The bloody service charge!

[Ilovemychocolate]

Went out to eat twice yesterday…we are in Bath for a festive visit.
Both times our bill came with service charge added.
Both times I sent it back and requested they remove the service charge.
Now I know it’s Christmas, but adding the service charge, without informing the customer it’s completely their choice to pay it, is a year round practise.
I am not against tipping, but it infuriates me when it’s automatically added to my bill with the expectation I will pay it!
An I unreasonable to ask the restaurant to remove it every time?

1. most public facing jobs are expected to 'put a smile' on (i.e. engage politely) for the duration of their shift, this isn't unique to waiters or even hospitality staff
2. if a waiter had ever "made me feel delighted" I would absolutely tip them. I've enjoyed lots of meals out but it's usually because the food was great (thanks to the chef) or the company entertaining (my friends/family) - can't remember when the person delivering the food has ever particularly elevated the experience to the point of delight. Some have been perfectly competent and friendly, others utterly useless and miserable, but "delighted"....nah!

Its called a discretionary X% service charge. Discretionary means optional/at my own discretion so yes, of course you can ask for it to be removed or only pay a smaller percentage.

where do the non tippers stand on hairdressers, are you similarly tight?

@CaliRach "I never quite understand the 'American import' take on tipping culture.
I'm in my late 40's. As kids we ate out a lots with our parents and friends, in restaurants. My parents always tipped, leaving a note of whatever value on the plate. That's 40 years ago.
I really don't think tipping is a new thing at all."

Tipping itself is not a new thing in the UK, as you say, but you also mention that your parents always left a note of whatever value on the plate.

There's a difference between "leaving a note" in appreciation of the service received and being forced to pay a mandatory service charge of up to 20% for whatever level of service the management deems to be acceptable. It is the inflation of the size of the tip, and the expectation that a tip will be paid (and that it is not voluntary) and the business model that assumes that employees can be paid minimum wages because they will be able to make their wages up with tips that is the "American import" aspect.

Actually if they did a crap job you’d argue the cost wouldn’t you.
You wouldn’t be arguing the cost of the materials but the price of the standard of execution.

Actually you could do if the workmanship was shoddy you might argue that oart of the bill.

Many workman do quote their price for labour separately. They often adjust this, normally up, when the job starts. If you feel this is not good value for money you would argue the labour costs.

Don’t tell me you don’t tip supermarket staff stacking shelves for 10 hours a day while constantly dealing with customers’ questions?

Tight.

but the menu os transparent about the cost of labour/service from the start.

I think around 95% of restaurants clearly state the cost on their menu.

It is not bunged on as a surprise.

The optional element is in case you have had terrible service.

Exactly the same as if I put my car in for MOT and it needed works doing, they would quote for parts and labour. I would expect to pay for the labour except if the workmanship was shoddy.

Are supermarket shelf stackers providing a service for a particular customer and for a particular job. No they aren’t.

I only go to the hairdresser maybe once every 5 years or so (cut/dye my own hair) but usually give whoever washed my hair a few quid tip. I dont tip the stylist because tbh they never do what ive asked for, partly why I very rarely go and do my own hair!

Restaurants do not charge for the service within the price of the meal.

The service is the labour part of the bill.

If you could understand how little money is made on a meal once you have bought the raw ingredients, paid someone to cook, clean up, manage the restaurant and paid for rent rates and even refuse collection, napkins, stolen items etc.

The service is the labour element for the server and sometimes split to the back of house staff too.

In countries where tipping is not customary the price of the meal compared to the cost of living is always more.

Those moaning about it might want to consider that at least they have the ability right now to refuse to pay it. If it was included you’s pay exactly the same amount as if service was there.

Do you realise how many restaurants go under within their first year?

But the tip money is supposed to go to the staff, not the restaurant.

Tbf if it became mandatory id just stop trying new places and only go to ones where the service is always excellent. Wouldnt bother me.

There should be no such thing as a service charge. Employees should be paid a fair wage. End of.

I normally ask where my tip goes. My daughter worked in a cafe once where the tips went in the till as profit for the owner, she didn’t work there long but no.

I presume she earns at least the minimum wage, which ia factored into the price of a meal, so no we aren't mean.

Agree i dont feel mean at all if it dont tip. I feel a bit mean if I complain about the service so I dont tend to, I just dont tip them.

Yes it does go to the staff.
It’s part of their salary.

Restaurants are constantly short staffed, there is a national shortage of chefs.
There is a reason people don’t want to join the industry.

If you like eating out sometimes, pay the service.

Youre right, we shouldn’t need it, but customers would need to be prepared to pay at least 10% more for their food and drinks for restaurants to make a reasonable profit. People don’t want to pay that much though and they just stop going out.

Then just pay the service if it wouldn’t bother you.

Honestly you have nom idea.
There is a national shortage of staff for restaurants.

Every restaurant owner will tell you the main problem is staffing.

If you like eating out pay the tip.

Of course they are providing a service. When a customer asks where something is and they direct them, or a customer can’t reach a product on a shelf and they get on a step ladder to retrieve it, that’s a service. Stacking shelves and keeping shelves and aisles organised, and floors clean of spillages and other mess, is providing a service. It’s hard, physically demanding work and pays NMW. Are you seriously telling me you don’t tip these workers when you use a supermarket? How tight is that... 😐

In countries where service is included customers just pay more relative to the cost of living.

People also tend to eat out less.

I like trying new places and tipping the amount I feel is fair direct to the wait staff if the service is excellent.

So, respectfully, no.