Is Tip Bumping Happening at your Restaurant without Your Knowledge?
Customers typically add a tip to their quest check when dining and don’t forget to compare it on their credit card statement. Most restaurants allow servers to tip out, and they also adjust their own tips. Some servers change the tip amount to a larger amount easily from a 1 to a 4 or any combination. Remember, they have the same pen. This is stealing! If this happens, it is a sure guarantee that your guest will never return to your restaurant.
You may not realize this is happening until someone complains, and by then, the damage is done. If the word gets out that your staff is doing this, customers will stop coming to your restaurant, and worse yet, they tell everyone they know.
How it happens:
Without check systems in place to prevent this, tip bumping is easy. All a server would need to do is add another number in front of one or change a number altogether, like a 6 to an 8. Some servers will even reprint the slip and forge the signature. They especially target foreign tourists because of the currency conversion, making it a safer way for them to steal. Other servers feel entitled to do it if they feel the customer left them too small of a tip.
Three tips to help you prevent this in your Restaurant:
A Pay-at-the-Table POS or Kiosk will do away with the old legacy systems where your guests handwrite their tip on the receipt. Your customers will enter the tip into the POS electronically and at the table, ensuring your servers cannot alter the tip amount later. Your server will only handle cash transactions which are typically a fraction of restaurant sales. Are your Servers Tip Bumping? You must ensure your manager or owner verifies tips and totals for every server and credit card receipt at the end of the day. It may seem tedious, but it could save you the headache and embarrassment it will cause if you catch it ahead of time. If you don’t have one already, install a camera system as well. Just be careful you are not recording credit card numbers. Most restaurants don’t know these types of crimes are happening until a customer complains, and then it is too late. Keep a close eye on your servers and if they are caught, have them prosecuted. This sends a message to your staff that your restaurant won’t tolerate this activity. Background screenings for new hires are encouraged as things like this will show on their record.
Thankfully most servers are honest; however, if you suspect this may be occurring at your restaurant, it most likely is. Take steps to protect your business, customers, and your reputation.
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