I'm not sure how it is now, but a few years ago the merchant copy had the full credit card number on it. The customer's copy had only the last 4 digits. This was in case the info was lost in the computer when the card was swiped. The server could then re-enter it. I believe laws were passed and now they both only have the last 4 digits.

Usually, if you leave the copy unsigned, with no tip, the server does not get a tip. I've never worked for a restaurant that added 15% or any amount. I don't think it would be allowed unless stating it first (i.e. when there are parties of 6 or more, etc.)

Personally, I leave both copies. I have no use for extra paper.

If you leave with the wrong copy the server gets no tip. My advice to you is to call the restaurant and tell them you're sending the merchant copy to them so they know you intend to tip the server. They'll then remove the pins from the voodoo doll.

If it happens again you could even fax the mercahnt copy over. Just a suggestion.

Carey and Kimmer: Good to know. We would never intentionally stiff our waitstaff; however, sometimes we are rushed when leaving/paying the check (to get to a movie, show, our son suddenly fell ill at the table etc.) and we realize after the fact that we took the wrong copy. We always figured that as long as they had one or the other, all was well. We will be more careful.

On the other hand, it is good to know that if we choose to leave the tip in cash (which we like to do, and our servers like as well) that we should not see an additional charge on the slip, if it is not included as part of the total initial charge.

I've done this before; I'm not proud of it.

It's only slightly less embarassing than leaving my tab open at a bar, and having to do the walk of shame over the next day to retreive my card.

Most servers and managers are gracious enough to mostly contain their annoyance.

unless the service was horrendous, i just about always tip cash. servers appreciate it. in this event i don't believe that it matters what copy you take.

The only difference to the server between tipping cash and tipping on the credit card receipt, is claiming it at the end of the night. Credit cards have to be claimed for the full amount, cash is usually 7% of sales (the tip amount is usually significantly greater). But there are usually more cash transactions than credit cards, so it evens out in the end anyway.

and sign my (assumed) name.

How does that work? Are you Virginia Hassenpfeffer?

Years ago they used two-part paper to print credit card receipts. Both were identical. You signed and indicated the tip amount on the the top (white) copy and took home the bottom (yellow) copy. If you were careful your signature and the tip amount transferred to the bottom one as you signed.

I assume that with today's advances in restaurant management systems two receipts are printed, one saying "Merchant's Copy" and the other saying "Patron's Copy." Likely still identical but now you have to write the tip amount in on the second one if you want to keep track of total charges.

Either way it shouldn't matter which one you leave as long as you have indicated the tip amount. Probably don't even need to sign it.

I have been a bartender and server for 31 years in and around Baltimore and this happens to me every week, I would imagine it has cost me thousands over the years. I hate to say it but I would estimate that 80% of the time it is a woman, and she is talking while filling out the CC slip. There are those who do this to get out of tipping but I would like to beleive it is an oversight due to distraction.

Always try to pay and tip in cash. There are some restaurants that charge the server for their customer using a charge card. Is it legal? yes. Is it Kosher? no, but with no servers union what are we to do.

I agree with Anonymous and almost always try to pay the bill and tip in cash. When I must use a card, I tip in cash unless I don't have enough small bills in my wallet.

I am a server and this just happened to me, and we do not get the tip. Even if you put in a tip and leave the receipt without signature, servers still do not get anything.

Please try and leave the right receipts, it's very dis-hearting to a server when he gets stiffed.

baltimoron - "80% of the time it's a woman"??? REALLY? Because women are such gossips and so flighty that we are always running our mouths and forget to do basic jobs like tipping our server and signing our credit card bills?

I wish I knew where you worked because I would NEVER go there.

FYI, I not only always tip (except the time I mentioned above where the server was still taken care of) but I tip extremely well.

It's 2009 not 1965. Keep your June Cleaver generalizations to yourself.

Poor Joyce, you're getting hysterical. Why don't you go buy yourself a pretty hat and go to the beauty parlor.

Owl, you are too funny! Good thing I wasn't drinking something (although a Seabreeze would be welcome right now...)

I am a better tipper than my husband. I think that this is because I waited tables once upon a time, and he never did.