Restaurant.com review: This company is a scam! 71

I have used them many times without any problem at all

I recently purchased and received my gift certs. They were not mailed but I had to print them through a link emailed to me. They worked fine at the restaurant.

i recently purchased some gift certificates with restaurant.com.

i know while paying for these at the end of check out they present you with an offer to subscribe to "shopping essentials" and even offer to take $10 off your purchase.

there is also a button that says to decline this offer and proceed to your printable gift certificates.

its pretty obvious that the offer would lead to a subscription and some spam stuff, but its easily avoidable.

this company is legit, just be more careful next time when you sign up for stuff.

i made sure and called restaurant.com and shopping essentials to make sure i was not signed up for the monthly subscription. shopping essentials did not have anything on file with me, and restaurant.com ensured me that if i declined the offer i would not get any charges.

oh ya, the gift certificates are printed, not sent.

I have been using them for years without a single issue. I feel that you have made this complaint out of ignorance. you have failed to read how this program works, you must print your own certificate out. Literacy for the win

You're supposed to PRINT them!

I used them just to test them out and they worked for me like a charm. I'm in San Diego, Ca and I actually purchased them for my business to use as incentives. I purchased 100 $25 gift certificates from a company called CMI AKA www.creativemarketingincentives.biz for $800.00 Anyways, they work like a charm and my customers love them and even come back for more! Of course they have to buy at least $50 worth of product from me in order to get one. That's why I love them so much...They work and they bring me in lots of customers and referrals. This is my experience with working with Restaurant.com certificates. I give my customers the website and a code and they print it from their own computer.

Jake
San Diego
Retailer

They are having a promotion - 80% off all gift certificates. Just enter the coupon code PORTION at check-out.

I'm hoping to get one for my wedding reception which will be at one of their sponsored restaurants.

I think some of the people who post here, have air where their brains should be.
Firstly the conditions are CLEARLY specified on each restaurant site. Secondly I have used these certificates, AT DIFFERENT restaurants, at the rate of one or more per week in the Tampa Bay area, from casual dining to high end 75$ per person type establishments AND NEVER have I had a single question or problem.
For the idiot who didn't get her certificates in the mail YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO PRINT THEM FROM YOUR COMPUTER!

The catch is that you have to buy a $50 min meal and also pay 18% in gratuities.

http://www.dhantube.com

I think it's unfortuanate for companies, such as restaurant.com, that 95% of Americans are illiterate. (Note: I am basing this statistic only off my own life experiences and observations, please don't cite in your GED program essay).
I was curious to know what was said about this company by other consumers after I ordered certificates and was charged 9 times more what I approved. However, I called customer service today and very simply the rep. agreed to reimburse my credit card, the process taking 2-3 business days. I did have to wait approximately 10 minutes to speak with someone, but if my reimbursment goes through as i was told I will be satisfied.
I did recieve all of my certificates to my account for printing. I haven't used any yet, but considering the amazing deal I got on them, I honestly am not concerned about the validity of each and every one. I brought about 30. It was stated VERY clearly what the restrictions were to using the certificates. All they really are are coupons.
I thought it was VERY clear when I proceeded to check out that I was being asked to authorize another companies promotion, which stated in fine, but legible, print that I would be charged a recurring $14.95 a month. Any sensible person would realize that a business such as this would have to promote other companies such as 'shopping essentials' to stay in business!

We used one for a local pizza place. Three of us went, and the coupon was for $25. The entire bill came to $35. So, in essence, three of us ate for $10, which is less than $4 a person. The food was terrific, and tasted even better knowing we got such a discount. This Restaurant.com is the best thing for trying new places and enjoying an evening out. I highly recommend using them. On occasion, they have a 'special' going on, and you get an even bigger discount. Look for those coupons!

I received coupons for 2 area restaurants last Christmas from an out of town relative. They had been printed on his home computer. I used both of them without any problems at all and will probably get some ofmy own. I would like it if they expanded the number of restaurants for which I can get coupons.

to leofox - You do not have to spend $50. Usually it is $35 for a $25 coupon you pay $10 for. In essance then, you pay a total of $20 to get $35 worth of food. Unless, of course you select food that totals more than $35. Bottom line, it is still $15 off. In my book, a good deal.

