Tips, gravity, 'optional' service charge

Chlorine7

Does anyone else get annoyed when waiters chase after you for that extra 20p - £1 on the unpaid bill but what is actually part of the ‘optional’ service charge!

I’ve noticed it in Chinatown a lot where they want their extra 20p for grumpy service, mediocre lukewarm food. I have happily given tips >10-12% in places but I am getting a bit sick of being chased when they don’t even deserve what has been given.

It does mean I won't go back to the restaurant nor recommend it (and I get asked a lot for recommendations)

I went to Burger and Lobster in London a couple of weeks ago with a big group, so the total bill came to over £200 plus 12.5% service charge. The waiter who wasn’t that great, walked up to one of our party for the extra £1.25 even though he'd already received over £20!

Is the service charge actually optional or have I been assuming the wrong thing all this time?

aileth

I haven't been to many restaurants that automatically add 12.5% onto the bill as I tend to hear about them beforehand and avoid.

The few I have been to though make the fact it's optional very clear on the receipt, and many times I have asked for it to be taken off and then directly tipped the waiter/waitress.

Can't help with whether they're all optional, but I've certainly never been to one where you can't remove/dispute the 12.5%.

bod1467

In some cases the service charge is part of the total bill. But such places are required to make this clear at the outset (e.g. on the menu) prior to the consumer entering into the contract for food, drink and service.

yangptangkipperbang

I ALWAYS tip in cash to the waiter. If you tip through the bill:

1. You can't be sure that it all goes to the staff.
2. What does go the the staff is liable for Tax & NI. (Of course the staff should declare tips on their tax return :D)

deanos

i never ever tip and avoid places with service charges, im a tight git

dacouch

I'm finding that gravity in a restaurant is going down.

MamaMoo_2

I'm funny with tipping. I'll go somewhere with table service, and provided that the staff are passing frequently so it's easy to order drinks etc. and they're efficient with taking orders, clearing plates and whatnot, I'll tip. Usually around 10%.
However if I go somewhere with a service charge, I'm immediately less inclined to tip.
I sometimes go with my family to Jimmy Spices which is a buffet-style restaurant. You get up and get your own food, have no assigned waiter, and it can take a while to attract the attention of a waiter/waitress, and so usually you end up walking over to a staff member to order drinks. They remove dirty plates from the table, but often not with particular efficiency, and then they add on a 10% service charge. I think it's a damn cheek to charge a service place when the service is minimal at best. It's a buffet !!!!!!.

I'm the same with taxis though. I often do a journey that should cost £4.50. If the driver charges £4.50, they get given £5 and told to keep the change. If they try to charge £5, I will argue the toss and give them £4.50.

Exile_geordie

You dont get gravity in space.

RosiPossum

I think service charge is added to large groups to allow for the extra pressure on the kitchen to get x amount of meals all out at the same time.
I hate it when they say optional but add it on anyway. It's like when the entrance fee for somewhere includes a donation, but it's embarrassing to say you don't want to pay it.

I do tip usually, but sometimes I wonder why. People are paid to bring food and drinks to customers, and to take orders. It's not like the USA where tipped jobs are paid well below minimum wage.

hollydays

dacouch wrote: »

I'm finding that gravity in a restaurant is going down.

Don't joke. Gravity is a very serious matter.