Pizza Express charged me hidden "optional service charge"...

Sintaku

I was suprised to find out that Pizza Express had charged me HIDDEN "optional service charge".

The receipt states "SERVICE NOT INCLUDED", but then it was included as "Optional".

I had even paid an extra tip of £7 without knowing they had taken it from me already...

Can I get the money back? I had payed by my Amex... who do I contact?

SaraSeahorse

how much was the optional charge?

How was it hidden if you have a receipt - did you read receipt before paying to check total?

BigSpender2_2

I hate service charges - you paid a 7 tip how generous

Sintaku

SaraSeahorse wrote: »

how much was the optional charge?

How was it hidden if you have a receipt - did you read receipt before paying to check total?

I had skimmed the receipt... But did not notice that there was an optional service charge on the bill.

The reason why I did not look in-depth is because they "claim" never to include service.

BigSpender2 wrote: »

I hate service charges - you paid a 7 tip how generous

I normally pay 10% service or 10% tip... The Bill was £70.20...

Murtle

how many of you were there? there is sometimes an optional service charge for x number of people.

Plasticman

If I go anywhere that automatically adds an 'optional' service charge, I always remove it and don't leave a tip.

Sintaku

Murtle wrote: »

how many of you were there? there is sometimes an optional service charge for x number of people.

There were 6 people, but it always is that many whenever we go. I don't mind paying service at chinese/japanese (unless the food is bad)...

h0ney

think you may have to put it down to experience. you should have checked receipt at the time i think. I always have them remove the service charge then leave my own tip.

I suppose you could complain, you may get lucky and receive something.

xx

Doom_and_Gloom

My ma and I have been to Pizza Express many times and have never seen this. I will keep this in mind the next time we go though just incase. I'm sure if it did my ma would not tip (she checks the recipt EVERY time and would notice to be honest). Odd really. I didn't think places were allowed to do such practices unless stated somewhere. I'm not sure though.

omen666

Is this new? I am just thinking that didn't Pizza Express have a part in the restaurant/bar minimum wage/staff tips issue? maybe just trying to reclaim it that way?

moonrakerz

Plasticman wrote: »

If I go anywhere that automatically adds an 'optional' service charge, I always remove it and don't leave a tip.

That is being somewhat mean, you are taking your annoyance out on the staff not the restaurant.

If there is an "optional tip" I never pay it; but give a tip in cash to the staff, this makes sure they get it.