First Date Dinner Date - He's paying. Should I whip out the Entertainment Card?

voteoften on 09/12/2013 - 19:05

I finally managed to get a date with a guy who is "Normal" about money. Likes to have a good time. Doesn't pinch pennies, etc.

In a few hours, we're going to a place in the Entertainment Book that would give about $50 discount. The entrees are $30+ and the mains go from $40 up and up. Then there's the wine and the extras. He's taking a cab that cost him at least $50 each way. I'm meeting him there.

I don't think I'm likely to whip out my card to save him money. Not because I want to save it for future personal use, I just don't know how he'd take it. This is a first date. He will be paying. He's made that clear.

I just absolutely hate being in a position to help someone I like and not doing it. It is PAINFUL. In this instance though I think it would be a strategic mistake, in so far as how he perceives me, so I don't intend to do it. It could possibly embarrass hi, There are actually people who get embarrassed by that sort of thing and I think he could be one of them.

Would anyone here offer their Entertainment card under these circumstances?

General Discussion

Comments

  • lplau on 10/12/2013 - 09:58
    +3

    What I'd do is pretend to go to the toilet, then swing by the cashier and sneak the entertainment book coupon/card to the guy there and tell them to apply it to the bill….

    So in the end he will just pay for the discounted price! He prob won't even notice it being taken off.

    Ironic though, that you ask about this dillema on "OZBARGAIN"… no bargainer would let $50 free pass go… maybe you should go ask "OZWASTER" they would give you a better perspective about not using the entertainment book?

  • ilostnemo on 10/12/2013 - 10:54
    +4

    Pants, Shirts and Shoes for the Guy $200
    3 course meal at Restaurant for 2 $300
    Cab Fare back and forth $100

    Me keeping my $50 off voucher Priceless

  • teyc on 10/12/2013 - 11:05
    +5

    You should offer the card and see his reaction. If he snides at coupons, he's not "the one".

  • nickj on 10/12/2013 - 11:19

    When it comes time to pay, say "Oh I've realised I've got a card which takes a tiny bit off the bill, here it is". If he doesn't seem interested in using it, no big deal, and if does then great. I don't think it's going to cause offence.

  • ilostnemo on 10/12/2013 - 11:20
    +5

    I think this guy could be a genius, and outsmarted us all.

    Hello Company Credit Card. (only logical thing, which could explain the oddities of this arrangement, ie Monday night date, $100 cab fare and spending this sort of money on a First dinner date. )

    As scuba says, most first dates are dutch in regards to payment, especially one which is this expensive.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 10/12/2013 - 12:53
      +4

      It could also be a government or union credit card. ;)

      • strangeloops66 on 11/12/2013 - 00:04
        +2

        Watch out if he says "Let's hit the red light district".

    • kobrien456 on 17/12/2013 - 07:57

      Since when are first date meals Dutch? I'm married, but there wouldn't be a second date in my world. Though I would always offer Dutch and definitely insist on paying half if I wasn't interested in seeing guy again. Guys, the excitement of being spoiled by a man you like has huge benefits for the man. Believe it.

  • coolhead on 10/12/2013 - 11:24

    agree with "nickj"
    but its tuesday and the day would be over by now.. intersted to har what happened..

    did anyone else say that Maybe the guy already has this voucher from his booklet ?

  • KBZ on 10/12/2013 - 12:15
    +4
    • OP hasn't logged in since asking question yesterday night.
    • Now midday and still no answer and has not checked OzB.
    • Regardless of the voucher date was successful.
    • Whodis on 10/12/2013 - 12:29
      +29

      Or:
      *axe murdered
      *crying at home
      *working
      *Perth time is 3 hours behind

  • Johnx on 10/12/2013 - 12:17
    +1

    Don't do it. The first few dates are all about impression until you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down. You sound like a great catch. I think being frugal is a good quality but it's about being tactfully frugal.

  • pat_mac on 10/12/2013 - 13:14
    +1

    If the date doesn't work out I'm sure there's plenty of ozBargainers who'd be happy to use your entertainment card with you… ;-)

  • ilostnemo on 10/12/2013 - 13:20
    +2

    An ozbargainer will always split the bill on a first date, then proceed to the cashier with the other persons money and the voucher. hehehehhe

    • Shwayne on 11/12/2013 - 10:26
      +2

      We're sticklers for value, not dishonest thieves. :P

  • voteoften on 10/12/2013 - 13:58
    +41

    Thanks everyone. date "successful". Lol!