Where is the saving? Maybe $6. Let's say I buy a $25 gift certificate for $10. That means I really only have $15 credit. If I spend $50 on food and the restaurant adds 18% gratuities to the bill, that adds $9.00 to the bill for a total of $59. So $25 minus the $10 I paid and the $9 for tips leaves me with a net saving of $6. The final bill is $59 minus $25 which is $34, but you have to add my $10 and the tip of $9 so the meal is really costing me $53. Not much of a saving.
The only true saving comes when you can get a discount such as today when the $25 gif certificate can be purchased for $2. I would then be saving $14 instead of $6.

@paolo The only way your math works is if you are a really [censored] tipper. It's $15 off the bill no matter how you do the math. That is unless you would leave no tip if given the option. Your counting the tip twice.

Guessing by your grammar, you are not a native speaker of English. Maybe that is why you don't understand how the website works. You should check the details of all agreements before getting pissed off.

So basically here's the low down...you're buying a coupon. Not even a great coupon like buy one get one free. Unfortunately I got mine through a reseller (which is forbidden by the terms and conditions.) who sold it at retail.
The only way this is a good deal is as one other person said, "The only true saving comes when you can get a discount such as today when the $25 gif certificate can be purchased for $2."

So if you're thinking about getting this I'd suggest: 1.Read the terms and conditions carefully...this is definitely not a purchase you should make without fully understanding it. 2. Be aware that this is NOT like buying a gift card that can be redeemed as cash. 3. As you go through the "Help" section you'll see that it never mentions that a cash purchase is required..but in every case THEY ARE... to me this is very deceptive but again-if you're into paying for coupons go for it...

To all the people that are dogging on restaurant.com, I am willing to bet that you have a problem with 95% of things out there in the world.

Sometimes its necessary to stop pointing your finger at everyone else and look at oneself.

I have gotten about 10 of my friends hooked on restaurant.com, it's a sweet deal. Read each restaurant's terms and conditions and decide if you are down for that.

Also, until you are an abid user of this program don't buy 20 at one time. Buy like 3 to get you started so you understand it. Once you understand it, then be patient and wait. Once a month a new promo code comes out either to your email or somewhere easily found on google where you can buy these certificates for $2 or $3 a piece.

Restaurant.com has made me and my buddies look like big shots to our ladies, and we are actually going to nice places and spending less than if we went to some casual place like Chili's.

And to all the people complaining about the 18% tip, are y'all just giving $0 tips when you go out to eat?

I normally tip 15%, but 3% more is chump change and not a big deal when you get $22-$23 off your bill.

Really people...if you can't tip...go to Burger King! My God, most waiters/waitresses make around 2 dollars an hour...they count on those tips.

As far as restaurant.com goes...tired of finding out that the restaurant "doesn't participate" anymore. Its embarrassing...(I did tell an owner just tonight..."If you don't participate anymore, I expect to see one of these coupons taped to your front door, saying you are no longer accepting these".) Sometimes the restaurant owner wants you to come in and spend 35 dollars! My point is...unless the restaurant has something in plain sight saying that they are no longer accepting the coupons...then the owner is shady, too! I try new restaurants with these, and if they do not accept the coupon, I would probably go elsewhere. But I should have that option...before I order!

RESTAURANT.COM IS SCAM ARTIST AND CONSUMER NIGHTMARE!

All of you guys that like Restaurant.com are all MOR_NS or work for the company and its affiliates.

PLEASE READ INFORMED CONSUMERS:

LOOK AT YOUR CREDIT/BANK STATEMENT FOR A CHARGE BY "CMI" OR www.creativemarketingincentives.biz ...They change their name and their monthly charge for every customer... I signed up for this service, thinking I was getting a great deal on GF's...only to realize they are royally screwing their customers with a pre-paid service charge every month. My charge was $19.95/month. I called Creative Marketing to ask about the charge and they said I agreed to it when I signed up at Restaurants.com...he also said you can find it on their terms and conditions page...so, I decided to read their Terms & Conditions page and this is the only thing I found "Month Club prepaid membership" but it doesn't tell you how much the charge will be...and too further complicate matters...once you do discover they have been charging your credit card...they will only refund the month you caught them...so go 6 months without noticing you are being charged...too bad so sad Charlie…that is you dum_ fault for not checking your account sooner...

PLEASE PUT COMPANIES LIKE THIS OUT OF BUSINESS by not using their services...They are a typical scam artist company...DON"T believe the good reviews written but other people…because I can guarantee these people work for the company...

we have purchased numerous certificates, with no problem at all. true, you have to spend a specific amount for a meal, but when you figure, you can get a $35 or $50 meal for $25 off the bill it's worth it.

