bella italia - service charge

fergual2

Not happy with bella. Used the £10 off jan offer - when bill came service was added to total pre discount - whopping 18% of actual bill, natuarally I refused to pay. Sent customer service mail but they don't seem to be interested. So urge other mse'rs to eat elsewhere as they obviously like to rip off customers.

Tozer

Not sure what the problem is? You refused to pay the service charge so what is the beef?

Lots of places add service to the bill although you don't have to pay it.

timberflake

Service charge is optional and you chose not to pay it, where's the problem?

fergual2

Well it angered me that they tagged onto bill not their standard 12.5% service rate but one that was effective 18%. Don't like this sort of sharp practice!!

roddydogs

Didnt notice their sr was 12.5%, isnt it normally 10%?, i know what u mean, thou, u feel "obliged" to pay it, as you do if they give you the Credit Card machine, and it says "Gratuite add".......you know when the waiter looks away...I prefer pubs where you pay in advance......and can leave a tip if you want.

Butlers1982

never feel obliged to pay it. Have a backbone and tell them to take it off. I only pay it if the service has been above what i expect. Not just someone who brings the food and drinks over.

gunsandbanjos

It is standard practice to add service pre-discount.

fergual2

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

It is standard practice to add service pre-discount.

Ok could be standard practice but that does not make it good practice. I take my custom elsewhere. Bella loses customer, for life!!

steveo3002

yep i wont eat at these places that add it on

the more people that eat elsewhere or have the balls to moan about it at the time then maybe the idea will fizzle out

Mumto2

I've never had a service charge added at Bella Italia. Were you there with a large group?

Unfortunately the service at our local one is non-existant, maybe they are too embarassed to try and charge for it!

Tozer

fergual2 wrote: »

Ok could be standard practice but that does not make it good practice. I take my custom elsewhere. Bella loses customer, for life!!

I'm sure they will issue a profits warning.

But YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY IT!