For you unscrupulous "friends" out there) you know yourselves. This may not be the only way but it has worked for me and sharing is caring. How do you think bills for large groups should be handled? Do you agree or disagree with my methodology? Dizzle wants to here from YOU!
Agree! Your system is the best solution. Now let me tell you how they do things here in Japan..... Even Steven!!!! That's right everyone pays the exact amount! Whether you drink alcohol or not, whether you eat one plate of food of 3..... the bill is split equally! This is known in advance so there is no argument! If you want your money's worth you damn well have your share! The other thing that makes it easier is that a lot of the big group parties are held at restaurants that provide what they call "nomihodai" (all you can drink) and "tabehodai" (all you can eat) courses, or special set courses, set at one price. Though these can be expensive it does get rid of your awkward situation at the end of the party. So if you join one of these parties then you either have your share or more, or you suck up the fact that you are paying more than your share.
ReplyDeleteThat's how they do in Japan eh? Not sure how I feel about that....Sounds a bit lopsided for those who don't go HARD on the food and drink...
ReplyDeleteKnow who you are going out with before the bill hits the table, case closed! Nothing is more frustrating when people decide to act different when the bill comes to the table. If everyone is going to pay for their meal it needs to be stated before you reach your destination so that the meal can be enjoyed. My personal feeling when out with friends just split the bill equally, whats the big deal?
ReplyDeleteIm sorry but I cant agree with your position in this situation. I believe that each party should monitor themselves by paying there own portion and only the tip should be split evenly. Your position makes the assumption that we all got it like that, not always true. Times are hard in these streets.
ReplyDeleteThe only time the bill should be split evenly is IF all the people involved come to that consensus before going on the outing. This way they avoid the awkwardness that comes when the bill arrives but there is someone in the group who doesnt have enough, this can cause rifs in the group. Im sure that no one wants to be left out of a social even and eventually, if the person who lacks the necessary funds is decent, they will stop going out with that group to avoid embarrassing moments.
On the other end of the spectrum, people might take advantage of the fact that the bill will be split and order the most exotic thing on the menu. Do you really want to be stuck paying for something that Jim thought was interesting then wasted because he didnt like it? Shouldnt he do that with his own money? I dont want anyone showing off on my dime, do you?
This is for the Kay's out there who want to be social but are broke. I say go ahead and drink your water, thats what you plan for not what your forced into.
Come to an agreement how the bill will be dealt with before the event and abide by the agreement.
ReplyDeleteBut recently I was in a fairly large group of about fifteen persons and before taking the orders the waiter went around and asked how many individual/ group bills and who would be responsible - spouses shared the same bill individuals asked for individual bills and the orders were placed accordingly - it worked smoothly. No problems at all.
$o $ensitive.
ReplyDeleteCertainly KNOW your group. Many times you know which friends take advantage of the even spread. Lay down the billing arrangement from early.
Business/work gatherings: Unless the boss is paying for everything, even Steven is a must. Take my corporate a** advice on this one.
The worst part is someone clearly giving less than their share. Grrrr!!
What do you do when both ends of the spectrum are present? One wants to pay for their portion and another wants to split it. As the person in the middle, do you pick up the slack?
Have you ever found yourself picking up the slack on a 'short' bill?
Also, have you ever felt you had to tip to represent your race or country? Maybe playing your part in killing the myth that your race or nationality don't tip well.
rh