Opinion on restaurants asking for credit cards when making r

I was shocked when trying to make reservations at a fairly new restaurant in our area yesterday. After taking my name and phone number, I was asked for my credit card number. I asked, “What for?”

The person on the telephone said that if my party didn’t show up, I would be charged $40.

I then said, “You’ve got to be kidding!”

He said, “We are a small restaurant, and if you don’t show up it causes us a problem.”

Now I understand the above comment, but my husband and I always honor our reservations. My reaction was that I felt like I was voting. If I gave them my credit card number, I was justifying this. By justifying this, more restaurants would start demanding credit cards.

The only restaurant that I have ever given my credit card number in advance was the French Laundry in Napa, CA. I understood this, as I was making reservations 6 weeks in advance.

What do you think? Am I wrong?


Linda Stradley
What's Cooking America
http://whatscookingamerica.net

Agree with you if you said no. We never give our card number over the phone unless we know the person on the other end very well. On the internet, only on "secure" sites. Despite all this our card gets compromised at least once a year.

this is indeed a problem for small restaurants. americans no longer feel that they should do anything they don't want to at the moment - including honoring committments. people RSVP and then don't show up or else don't RSVP and do show up. in my town it is known that many people make three or four reservations for important days and then decide at the last minute which one to go to. the famous Lark restaurant near me started doing this almost as soon as they opened and as soon as they discovered what jerks people are. i'm sure that if you continue to honor your reservations and become a regular, things will change; but at this point they don't know that you always keep your reservations.

Because of my status as a restaurant critic, when I reserve or have somebody reserve for me (because my voice might be recognized), I always do so under an alias. When asked for credit card numbers, I respond that I'm sorry, I'll be paying by cash. In nearly every case they simply ask for a phone contact and in many cases do call back several hours later for me to re-confirm the reservation.

I can understand a restaurant's need to assure clients showing up these days. The phone call should be adequate.

Perhaps I am overly cautious but I would not give a credit card number over the phone to anyone who could not guarantee in a manner that would satisfy me that they are either Moses, the Budha or Jesus Christ.

Best
Rogov

After the fact, I though about saying "I'll be paying with cash only."

After the fact, I though about saying "I'll be paying with cash only."

If the restaurant is conveniently nearby, perhaps you could make the reservation in person and see if they would take a cash deposit of, say $20.00. Or, if time permits, you could mail them a check.

Great idea....we make reservations for everything else in our lives and if intentionally missed are required to pay. Restaurants have had it with the clods who make multiple reservations, because they want to decide at the last minute where to go...that is rude. The people who are not "playing nice" are making trouble for the rest of us. We give our credit card numbers all the time over the phone or internet...why not to a restaurant. I gave my credit card number years ago to Round Table Pizza because people would order pizza and then not be home when it was delivered. We no longer order from them, but that was years ago that they requested it...so nothing new. Unfortunately, people like Linda, are the innocent ones who are running up against this now, are shocked, and I can't blame them.

Jaded NYer chiming in: It's a fact of life at any place that is even a little bit trendy. Neighborhood places don't do it.

My problems in paying in advance for a dinner reservation:

I don’t like, and make a practice, of not giving my credit card information over the telephone.

We do pay cash, a good share of the time, at restaurants.

Many times, I’ve been disappointed at the quality of dinners served at supposedly top-rated restaurants. Receiving the money in advance could encourage the “not care” attitude as they have already deposited the money in their account. What have they got to lose?

Restaurants are suppose to impress you so that you will recommend them to others and also want to come back again. This doesn’t impress me! I have many other “outstanding” restaurants to choose from in the Portland, Oregon area. We dine out 2 to 3 times a week.

My husband and I are generous tippers. This kind of restaurant attitude could and might change my tipping attitude at these restaurants. I know, I’m not to place blame on the servers for the restaurant owner and management, but this attitude does carry over.