    I was in too much of a hurry to get card. Wouldn't have used it anyway. He knows the owner, entertains there all the time. He has no desire of me or any woman paying ever.

    He says he only flies business class and he travels a lot, couple times a week. In his work he entertains every day he's on the road.

    Sorry if this offends those who think dutch is the way to go, it isn't with this guy. His preference….

    Seeing him Wed before he leaves. He is a lucky guy. Lol

    • team teri on 10/12/2013 - 14:08
      +14

      Sounds like a guy who knows exactly what he wants and is willing to pay for it.

      I don't think there is any risk he ever surfs to ozBargain, so keep us in the loop on how the story develops ;-)

    • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2013 - 14:21
      +1

      Oh yay! Glad the date went well :)

    • addicted on 10/12/2013 - 14:24
      +6

      thanks your story is turning out to be as interesting as Ted Mosby's story on how i met your mother. You said, "here is hoping…", so did it happen? ;)

    • lolmao on 10/12/2013 - 15:54

      dbl post

    • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2013 - 21:15
      +3

      did he get lucky after the meal?

    • tsunamisurfer on 10/12/2013 - 14:17
      +8

      How 'lucky'?

    • hashtagbargain on 10/12/2013 - 14:22
      +1

      Seems like you caught a rich one!

    • striker5950 on 10/12/2013 - 14:28

      reminds me of the movie 'the ugly truth' where the rich guy is ordering sparkling water and the chick interrupts and says just bring us tap water its pretty much the same thing. lol the tap water scenario could've been replaces with u and the voucher scenario, in the movie the date didn't work out, so it would have been the same with you. good job on not bringing up the coupon:P

    • battler on 10/12/2013 - 14:29
      +15

      We'll take "successful" to mean the "romp" occurred.

    • earths_pacifist on 10/12/2013 - 14:58

      Sounds like you had a good time. Does he have a brother that is unattached that I can chase :P

      • Malarkey on 10/12/2013 - 15:04
        +26

        Right here, but I don't fly Business class all that often as my private jet only has one class ;)

        • earths_pacifist on 11/12/2013 - 11:58

          when are you stopping to pick me up :P

        • AlanHB on 11/12/2013 - 16:18
          +13

          Malakey's PA here. He can fit you in from 8.10am-8.20am next Tues. Don't worry that it's only 10 min, that's all he needs.

        • earths_pacifist on 11/12/2013 - 16:56
          +3

          Excellent gives me more time to spend on ozbargain!!

        • Malarkey on 13/12/2013 - 09:58

          As Alan has communicated I'm a very busy man. However I do have a flight to Canberra on Tuesday and could probably fit you in for coffee ;)

          Also please forgive Alan for his generosity, 5 minutes is more than sufficient!

      • daydream on 17/12/2013 - 01:38

        Keep in mind the many possibilities, he could be generous or well off or a spendthrift or a politician spending someone elses money or a crim/con (hope not) or … ;-)

    • lolmao on 10/12/2013 - 15:55
      +1

      He sounds like the opposite of an OzBargainer, hope it still works out for you

    • lameturd on 10/12/2013 - 17:08
      +1

      wow feel sorry for him, he sounds like a beta that worships you as his goddess: "He has no desire of me or any woman paying ever".

      just lol

    • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2013 - 22:13
      +2

      I think you made the right call. If he knows the owner, then perhaps he is already getting special prices seeing as he goes there all the time. I don't think it would be fair to the business owner to then pull out a coupon to use in these circumstances.

    • Koolbargain on 11/12/2013 - 15:43
      +7

      He sounds like an absolute player. Good on him, he got lucky for cheap.

  • Davros on 10/12/2013 - 14:10
    +7

    I'd be impressed and I would not be offended in the slightest, but them have always been attracted to frugal and smart women, like my wife.

  • Ughhh on 10/12/2013 - 14:32

    Some guys probably view coupons as being cheap, especially in a classy restaurant and in a first date- you dont want to be seen as cheap.

    • lplau on 10/12/2013 - 15:23
      +4

      Either that or being seen a smart.

