MSE Forum Poll: Have you ever asked a restaurant to remove an optional service charge?

Nebulous2

We've asked to have it removed or reduced occasionally, but it feels like a drag and puts a downer on the evening.

We're in an area where service charges aren't common. If a regular restaurant added one we would simply never return.

We regularly tip modest amounts in cash. Our attitude to that changed when we had teenage children working in hospitality while studying. Seeing how much they valued it, and how important it was to them, changed our viewpoint.

Van_Girl

To be honest, I kind of expect service jobs to be minimum wage, so I don't think owners are cheaping out by paying that. It's not the same as the States, for example. I tip when service is very good, because I've done that job and I feel good about recognising good service. But then, I also drop in a box of fancy biscuits to my mechanic, our office cleaner, and the postman at Christmas. I don't think recognising good service is a bad thing. I just don't want to be forced or ticked into it with a service charge.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81911290#Comment_81911290

UnsureAboutthis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81911646#Comment_81911646

Fair enough, but "recognising good service"? Yes, to a point but one should not be made to feel awkward by not paying a service charge.

You're a "mechanic"? I guess so, but it should not be expected as the norm, and you get stinking and ugly. awful looks and mutterings of snide comments.

Van_Girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81911867#Comment_81911867

I've never had snide comments or anything else for not tipping or for removing a service charge

I'm not a mechanic and I don't deal with the general public in my job, thankfully 🤣

subjecttocontract

Often a restaurant expects a tip when all they have provided is exactly what was offered.....nothing more, nothing less. People think that because the food was ok and it was delivered to the table in a timely manner that that deserves a tip.....well NO it doesnt. Most restaurants I go to often leave much to be desired, there is usually /almost expected that there will be something that's not very good ! I rarely come away from a restaurant satisfied 100% and if prompted will always complete a satisfaction survey detailing what was wrong.

UnsureAboutthis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81918205#Comment_81918205

It needed to be said.

Giving tips is the customer's fault, as they are weak-minded and fall for the trap, ie those who are often paid peanuts by their employers.

I rarely go to Big Mac these days; the lat time we went was when we took one of of grandkids there - the lady who brought over the food was lovely, and he gave our grand, kid who must have been about six, a balloon. We never gave her a tip and I do not recall anyone every going someone in big Mac a tip

The only tip I'd give to those in low-paid jobs is to get another job. and don't expect me to foot your wages.