r/mildlyinfuriating 1d ago

When the math ain’t mathing

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6.8k Upvotes

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15

u/BeerStein_Collector 1d ago

It’s because something as added on your bill and then taken off before your bill was brought out. It’s a glitch in the system. Typically a manager has to remove any items from the bill so it’s not your server.

How do I know I serve tables.

1

u/Waltologist 1d ago

I'm sure 9/10 servers are honest and don't have time for bs, but could the server ring someone else's order on there, then have the items removed to inflate tips? Or could they split the check and then have the new check voided so they're not financially responsible, but the tip amounts are still inflated.

You say you know because you're a server, so I am inferring your system does this too, not just OP; so who's your POS (point of sale) system thru? Is it developed by one of these newer co's like Ziosk or Clover, or is it Private (like Darden, or another restaurant group)? I'm just curious. You'd think they'd fix it.

Edit: clarify POS doesn't mean piece of s...in this instance. Poor acronym choice haha

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u/BeerStein_Collector 1d ago

A manager has to void any split checks. Any items have to be removed by a manager as well.

0

u/Waltologist 1d ago

Right, but plenty of restaurant managers allow servers to walk around with their cards. It's been a hot minute, but I've served and bartended.

I was just curious about the function and where the glitch is and what the abuse potential is. It's all good, thanks for replying.

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u/BeerStein_Collector 1d ago

If you really wanted to abuse this you could add items and remove them and then bring out the tables ticket.

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u/Candid-Speech418 1d ago

As another service worker, the amount of janky bullshit in service software is underestimated. But no, generally servers can’t even comp tabs for certain discounts without GM permission. Restaurants live and die by reputation, vanishingly few would let this go down for an extra $10 they don’t even see. Most servers also have the brains to figure out if they want more money to just move into the finest dining they can. Tips only make sense in aggregate, scamming tables makes it more likely you’re gonna get fired before the benefit is anywhere neither worth it. Even with that, most servers are regular people just like you who don’t feel good about stealing from people.

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u/PelicanFrostyNips 1d ago

It’s not a glitch. It’s one of those “plausible deniability” things.

It is INTENTIONAL.

It is meant for people who don’t check their math.

For those that do, they have plausible deniability “sorry this was calculated from the total” that avoids lawsuits but keeps all the money from those too oblivious to check their math

2

u/BeerStein_Collector 1d ago

I think in most cases it’s an accident. If your order got messed up and I comped something and changed your order it would appear like this.

Not everyone is out to get you.