Was he scamming me?
Last night, I grabbed sushi, and our server is probably 14, he had to get the bartender to bring drinks, so def under 20. Dude was way more into flirting with his coworker than checking on us. He swung by once post-food to ask about to go boxes and we weren’t even halfway done eating.
Honestly, I didn’t care. I just need food brought over, and he nailed that. Bill time: $72. I asked to pay cash, he said yes. I handed him a $100, he thanked me and walked off. My friend went: “He didn’t mention change so he’s keeping it?” I said: “No way.” But then he’s just chatting at other tables. We hate awkwardness, so I told my friend to wait in the car while I sorted it.
So I say I need change, and he’s lost. Pulls my $100 out his pocket like: “This?” I go: “Can you break it?” He dumps twenties and small bills on the table, staring at the bill confused. “How much do I owe you?” he says. I tell him: “Just $28.” Dude was like: “100 minus 72…” So I pulled up my phone calculator and showed him. He hands over change, then just stands there. I gave him $11 tip and booked it. So cringey. Was he trying to scam my money?
Handling cash payments at restaurants can sometimes be tricky, especially when the server is young and inexperienced. In this story, the 14-year-old server forgot the $28 change after a $72 bill and a $100 payment, even needing a calculator to work out the math. This highlights a common scenario where servers may be overwhelmed or unfamiliar with handling cash properly. It's important to remember that not every confusing cash transaction is a scam. Many young or new servers might lack experience, resulting in honest mistakes rather than intentional deception. The server’s focus on flirting instead of the table could signal inexperience or distraction rather than ill intent. If you ever find yourself unsure about whether a server is trying to scam you, here are some useful tips: 1. Politely ask for the correct change and clarify the amount owed before paying. 2. Use a calculator or smartphone app to double-check the math if needed, as the author did in this case. 3. Observe the server’s reaction—confusion or hesitation might be signs of inexperience rather than a scam. 4. Consider tipping extra if you believe the mistakes were innocent. Furthermore, some restaurants prefer cashless payments to avoid such issues altogether, but not all places offer this convenience. For customers who prefer paying with cash, a little patience and clear communication can help prevent awkward situations. Ultimately, this experience sheds light on the challenges young servers face and the need for restaurants to train staff thoroughly on handling payments. It also reminds diners to stay calm and verify transactions tactfully to avoid misunderstandings during dining out.
14 years old is actually really young. I’m 26 now and I barely know math myself. He probably is tired from going to school and working… He shouldn’t be working that young, 14 years old blows my mind