Linda Stradley

My problems in paying in advance for a dinner reservation:

I don’t like, and make a practice, of not giving my credit card information over the telephone.

We do pay cash, a good share of the time, at restaurants.

Many times, I’ve been disappointed at the quality of dinners served at supposedly top-rated restaurants. Receiving the money in advance could encourage the “not care” attitude as they have already deposited the money in their account. What have they got to lose?

Restaurants are suppose to impress you so that you will recommend them to others and also want to come back again. This doesn’t impress me! I have many other “outstanding” restaurants to choose from in the Portland, Oregon area. We dine out 2 to 3 times a week.

My husband and I are generous tippers. This kind of restaurant attitude could and might change my tipping attitude at these restaurants. I know, I’m not to place blame on the servers for the restaurant owner and management, but this attitude does carry over.


Linda Stradley

Yes, I understand. Here is another idea; an interior designer we know, has a studio near a restaurant she goes to for lunch, and takes her clients there on a regular basis. She pays them so much a month and keeps track of the deposit. She can take herself or clients out, while not carrying any money or credit cards on her. I like that idea.

When asked for credit card information when I am not making a purchase at that moment I immediately ask if the employees are bonded. If not, I then ask how extensive was the background check. If I receive negative responses then I explain that with my wife's professional position identity theft would be very damaging and costly. Next I ask for the owner or some managerial decision maker (I ask their name and title) to give me some sort of actual assurance that the information is secure. In what is it being kept? Where is that located? Who has ready access to that location? Is it somewhere where it is left unattended? Who could possibly see the information? How can I trust them and their system? Usually I don't have to give the information.

If more people put them through a questioning process many would quit the procedure. Perhaps if the are having difficulties with no shows require a phone number and immediately call the number to see if it is theirs. Don't take blocked numbers. This might help. Then create a list of name and numbers of no shows.

Years ago we could post names of bad checks writers or copies of their checks for the public to see. I sincerely doubt something like that can be done today. When you only took local checks this really helped.

I can see both sides of the issue. Frankly if I knew someone did make multiple reservations I would refuse to go out to dinner with them. It is shameful behavior. Currently there seems to be a larger segment of the population who are without shame. The classic is someone with children in their vehicle parking in a space designated for those with disabilities! Being considered disabled myself I walk up and ask to see there card. The common response is that they are just waiting for someone. I complement them on their modeling of behavior for their children and walk away. I am getting crusty in my old age.

As to the use of checks, when dining out in any country in which I have a checking account it is indeed my wont to pay by check. Only very rarely have I encountered any real problem with this.

I do recall one particularly cold and rainy night dining out with a companion in my role as restaurant critic, having reserved under a name other than my own. After the meal I wanted to pay by check and the waitress explained, politely, that they did not take checks. I gave her my calling card and suggested that she phone the owner. She did and came back and said that he said for all he cared I could go to hell. I responded, quite calmly that I had neither credit card nor cash enough with me to pay the bill and asked what she suggested.

She suggested that I walk to the nearest bank and take the money from the automatic teller. I pointed out that once we left the restaurant she had no guarantee that we would return at all. Her response: "That's your problem, not mine". Okay....I left faithful companion at the table, braved the weather and returned to pay the bill in cash.

Because the food had been pretty awful and because I never write a negative crit after a single visit, I returned several days later. The same hostess greeted us, but this time someone had tipped her off that I was, by the gods, Daniel Rogov and she started off by saying: "If only we knew that the other night, of course I would have let you pay by check". My advice to her was that she stop talking before she got herself into even further trouble.

T'was amusing and in addition to "killing the food*", I did write about the incident in my review.

Best
Rogov

*Even when I write a killer review, I do write as a gentleman. As one restaurateur once told me: "You ripped me apart but thanks for doing it gently".

I understand why restaurant do it and I do not like it. The restaurant where my son works has started doing this for its prime seats/times but so far Liz and I have been exempt, it seems. They used to tweet when seats became available and I guess that wasn't working as well as expected.

