Awkwardness Over Service Charge
Discussion
Went out for end of year/Christmas drinks and dinner with the lads I play football with last night.
When the bill came, it was announced by the acting treasurer for the event that service was included. A few of us didn't feel service was great, but also that the restaurant had done very well out of 12 blokes ordering beer, more bread and going with the waiter's recommended three sharing platters (which were £79.00 a go and supposed to be good for four people. They were two hungry people good, not four!). But, despite ordering extra bread (for which they charged us per head) and some raiding of the other platters, they did the job. Nothing warranted complaining to the restaurant about.
A few of us suggested taking the service off (I don't agree with the idea) and that's when it really divided opinion. Of those who were in favour of removing the charge (there was no mention of service anywhere on the menu) roughly half were about the principle of the matter, and the other half didn't feel there was anything that warranted a 12.5% supplement. A couple of the lads that didn't mind looked worried and confused. "But it's on the bill and we are happy to pay it". As much as we 'discussed' why or why not, they just couldn't get their heads around asking for it to be removed.
To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
I know we've had a couple of threads about the concept of Service Charge, but does it continue to exist because not enough people are questioning its addition? I've had the conversation a few times about the staff not being on great wages etc but neither are checkout operators or cleaners. In any case most of the 'staff' in local restaurants are usually family!
When the bill came, it was announced by the acting treasurer for the event that service was included. A few of us didn't feel service was great, but also that the restaurant had done very well out of 12 blokes ordering beer, more bread and going with the waiter's recommended three sharing platters (which were £79.00 a go and supposed to be good for four people. They were two hungry people good, not four!). But, despite ordering extra bread (for which they charged us per head) and some raiding of the other platters, they did the job. Nothing warranted complaining to the restaurant about.
A few of us suggested taking the service off (I don't agree with the idea) and that's when it really divided opinion. Of those who were in favour of removing the charge (there was no mention of service anywhere on the menu) roughly half were about the principle of the matter, and the other half didn't feel there was anything that warranted a 12.5% supplement. A couple of the lads that didn't mind looked worried and confused. "But it's on the bill and we are happy to pay it". As much as we 'discussed' why or why not, they just couldn't get their heads around asking for it to be removed.
To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
I know we've had a couple of threads about the concept of Service Charge, but does it continue to exist because not enough people are questioning its addition? I've had the conversation a few times about the staff not being on great wages etc but neither are checkout operators or cleaners. In any case most of the 'staff' in local restaurants are usually family!
YMMV, but for me it’s 10-12.5% for decent service, 15% + if it’s very good/exceptional and if I’m disappointed then I give nothing.
The money is for the waiting staff, because they do get paid poorly, so if I’ve been treated well and the experience made better by the staff I tip accordingly.
Some people are right arses and will disagree, others may think I’m tight. As I said, YMMV
The money is for the waiting staff, because they do get paid poorly, so if I’ve been treated well and the experience made better by the staff I tip accordingly.
Some people are right arses and will disagree, others may think I’m tight. As I said, YMMV
In my opinion, the service charge is effectively a tip for the people who serve and cook for you.
If the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
If the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
Glassman said:
Went out for end of year/Christmas drinks and dinner with the lads I play football with last night.
To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
Why would you expect a free round of drinks? You've paid the bill so would like a round of drinks in return?To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
Muzzer79 said:
In my opinion, the service charge is effectively a tip for the people who serve and cook for you.
If the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
Voting with your feet affects the servers tooIf the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
I would tell them why I’m not happy. If they don’t know they can’t fix it.
dunkind said:
Glassman said:
Went out for end of year/Christmas drinks and dinner with the lads I play football with last night.
To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
Why would you expect a free round of drinks? You've paid the bill so would like a round of drinks in return?To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
melted said:
Muzzer79 said:
In my opinion, the service charge is effectively a tip for the people who serve and cook for you.
If the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
Voting with your feet affects the servers tooIf the food is bad quality or your table service is poor that it warrants a complaint, I would advocate removing it.
If the food isn't sufficient in quantity, that's not your servers' fault - simply vote with your feet next time.
If you don't believe that the money in an incorporated service charge goes to your servers; ask for the service charge to be removed and pay the equivalent in a cash tip.
I would tell them why I’m not happy. If they don’t know they can’t fix it.
dunkind said:
Glassman said:
Went out for end of year/Christmas drinks and dinner with the lads I play football with last night.
To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
Why would you expect a free round of drinks? You've paid the bill so would like a round of drinks in return?To save further awkwardness and discomfort, we all chipped in to pay the full amount. When the waiter came over I stressed that we had paid the bill - including service - but in return we would like a full round of shots. He was happy to oblige and he returned with 12 shots of Reki.
Service charges should be resisted at all costs. I hate it. Last time I came across it was in a Sushi place where you had to order everything on an app. Quite how they justify a service charge when there isn't actually any service I do not know.
I think they are simply a tax dodge on the part of the massive restaurant chains. Like booking fees for gig tickets.
If it continues, we'll end up like America.
I think they are simply a tax dodge on the part of the massive restaurant chains. Like booking fees for gig tickets.
If it continues, we'll end up like America.
drmike37 said:
Service charges should be resisted at all costs. I hate it.
I don't think it should be compulsory for all patronsBut I agree with it for large groups because there's too many folk nowadays who will go to a restaurant as a large group, take up a lot of their servers' time for the evening, absorb the good service accordingly and leave sod all tip. That's bad form.
Hate compulsary service charge and really don't understand why it should be based on what you spend. If I have a fillet steak and bottle of champagne why does that mean I should pay more for service than someone who has a burger and bottle of water. Both require the same amount of service.
Happy to tip where the 'service' warrants it but this should be for something over and above just doing the job.
Happy to tip where the 'service' warrants it but this should be for something over and above just doing the job.
JimM169 said:
Hate compulsary service charge and really don't understand why it should be based on what you spend. If I have a fillet steak and bottle of champagne why does that mean I should pay more for service than someone who has a burger and bottle of water. Both require the same amount of service.
Happy to tip where the 'service' warrants it but this should be for something over and above just doing the job.
I have never seen a compulsory service charge. Happy to tip where the 'service' warrants it but this should be for something over and above just doing the job.
drmike37 said:
Service charges should be resisted at all costs. I hate it. Last time I came across it was in a Sushi place where you had to order everything on an app. Quite how they justify a service charge when there isn't actually any service I do not know.
I think they are simply a tax dodge on the part of the massive restaurant chains. Like booking fees for gig tickets.
If it continues, we'll end up like America.
Quite agree, it needs to be resisted at every opportunity.I think they are simply a tax dodge on the part of the massive restaurant chains. Like booking fees for gig tickets.
If it continues, we'll end up like America.
I think a party of 12 justifies a reasonable tip.
Normally I agree on disliking an additional charge being added onto the bill, preferring to tip directly in cash, but you're coming across as the type who'd be unwilling to tip appropriately, so forcing your hand by putting it on the bill was probably the correct choice this time.
Normally I agree on disliking an additional charge being added onto the bill, preferring to tip directly in cash, but you're coming across as the type who'd be unwilling to tip appropriately, so forcing your hand by putting it on the bill was probably the correct choice this time.
bigandclever said:
Your cheap arse mates are quibbling over about 3 and a half quid (further maths required , and will bump this figure up )
I bet they ask for a contribution towards time, comsumables and petrol when they give a lift to the station. )Edited by bigandclever on Friday 2nd December 10:53
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