For the group of restaurants I am doing now for them they say to leave an 18% tip...no more, no less. They did mention it is okay to round up a few pennies. I am not so worried about not getting reimbursed the entire amt as it would only be off by a little but I am worried about perhaps estimating or incorrectly figuring the tip and only leaving say 17 % or by mistake 19% and be out of the guidelines. A small range would be easier to handle than this precise 18% rule. Knowing the company I do not think they would be hard nosed but I am so accustomed for reading about MS'ers getting fired or not paid by company after company for infractions on one rule which does not sound so important that it is scary to me to know I have to be so precise on the tip.

I didn't know ACL didn't allow it, I just thought they wouldn't pay the extra. I've always tipped 20% on their assignments and its never been an issue.

Sandf, when I undertipped it was by about 75 cents and was a screwup on my part. I got a warning that I might not be paid if the CLIENT refused to accept the job. The job was evidently accepted because I did get paid and I saw it as a 'heads up' warning more than anything else. I went into Excel and made myself a little list in nickle increments of what total would need a 4.05, 4.10, 4.15, 4.20 etc tip. The columns printed nicely on an index card that is in my wallet. Of course if you have a smart phone I'm sure there is an ap that can multiply your $44.08 by .15 or .17 or .18 or whatever so you don't need to get out a pen and do the arithmetic.

That being said, I was amused recently by a restaurant receipt recently that at the bottom told me what my tip should be based on 12%, 15%, 18% or 20%.

The fees aren't generous but I love the restaurants. I always have to expand on my comments after I submit my shop. I suggest being as thorough as possible and include as many details as you can.

I have seen that on the bottom of quite a few receipts but I am never sure whether they are figuring with or without tax. I can whip out my phone to figure it out but I usually don't. Actually I stand corrected on the tip...it says in BOLD letters "do not tip under 18%" and then goes on to say they will not reimburse for more than 18%. So that is where i was remembering no more, no less in my head from. They also say they will not reimburse for the valet which is required in some locations.($7 in the one i checked out) It was a note to myself from myself if I wanted to get reimbursed the entire amt. I try not to go over when I have to work 2 1/2 hrs filling the report out. Less than a dollar okay in my book but with the cost of gas to drive etc...

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> Sandf, when I undertipped it was by about 75 cents
> and was a screwup on my part. I got a warning
> that I might not be paid if the CLIENT refused to
> accept the job. The job was evidently accepted
> because I did get paid and I saw it as a 'heads
> up' warning more than anything else. I went into
> Excel and made myself a little list in nickle
> increments of what total would need a 4.05, 4.10,
> 4.15, 4.20 etc tip. The columns printed nicely on
> an index card that is in my wallet. Of course if
> you have a smart phone I'm sure there is an ap
> that can multiply your $44.08 by .15 or .17 or .18
> or whatever so you don't need to get out a pen and
> do the arithmetic.
>
> That being said, I was amused recently by a
> restaurant receipt recently that at the bottom
> told me what my tip should be based on 12%, 15%,
> 18% or 20%.

The higher end restaurants from ACL by the restaurant group here state to leave an 18% tip...I have always rounded it out to the dollar, and so far no
complaints. Leaving a 23% tip is just too obivious.

I am in the middle of a string of their high end dinner shops. My wife and I are eating very well these days. We would never eat at a high end steak house on our own so we love the shops. TIP: When you make your reservation mention you are celebrating a birthday. You will usually get a free dessert. On a recent steak house shop, I was given a $5 reimbursement for the valet. Maybe this addition is new.

I think it is this particular restaurant group only. I did not see these requirements on the restaurants thru acl that are not part of this group. I asked specifically about valet reimbursement and was told it is not included even if I am under the reimbursement for food by that much. I notice these shops sit there in LA and do not know the reason but perhaps others are unwilling to eat the valet fee which is $7 at one of the places.

I also mention celebrating a birthday or anniversary when I shop the steak house - otherwise, it would go over reimbursement. I have a tip app on my iPhone, so the required 15%, 18% or 20% is no problem. I also round up and "eat" the difference.

Ladymom, The only time I get a fee from ACL was when they are desperate at teh end of the month. I have not seen their regular restaurants with fees.

Has anyone been able to log on to their website this weekend (May 5th/6th?) I have been getting error messages every time I try. I know Beyond Hello was having Internet issues on Friday. Is there some sort of MSC virus being passed around?

Yes, I have logged in and done reports with no issues. The front page of the log in has changed so it has added a step. I now need to hit the "Log In" to get to the entry blocks for user name and password. Awkward.

@ Flash, if you don't mind, would you send me the link that you used to log in to ACL in a PM. If that doesn't work, I will contact them directly on Monday morning. Thanks.

I was able to log in, but what's with the new log in buttin which takes it to a new page to put in username and password?