Many times, I’ve been disappointed at the quality of dinners served at supposedly top-rated restaurants. Receiving the money in advance could encourage the “not care” attitude as they have already deposited the money in their account. What have they got to lose?

Just for the sake of accuracy: They do not charge the card unless and until you fail to show and do not contact them. (That they request the information necessary to execute such a charge is, of course, a form of extortion.)

I guess I'm the only person here (other than Karen) who doesn't mind this. If asked, I give my card number, to confirm my reservation. I don't know of any place that takes a cc that doesn't have a reasonable cancellation policy. You don't get charged the cancellation fee if you get reasonable notice, and they certainly don't charge your card for the meal - you can pay cash, use another card, whatever. I'm curious why some of you think giving it over the phone (to a place you called) is somehow putting your number more at risk than say watching it (and CVV code) go around corner to wait station.
Jerks make multiple reservations, and I'm happy to give my cc info to restaurants that are trying to fight that.

Linda,

I can't help but wonder whether there was a reasonable amount of time for you to cancel and no charge be made. Or, was it, make the reservation, and if you don't come, you are out the $40? In today's world, (even in the sticks of Kentucky as Robin likes to think of us) This type of thing does occur. Also, many restaurants here will not take checks, which makes the info below more important. If there is no cancellation possibility, then I would nicely say that with this policy, I would find a friendlier place to dine, and that I would take them off my lists of places to dine. Then I would do it.

On another but related theme, for over the phone, or over the net, I use a Bank of America thing called shopsafe. check it out at the link below. (NFI$) http://www.bankofamerica.com/privacy/in ... t_shopsafe

I'll add I'm curious as to whether those who go other places where they expect a seat(s) to await them have the same resistance to giving a credit card for:
1) sports events
2) musical performances
3) theater
4) airplanes and rental cars
Or is it only restaurants that should reserve a seat for you because of your winning manner on the telephone?

I'll add I'm curious as to whether those who go other places where they expect a seat(s) to await them have the same resistance to giving a credit card for:
1) sports events
2) musical performances
3) theater
4) airplanes and rental cars
Or is it only restaurants that should reserve a seat for you because of your winning manner on the telephone?

Right on, Dale. I actually had waiters find slips of paper on the floor by tables with the names of three or four restaurants the folks had reservations at - along with times - but didn't make it. It was just our lucky night. Had lots of nights where we'd hold a table for 60 minutes for naught.

[Robin Garr]

For the reasons others have stated, I don't have any problem with it. Credit card scams aren't really likely to be a problem with a known, local establishment. I might be a little more cautious about keying in my card number to a Website based in Thailand.

I think we've overlooked one important factor, though: Does the restaurant have a reasonable cancellation policy? Will they charge your card if you call in with reasonable notice to let them know you won't be able to make it? THAT would be the deal-breaker for me. Beyond that, it's a reasonable business practice that's fair to both the restaurant and the consumer. If in additional doubt, consider using Amex, which tends to be more aggressive in standing up for the customer than MC or Visa.

I think we've overlooked one important factor, though: Does the restaurant have a reasonable cancellation policy? Will they charge your card if you call in with reasonable notice to let them know you won't be able to make it? THAT would be the deal-breaker for me. Beyond that, it's a reasonable business practice that's fair to both the restaurant and the consumer. If in additional doubt, consider using Amex, which tends to be more aggressive in standing up for the customer than MC or Visa.

Pretty much all of the restaurants that ask for credit card have stated policy of 24 hours, though I think a couple of the ultra high end like Per Se or Masa might be 48 hours. That said, I've never heard of a restaurant actually making the charge if the person called to cancel say at lunch time for that night.

I've watched restaurants turn away walkins, and then a table with "reserved" sit empty all night too many times to count.

As to the use of checks, when dining out in any country in which I have a checking account it is indeed my wont to pay by check. Only very rarely have I encountered any real problem with this.

