How to Deal with Multiple Offers to Pay

Handling the payment portion of a meal can be the most uncomfortable part for a waiter. Sometimes you don't know who to give the check to or you're not sure whether they put their credit card into the book. There can be some guess work involved. On top of all that, sometimes your customers will fight over who pays. Follow these steps to deal with multiple offers to pay.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for clues as to who offered to take the other person out to dinner. Figure out who the dominant person is. This may give you an idea of who will pay.

2. Give the check to the person who asked for it. Simply place it on their side of the table. If another customer offers to pay, the person with the check can deal with it.

3. Know that you may have to take the initiative to place the check on the table. Put it in the middle of the table.

4. Deal with multiple offers to pay politely by letting the customers fight it out. If, for instance, two people try to hand you their credit card, tell them that you have to go with the first person to offer.

5. Realize that your customers will try to make you the decision maker. They will insist that you take their credit card. You can tell them that they're putting you in an uncomfortable position.

6. Expect that one of your customers may be annoyed that they didn't win the battle to pay. That's normal because they feel bad that the other person is picking up the check. It is really no reflection on you or your service.

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