Restaurant Website Question

[mommy2]

If this is not the correct place to post this thread please feel free to move it.

I am wondering about the restaurant site where you can buy gift certificates that you print off.

Most people I have found consider this site to be a great deal. From what I know you purchase the certificate but there are lots of things that you have to follow such as a minimum purchase amount or only certain days you can use it on etc. For instance if I purchase a $30 certificate for only $10-that sounds great but I have to buy at least 25-30 dollars worth of food (for most places that I have looked at). Usually my husband and I would not spend that much when we go out. I guess my question is how can this be a good deal when you are required to spend a minimum amount at the restaurant?

Hope someone can give me a great explanation

Thanks!

[Marge Simpson]

Originally Posted by mommy2

I am wondering about the restaurant site where you can buy gift certificates that you print off.
Most people I have found consider this site to be a great deal. From what I know you purchase the certificate but there are lots of things that you have to follow such as a minimum purchase amount or only certain days you can use it on etc. For instance if I purchase a $30 certificate for only $10-that sounds great but I have to buy at least 25-30 dollars worth of food (for most places that I have looked at). Usually my husband and I would not spend that much when we go out. I guess my question is how can this be a good deal when you are required to spend a minimum amount at the restaurant?

Hope someone can give me a great explanation

I know for our family (4 of us), we have used these to get some great deals. I only purchase the certificates when they are 80%+ off, I think the last ones I bought were a $25 for $3, and then the site gave me an extra $10 as a bonus. I take the boys several times a month to SF, natural history museum, zoo, chinatown, whatever we can find. I always use the certificates to try new restaurants when we go, and also revisit favorites. We try to go to a dim sum place every few months or so, and they LOAD your plate, we always bring extra home with us!
We also us them when we go to visit family out of town, we just print when we get there, or plan ahead.
I think it may be harder because its just 2 of you? Use them at some nice/fancy restaurant, special occasions, or to try something new. And, buy them when they are cheaper, they routinely go in cycles, where they start off at 50-75% off, and go to sometimes 90% off. Short cycle time also, within weeks sometimes. Also, that site usually offers some kind of deals around holidays, so you may see some extra special deal coming up around halloween. Not a great explanation, but I hope that helps a little

[Dorene]

We sometimes order an extra meal and have it boxed to go. Brings up your total and you have lunch or dinner the next day.

[momto2boys]

I would find it difficult with a family of 2 to call this a "deal". But I will tell you that it is legit, but with the "fine print", make sure that it is beneficial to you.

We have bought them three times. The last was for 90% off on 9-9-09. My husband is going to use one of those to "take the guys out" at his work for someone's birthday. There are 4 in the office; ave. $10 a plate x's 4 = $40 - $25 = $15 to feed 4 men. Pretty sweet deal! (He is hoping that someone else "pays" the gratuity, even though it's included in the "fine print" that you have to pay 18 to 20 % gratuity, but if not, still a good deal)

[islandgirlsarah]

My DH and I use these all the time, it is still economical for 2 people to use these. We usually have to end up ordering an app or dessert or sometimes both but we usually just hit the $35 min and then add tax and gratuity-usually being about $8 ish. That ends up being only $18 total icluding tip for a nice meal out. I don't know of very many places (other than fast food) where you can have a nice meal out for that price.

I only buy the cert when they are 80-90% off and buy a few and keep them on hand for future usage

[Coupon_Addict]

they have ONE restaurant for our area.