Who Pays?

You’re out to eat with a business connection. The check comes. Who’s supposed to reach for it and treat? The general rule of thumb is: the person who made the invitation should pay. For example, if you are asked to come for a lunch interview, the interviewer should pay. If you invite a client or contractor to your office for a meeting around lunch time, you should provide the food. If you are a contractor trying to win a client and request to discuss over drinks or dinner, it’s your responsibility to pay. When it’s a coworker or friend, either offer to split, or pay this time and agree they will next.

When in doubt, grab the check. If you expected the other person to pay and they didn’t even offer, live and learn and skip the meeting-over-meal next time.

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