[annaconner]

A most enjoyable meal was surpassed by the innovative credit card method of paying for the meal. Why can other restaurants not follow their example? An electronic machine is present on each table to calculate the bill, and to complete a credit card transaction if necessary. The card companies insist that the transaction should be completed in the presence of the cardholder, to prevent the possibility of cards being cloned.

[rubicon]

Its done all over the country and will eventually become standard

[tuctba]

The US is way behind. Canada has been using this technology for years.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

That is a great idea. My card has been scammed by food servers before but I only use Amex and they are great at taking care of any problems or issues!

[gatherer47]

But how was the food?

[annaconner]

food really good as I mentioned

[annaconner]

In the UK the card reader is brought to the table and the card is never out of sight

[TomOB]

The only problem with this was possibly an earlier version. It only gave you 3 options for tips. If I want to tip my server more than 20%, I was not given that option and I don't carry cash. I hope that bug has been fixed on an update. I have not run into the table side reader where we eat.

[CFrance]

They have been using this system in Europe for over a decade. That and the pin-and-chip credit card system are so much more secure than what we do in the US. In most European countries a tip is included in the price, and if you like your service, you leave a few coins, maybe about 2 euros, on the table. The gratuity automatically added to the bill is usually around 18%. Perhaps when this method becomes standard in the US they will have a way for you to add your own tip amount.

I don't know what to do if you don't like your service, because we have never encountered that in Europe. They pay their waitstaff a much higher salary, and they in turn look upon their job as a true profession.