      I was always taught that… Earning money doesn't make you smart, knowing how to save money is what truely makes you smart.

  • obses2ion on 10/12/2013 - 15:37
    +2

    If he doesn't accept you for the OzBargainer you are, he's not the one.

  • dannyeei on 10/12/2013 - 15:56
    +1

    She is definitely regretting posting this hahaha

  • cannedhams on 10/12/2013 - 18:11
    +3

    My sister shacked up with a bloke like this. Always liked to flaunt cash, etc. By the time he was fifty he was cold stony motherless broke because he threw away all his money down at the betting house. And so was she.

  • danielh on 10/12/2013 - 18:15

    If you like him, break out the card and use it and imply that there are a few other restaurants you two should try.

    Regards
    Daniel

  • voteoften on 10/12/2013 - 18:27
    +3

    Thanks everyone. Time for a nap! ;-)

    • heartychat on 11/12/2013 - 08:02
      +2

      I see what you did there ;)

  • ExPrinceHairy on 10/12/2013 - 19:51
    +3

    Yep guys, I was the date from last night.

    • icanconfirm on 10/12/2013 - 20:00
      +2

      I can confirm, I am magnums

  • frinik on 10/12/2013 - 20:42

    Im a bit late to the conversation…
    Firstly, congrats on the successful date.
    Secondly, i would have used the dating time to get to know them. From this you would have been in a better position to tell weather it was appropriate or not…
    my 2c

    • ahly92 on 10/12/2013 - 20:50

      *whether …;)

      • frinik on 10/12/2013 - 21:22

        yeah that

  • D6C1 on 10/12/2013 - 20:52
    +1

    The date is going well… She hasn't whipped out the entertainment book card and we are having a great night !

  • DeWalt on 10/12/2013 - 21:27
    +1

    I don't know if this helps, but …
    Saving a decent amount of money is never bad.
    If someone doesn't like your preferences, then they're not right for you.
    Don't change to suit someone else's ideals. They'll eventually find out what you're like, or you'll make yourself miserable pretending.

    Glad you had a good night. Glad you're ok with him wanting to pay.

    Just be yourself, the Most important person you can be :)

    • Kurtz on 11/12/2013 - 22:46
      +2

      Clearly she doesn't mind changing her frugal ideals when she meets a man willing to buy her a $100+ dinner! :)

      • leiiv on 12/12/2013 - 01:48

        Spot on. I would not care about normal bargains if I fly business class everytime. Except perhaps different level of bargain, like the half price lamborghini ones.

  • Lucky13 on 10/12/2013 - 21:51

    Just reading what youve written its coming across that you think it would be a bad idea to use the Entertainment Card, so Id have to go with you not using it. We dont know this guy at all and you do and if youre feeling like it might be a bad idea for a first date to get out your Entertainment Card then dont use it. You can always tell him what you did ages later and have a laugh about it and he'll probably think its sweet that you were so worried about your first date with him, but seriously if youre at all worried about using it I wouldnt.

  • ozgriff on 10/12/2013 - 22:41
    +6

    I think we've got this guy pegged wrong, he is the ultimate ozbargainer king.

    $900 Business Flight (paid by company/business/government or CBR)
    $120 for two Taxi rides (CBR)
    $200 Meal, full price invoice half paid by CBR - half by Mate's Rates cash bonus back in pocket + $100
    $250 (CBR) Hotel room, cancelled or even better, sub-let for the night (but where did he stay?) + $125
    $100 Travel allowance for being awesome business dude out of home
    Total back into Pocket $325!!! + bonus awesome points for being da man.

  • strangeloops66 on 11/12/2013 - 00:12
    +11

    Forget the Entertainment Card, time for some Chemist Warehouse deals.

  • sal78 on 11/12/2013 - 08:17
    +4

    is first impressions really that important? i need to get to know someone over a period of time. On our first date, my husband forgot his wallet! still happily married 11 yrs later.

    • strangeloops66 on 11/12/2013 - 11:23
      +8

      forgot his wallet!

      That old chestnut ;-)

    • Ughhh on 11/12/2013 - 13:58
      +1

      Some times you only have 1 chance to impress someone, especially when there are other people they can date, sort of like job interviews.

    • AlanHB on 11/12/2013 - 16:13

      11 years is a long time to get to know someone.

