Use a restaurant coupon without looking cheap

One thing there is no shortage of during tough economic times are restaurant coupons, yet many of us are reluctant to cash in on the deals because we don't want to look cheap. But if there ever was a time when taking a cheaper route was in - now is it.

Think Resourceful - Not Cheap

Almost everyone, including corporations, are looking for ways to trim the financial fat off of entertainment expenses. If you are concerned about what people will think if you hand over the "buy-one-get-one-free" coupon you just got in the mail, stop worrying about it and start saving.

Knowing the following few rules of proper coupon etiquette will help you keep your cool persona, but still save money.

Read the Terms of the Coupon

Read your coupon before redeeming it. This will help the transaction go smoothly without a lot of discussion.

For example, most "buy-one-entrée-get-one-free" coupons state that the free offer is good for the least expensive meal only. Or the terms may state that it is only good for specific menu items or during certain days and times.

By sticking to the terms of the coupon you will avoid drawing attention to the fact that you plan to use one.

Tell the Server That You Have a Coupon

Most restaurant coupons state that you should tell your server you plan on using a coupon before you order.

People are sometimes reluctant to do this because they think they will get a smaller portion or that they may not receive top-notch service. Actually the reason has more to do with how the server will ring up the order.

By stating right off that you have a coupon you will avoid problems when it is time to pay the bill.

Participating Restaurants

You may notice on your coupon that within the fine print it reads, "Valid at Participating Locations Only." Not all restaurants with the same name have the same promotions. Local franchised restaurants, in particular, may not participate in coupons distributed nationally.

To avoid being disappointed, call before you go and find out if the restaurant honors the coupon.

When the Restaurant Runs Out

There are times when response to a coupon offer is so good that the restaurant runs out of the special item being promoted. Do not get angry. Instead, find out what your options are by asking the following:

*If the coupon is only good for a specific date, ask if you can get a rain check.
*If they are substituting another menu item.
*If the coupon is not date sensitive, find out when they are expecting to get restocked.

Tipping

Tipping when using a coupon is a main topic among restaurant employees. Most servers look at coupons as just another way to pay the bill, as long as it does not hurt their earnings. The rule is simple. Figure the tip amount based on what the bill would be without using a coupon. For example, if you received two entrées, each at the cost of $12 but one was free, base the tip on $24, not $12.

Expired Coupons

Do not try to use an expired coupon, unless you do not care about looking like a cheapskate.

Relax and Enjoy the Savings

Following these simple steps should help make the experience of using coupons at restaurants a pleasant money-saving experience while keeping you "coolness" intact.