Frequently asked questions

• Whats the catch?

There is no catch, no fine print, just a smarter product. If you use this for dinner for two (or more) and order a normal 3 course meal with a bottle of wine, you will not have an issue.

• That's great but what are the detailed exclusions?

OK, the few exclusions are, you: 1) cannot go on Mothers day, etc; check each restaurant for details, 2) need two people to dine for it to be valid, 3) can only use one card per dinner party, 4) have a bill smaller than the face value of the certificate; a bill of twice the face value is what restaurants would like, 5) can only redeem a certificate to the same restaurant every 14 days.

• Do I need to buy a certificate in order to get a discount at the restaurant?

Yes and no. You must buy a certificate using the website before arriving at the restaurant. If you have not done so, the restaurant is under no obligation to provide you with a savings on your bill.However, if you preload you do not have to have a certificate. See preLoad below.

• Does this mean that this is a stored value card and Letsgofordinner hold balances?

If you try and spend less than the face value of the certificate and the restaurant is kind and redeems it, the difference will not be stored on your card; it means that you saved close to 50% on the meal.

• How does the Preload work?

Preload allows you to put cash on our server/your card that allows you to purchase certificates when you go to redeem them in the restaurant.

• Can you explain in more detail how Preload works?

What exactly happens is that when the card is redeemed in the restaurant the software checks for a preload balance and if there is enough, purchases the certificate automatically and then redeems it. You and the server see nothing but a price reduction on the bill.

• Can I use more than one card per dinner party?

There is a restriction of one card per dinner party see above. However, some restaurants are flexible -- ask when you make a reservation.

• Which restaurants are members of your program?

In Vancouver, our list of partner restaurants is here. While we have some restaurants in Calgary listed, it's not yet possible to purchase certificates for them. We're working on it -- keep an eye on our blog.

• Is the card only good once or can I use it again?

The card can be used as many times as you like, so make sure you get it back when you leave the restaurant. You can use the website and your card to buy more certificates on the website at any time.

• Do you mail paper certificates to me that I can use in the restaurant?

No. There is no paper involved in our service. When you buy a certificate online, it is linked with your card. When you're at the restaurant, the server will use your card with the restaurant's computer. Their computer connects to ours and asks if the account really does have a certificate. Our computer says "Yes!" and then the savings are applied.

• Is there a membership fee for the service?

It's up to you. Our Pay-As-You-Go membership fee is $5.00 per certificate. A Full membership costs only $15.00 per year. All certificates are 50% off.

• When will you have more restaurants?

We have signed contracts with a number of top-quality restaurants in the Vancouver area, and will be bringing them online over the coming months. Keep an eye on our blog!

• How can I help?

Thanks for asking! You can help by buying certificates, telling your friends about the service, talking about us on Facebook or other social networks, or telling your favourite restaurants you'd like them to partner with us.