The reason restaurants stop honoring RETAURANT.COM certificates is because is because it is a SCAM...

I didn't know (read carefully) that I only can use one certificate at once. I presented three certificate to the waitress thinking she could accept all and she told me that I can only use one at a time. I somehow felt scammed. Gift certificate should not be complicated. But this company offers gift certificat with annoying rules. You have to read everything and know exactly what this company offers in order to use the certificate. I think the person who created this company is smart enough to know so many people don't read the fine details. This company use that for their advantage to make big bucks. Company like thatwill not last long...

I Googled and found this page and am now ready to purchase (and print). I usually tip 20%, so I don't have a problem with the 18%. Fifteen percent has not been standard for at least 10 years, and the tip should always be based on the amount before the discount. I suspect some people would try to tip the discounted price. If the service is bad, you can ask for the tip to be lowered, and tell them why.

I have used them for years. I buy them at 80% off - so I get a $25 gift certificate for $2 and a $50. gift certificate for $4. I print them for restaurants in towns we vacation in, and for friends and family as gifts. The only problem I have had is, one restaurant closed. So I called them and informed them. They gave me a credit to pick another restaurant. My sister took my kids to Lake George for a week and I sent her with 2 $50. certificates for 2 different places. She used them both and I only paid $8. for them both. She saved $100.

I eat out 5-7 times a month and found restaurant.com to be a great deal. Although my home city doesn't have that many restaurants using ther service (26), the cities nearby have 3 times that many. It is also great to use it whenever I travel.

For those who love to drink alcoholic beverages, just note that the coupon DOES NOT include alcohol so pony up for your booze. Also, you still need to tip your waiter. This is not the $1 or $2 buck cheap tip either. (I still have friends that only tip $1. Sad.) We get a great discount so reward great service with a great tip. I have had a great experience everytime I used the coupons. We even used it on our first date. I scored bonus points that night. LOL

If I redeem mypoints for a certificate from restaurants.com will have to print it or will mypoints send it in the mail?

If I redeem mypoints for a certificate from restaurants.com will I have to print it out or will mypoints send it in the mail?

LoveFist, why do you say it's a joke topic? I asked a legitimate question.

As has been stated, all rules are CLEARLY stated before you hit that buy button. And, of course, you must PRINT them yourself. Since restaurants sometime drop out of the program, I always call first just to be sure. This has happened several times (usually because restaurant goes out of business). I have NEVER EVER had a problem getting credit back from Restaurant.com and it all happens very easily via email. You just have to give them your Certificate number and the reason it is no good or was not accepted.

I presented my coupon at the end of the meal and the restaurant told me they don't honor them. They have been trying to have their name removed from restaurant.com for months. I would call the restaurant and confirm before purchasing.

I have used restaurant.com for 2 years without any trouble. At times a restaurant will close before I use the certificate. Restaurant.com always allows me to find another restaurant I like and they replace the unusable certificate for free for the restaurant of my choice. They ALWAYS respond to my emails. Wise up and learn how to use the program. You are missing out on a great thing!

Restaurant.com is selling certificates for a restaurant that has gone out of business in Roswell, GA - Moksha. I contacted Restaurant.com to point out their error weeks ago & they said they would take care of it, yet I still see certificates for this restaurant being sold on their website. Buyer beware.

So much astroturfing. Oh my god. There is not a single reasonable person who is not getting otherwise compensated that would take Restaurant.com's side in this issue.

If you sell coupons and label them gift cards, you are [censor]ting your customers no matter what the fine print (which nobody reads anyway) says. It is highly unethical, and very possibly illegal.

STAY AWAY FROM RESTAURANTS.COM

Unless, of course, you like fraud.

The ad I read said, for $20 dollars you get a $50 dollar gift certificate.

A restaurant near me was on the list and again it said, $20 gets you a $50 gift certificate. I paid the $20 and got the link to the gc, only then did it say you have to spend a minimum of $50 and the gift card is only for $25 plus you pay 18% gratuity.

Ummm the restaurants two for one would be cheaper then this deal. I'm basically out of pocket $75 bucks to get $25 off plus tips whether the service is good or not. FALSE ADVERTISING and for you condescending [censor]s I did read the fine print...did not say bait and switch.