    • Kurtz on 11/12/2013 - 22:49

      This sounds so much better than shelling out a lot of cash to pay for a woman's food on a date when she would probably not return the favour.

      I don't know, there's just something materialistic and creepy about it. Sorry if this offends anyone but it just seems manipulative.

  • squirellwing on 11/12/2013 - 12:00
    +1

    Just mention that you have entertaiment card and ask whether he wants to use it. Just don't whip it out without asking first.

    • strangeloops66 on 11/12/2013 - 12:31
      +20

      Just don't whip it out without asking first.

      Words to live by!

  • cheepwun on 11/12/2013 - 15:31

    I finally managed to get a date with a guy who is "Normal" about money. Likes to have a good time. Doesn't pinch pennies, etc.

    It's wiser to date an OzBargainer; after all it's where you're looking now good advice (and a nice price). I think I stole that line from somewhere.

    This 'pamper me' recklessness will soon pass and in time you will be cursing at high prices and abstaining from reckless fiscal frolics. It is then you will (re)find your true love: low prices. Always there for you. Always looking out for numero uno.

    At this point there will never be any questions on whether savings should be made: it will be as natural as flowing water.

    Go in good spirits grasshoppa, but you will return.

    ~ Confu¢iu$

    • ExPrinceHairy on 11/12/2013 - 21:56
      +1

      It's wiser to date an OzBargainer

      I'm single and ready to mingle.

      • royus on 18/12/2013 - 14:20

        lets get it on
        female?

        • daydream on 19/12/2013 - 09:45
          +2

          A true OzBargainer would grab the offer then worry about those questions later lol ;-)

  • Starcraftmazter on 11/12/2013 - 16:47
    -5

    Greedy bitches, you warn equal income then pay equal share!

    • lonewolf on 11/12/2013 - 16:49
      -1

      totally agree :)

    • earths_pacifist on 11/12/2013 - 17:02
      +2

      What makes you think that she didnt offer to pay half or all. As she said, he made it clear that he was paying.
      The only thing that she implied is that she was happy that she had found someone that wasn't a complete scrooge. I agree in that there is a time to get the best bargain posible and a time to let you hair down and treat yourself (preferably with the help of the entertainment card).

      • Starcraftmazter on 12/12/2013 - 08:53

        Is it not obvious that, that in itself implies that any guy who doesn't want to pay for the woman's share is a Scrooge? Are you seriously that thick?

        Get over yourselves and pay for your share women!

        The correct thing to do in this situation is to refuse to go to the date unless you get to pay for your fair share!

        • one man clan on 12/12/2013 - 09:11
          +7

          A+ misogyny, you must be a delightful person.

        • Starcraftmazter on 12/12/2013 - 13:37

          It's funny how demanding fairness is known as misogyny, you misandrist scum.

        • one man clan on 12/12/2013 - 14:32
          +5

          No, I think using the term "greedy bitches" makes you a misogynist.

        • Starcraftmazter on 13/12/2013 - 09:22
          -2

          Right, because greedy bitches aren't real? Get over it!

  • bam on 11/12/2013 - 18:52
    +3

    Tell him you REALLY REALLY wanna split the bill.

    Then pay your half with the coupon.

  • Lurker on 11/12/2013 - 22:40
    +3

    You are my kind of woman. :)

    So considerate for a man .

    I would love to date someone like you , offering your entertainment card and may be even vouchers.

    As a man who likes to save money I will definitely appreciate a date like you.

    I definitely will not think less of you.

    In fact, just the opposite.

    That is a date made in heaven.

    For me anyway.

    Contact me if your date doesn't go so well.

    Wait a minute, are you a woman?
    Or gay?

    • Squirtography on 11/12/2013 - 23:39
      +6

      Is OzBargain starting a dating service? We'll have to get more deals for Sizzler.

      • Lurker on 12/12/2013 - 05:22
        +1

        Yes, how about a "Missed Connections" section for cheapskates?

      • scarletshoes on 12/12/2013 - 07:45
        +5

        Love on a shoe string? Somehow (correct me if I'm wrong) I'm not so sure she would be keen to go on a blind date with someone named "lurker" :)

  • Yuyun Meng on 12/12/2013 - 09:44

    Hi, don't use your discount card and let him to pay full amount. If you like him and don't take the risk on you to save $50 dollars for him.