I do recall one particularly cold and rainy night dining out with a companion in my role as restaurant critic, having reserved under a name other than my own. After the meal I wanted to pay by check and the waitress explained, politely, that they did not take checks. I gave her my calling card and suggested that she phone the owner. She did and came back and said that he said for all he cared I could go to hell. I responded, quite calmly that I had neither credit card nor cash enough with me to pay the bill and asked what she suggested.

She suggested that I walk to the nearest bank and take the money from the automatic teller. I pointed out that once we left the restaurant she had no guarantee that we would return at all. Her response: "That's your problem, not mine". Okay....I left faithful companion at the table, braved the weather and returned to pay the bill in cash.

Because the food had been pretty awful and because I never write a negative crit after a single visit, I returned several days later. The same hostess greeted us, but this time someone had tipped her off that I was, by the gods, Daniel Rogov and she started off by saying: "If only we knew that the other night, of course I would have let you pay by check". My advice to her was that she stop talking before she got herself into even further trouble.

T'was amusing and in addition to "killing the food*", I did write about the incident in my review.

Best
Rogov

*Even when I write a killer review, I do write as a gentleman. As one restaurateur once told me: "You ripped me apart but thanks for doing it gently".

I hate to be pushy, but when are we going out on that date?

I've had this happen to me only once -- about 40 years ago. I aske my husband go to dinner after work. I thought he had enough money to take me. He assumed I was paying for the treat. neither of us had enogh money to pay the bill. We were directed to the nearest cash machine (when cash machines were spanking new). Only, two waiters stood over me until he returned to make certain he would return and that I wouldn't bolt. In a downscale, all you can eat, Chinese buffet of all places. Not having your street cred, all I can do is vote with my feet. I do not like Chinese food to this day, and only grudgingly take my mother to eat dim sum about 2 times a year.

On another note -- along the same lines, my mother and I make it a habit to never include the tip on our credit card -- always leaving our tips in cash. She keeps receipts for 10 years and she noticed on her credit card statement that, at the last Mexican Taqueria where she treated, they had placed an additional $5 on her credit card receipt. I took the receipt and her credit card statement back to the restaurant (with my mother in tow) and asked to see the manager/owner. I showed them the receipt and the statement and demanded the $5 back. Without hesitation the manager/ower handed over the money with profuse apologies. It was worth the 15 mile drive to make this statement!! WTF!

I know too many restaurant service people, chefs, managers, and owners to get upset about this.

It's a major problem in the industry---and when a place has a finite number of tables and they depend on keeping those tables filled---and they've had a problem with no-shows---I think the policy is reasonable.

Also, I've never had a problem with cancelling a rez. Not one. It's not cancellations, with notice, that is the problem: it's no show buttholes.

Side note: used to eat frequently at Cafe LaHaye in Sonoma, one of the most popular places in the North Bay Area, and continually on SF Chron Top 100 list. Saul, the owner, is a lovely guy, but with very decided viewpoints.

His space is tiny----and I do mean tiny, maybe eight tables---and often impossible to get into.

Saul takes reservations (no cc required)---but if you don't show up within fifteen minutes without calling to let him know---that table is gone, baby, gone. And your name goes on a list for future reference, making it very difficult to get another reservation.

Can't tell you how many times I've taken advantage of knowing that---like whenever we wanted to dine on the Plaza at last minute, we'd check in with Saul at 16 minutes past the hour to see if no one showed. Once, we got a table and the people showed up----45 minutes late---that had the rez, and were disgruntled that their table was gone. Saul was courteous but unrepentant. (For him, it was as much about the rudeness and lack of respect as it was the potential lost revenue.)

If I am a no show for a doctor, I get charged. If I am a no show for a sports event---I lose my money, so sorry.

Restaurants are in business---and while you may not be a jerk-off, there are unfortunately plenty of people who are, and they're creating the problem for you. Get mad at them, not the restaurant.