I have used them many times over the past year, and a couple of the restaurants have changed ownership/names, and the new restaurants have also honored the certificates. Never had a problem. (Last year the $25 GCs were .80!)

Becky, check your bank account/credit card, because the $25 certificates at MOST should cost $10, becuase that is the full retail for the certificate. If you entered the current code (WOW), then it should have been $1! Maybe that is the circle that was chosen by mistake rather than the $50 one?

It seems to me that each restaurant sets their own minimum spending, and rules for use. Some require $35 for a $25 GC, some $50, some say minimum of 2 guests, some list holidays that they are not eligible, and some are only good certain days of the week, etc. All this is listed on the right side as you choose the amount of your GC... like the $10 ones sometimes say minimum of $25 spending, but when you click into the next circle, then it will change to the $25 GC conditions, and so on as you choose the higher amounts... Like right now, there are $100 ones out there that are selling for $4(with the code)! The rules are usually somewhere around, must spend $200...so if you are going out for a large family dinner/celebration, and plan on spending $200, it's like getting $96 off! I don't see how anyone can see that as not worth it!

I never signed up for any subscription, so have never been charged any monthly fee.

I feel like the company is also a scam but for another reason. I just recently bought 4 $25 gift certificates. NOWHERE on the order form did they specify conditions - NOWHERE! I am one of those that will read all terms and conditions before I sign on to something. Once you buy them, on your printed version, it specifies that you can only use one per restaurant per month per party. And it only includes dine-in. Now, my situation involves a family of four going to Disney and we wanted to take advantage of the hotel's reastaurants breakfast during our 3 night stay. As you can see, that is a shot deal! Now I am stuck with 3 gift certificates as I will use ONLY one during that 3 night stay (and obviously ONLY for dinner). Below is the distorted order form. Now you tell me where I find these terms and conditions. YES, this is a scam. I can see how a business person or someone who wants the occasional dinner can find this convenient but not placing the terms and conditions on the form is a SCAM!

Back to Restaurant.com Search Results Overview | Menu | Wine List | Chef's Bio | Email to a Friend | Join the Club — It's FREE Gift Certificates
$25 Gift Certificate
YOUR PRICE: $10.00 $25 Gift Certificate
Your Price $10*

$50 Gift Certificate
Your Price $20

1234
Minimum purchase of $35. 18% Gratuity added prior to discount. 1 certificate per party.JOIN THE CLUB
JOIN THE CLUB — IT'S FREE
Click the button below to enjoy the benefits of becoming a registered user of Restaurant.com. Choose to receive our special promotions and save even more!

Giraffe Cafe at the Royal Plaza Hotel
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
[protected] phone

View this restaurant's other website
menu | map Do you like this restaurant? Cuisine Type
European
American
Hours of Operation

Breakfast: Daily from 6:30am-11am Dinner: Daily from 5:00pm-10:00pm
Reservations
Not Required

Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
Amex
Discover
Cash

Cost
This restaurant's average entree cost is Moderate

Restaurant Description
Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of dining options available to satisfy every craving at the Royal Plaza in Downtown Disney. You can find traditional American favorites at the Giraffe Cafe, enjoy a cold beer at the Giraffe Lounge, or have a casual meal at our deli-style café offering snacks and light meals. There's even a tropical pool-side bar! Royal Plaza Dining Options: Giraffe Cafe- casual atmosphere featuring our All U Can Eat breakfast buffet including an omelet station. Also serving dinner. Giraffe Lounge-full service bar with sports, pool, and darts Grab-n-Go-deli style café offering self-serve snacks and light meals Sips Pool Bar-full service poolside bar with appetizers, snacks, and sandwiches Kids 10 & under eat FREE for breakfast and dinner in the Giraffe Cafe. Valid for one child per paying adult.

Service Type
Sit Down

Specialties
Non Smoking Area
Booster/High Chairs
Wheelchair Access
Children's Menu

Atmosphere
Family / Children

Meals
Breakfast
Dinner

Banquet
10 - 20 People

Amenities

Attire
Casual

Bar Info
Full Bar
Beer
Wines

Parking
Valet
Parking on Site

I purchased eight coupons for a restaurant I frequently attend. When I went to use one of the coupons, I was told that they are no longer in the program. When I alerted restaurant.com of this, they gave me two $75 gift cards. The restaurant in question is no longer on their web site. I am very pleased with this company.