  • cashless on 12/12/2013 - 09:46
    +2

    So, lessons learned - if I get the chance to take out a hot date, it's probably poor form to get pick-ups from Domino's using coupons - correct?
    Best off splurging unnecessarily using all my ozb savings to make that big impression first up.
    Can use Sizzler for the 2nd. 3rd, 4th date and beyond (if it gets that far)

    • Kurtz on 13/12/2013 - 14:45
      +2

      If you feel the need to pay for a woman on a date, perhaps there is a more appropriate service you can pay a woman for, and get a little more "bang" for your buck :)

  • JediJan on 12/12/2013 - 12:18

    I wouldn't hesitate to offer him the discount with your entertainment card when it comes time for him to pay. He will either refuse it or appreciate it; hardly anything to be offended by. Usually people that have money have been money wise to begin with, so it is quite probable that he would appreciate the offer.

  • mafmouf on 12/12/2013 - 12:38
    +2

    This thread has had me in tears laughing. When is date no. 2? I am interested to read next episode!

    Ps. Major lol at the guys putting themselves out there. OzBargain matchmaking would be great to see in real life.

    • voteoften on 12/12/2013 - 12:58
      +2

      Just got home from date number two. It was nice. On my suggestion/insistence, it was a stay in night. LOL He goes overseas tonight but appears to have decided to come to Perth for Christmas. ;->

      So there should be no more updates from me, unless something happens that I think might "make the crowd go wild" with hilarity and opinions.

      Time for a nap.

      There are 14 subscribers to this thread and I'm not one of them!

      • KLoNe on 12/12/2013 - 13:23
        +1

        Sounds like you two were at it all night long; nice work! You've earned a nap :)

      • strangeloops66 on 12/12/2013 - 13:54
        +8

        Another nap. I'm sensing a pattern here.

  • ilostnemo on 12/12/2013 - 12:47
    +8

    Ozbargain Date.

    Dinner Dominos Pizza $6 (picked Up)
    Entertainment Downloaded Movie $0
    Drinks 6 Pack from a carton bought on special $6
    Protection. Condom from pinchme.com.au

    Total price $12 less 5% ing paywave.

    • mafmouf on 12/12/2013 - 15:42
      +7

      You forgot the most important thing…

      A date.

    • AlanHB on 12/12/2013 - 17:16
      +1

      My gf and I have done this one before.

      2 x $1 bbq cheeseburgers from Hungry Jacks
      2 x $1 hot chocolates from Coles Express/Shell Petrol Station
      1 x Hoyts free movie

      Unfortunately the Hoyts machine has been bumped up to $1, but that's still a $6 date for two people.

      • roughana on 17/12/2013 - 14:07

        Has Malarky not been paying you what you are worth?

    • Fobsessive on 14/12/2013 - 13:40

      Instead of the $6 six pack you can use a bottle of wine from Naked Wines/PinchMe.
      $9.99 for 12 bottles of wine comes at 83.25 cents a bottle, and Perth is in WA so there's a 10c bottle refund which brings it down to 73.25c for drinks ;)

    • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2013 - 02:48

      Or do it on Mon or Tue to get $4.95 pizza for a total of $10.95

  • outlander on 13/12/2013 - 00:54
    +2

    Its a good thing you didn't pull out the discount card. As with everything, its important to maintain an overall perspective of what you're doing, while you're focusing on the particulars. In this case, you and your friend were playing bullshit. Terrible food, poor service, restrictive social conventions… all a steaming pile of bullshit.
    And nothing spoils bullshit faster than practicality.

    But happiness is happiness irrespective of truth. If you can get it for that price, I'd say that's a bargain. Wring every last drop out of it, and don't look too hard for the cracks.

    • anat on 14/12/2013 - 22:56
      +1

      One of the most insightful posts on the Internet! I hope OP doesn't look for the cracks!

  • zxcvb on 13/12/2013 - 11:14
    +2

    Best thread I've ever read in ozbargain! LOL!!!

  • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2013 - 11:18
    +5

    I finally managed to get a date with a guy who is "Normal" about money. Likes to have a good time. Doesn't pinch pennies, etc.

    Hey, what's this all about!? You sayin' I'm not normal? (I'm not, thank goodness.) ;-)

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