[GeekDinner-planning] money money money.

[Trevor Hughes]

As a restaurant owner (who hosted a very successful geek dinner and
many 27 dinners) I like the idea of payment up front (most of these
things have been some kind of set amount).

We billed each table individually - but the arrangement was
communicated before and people were asked only to order drinks at
their table.

If nine people did not pay that's about ten percent - very high rate
of "I forgot" no matter how much alcohol was consumed.

I personally like the idea of the name tag. The whole credit card
thing could have caused confusion as in our cluster of 6 1 was paying
a card.

At our restaurant we could not offer a cash drink waiter service - we
are just not set up for it. We do of course have a bar were cash could
be paid. We don't do separate bills because of the hassle and the fact
that invariably there are a whole lot of items left unpaid.

I would certainly hold the organisers  accountable for any short
payments, this especially due to the fact that normally a better rate
for the food has been negotiated and all the sponsored wine which
equals revenue lost.

You would also be surprised at what can go on at events like this., I
have seen people eating other peoples food that they did not order and
then failed to pay for. Happened at my table! I had to speedily
organise another plate of food for the unfortunate person who lost
theirs!

I would even go as far as to say add 15% on to the price of the meal
10% for tip  and 5% contingency. The continngency fund could be rolled
over or go to AV hire or whatever or even a bigger tip if it was
warranted.

It really should not be too hard to administer the prepaid system -
and cash only IO would suspect - how difficult is it to organise to
have R200 in cash on the night?

Cheers

trev