View Full Version : Service charge for tables of 8
Does anyone know why just about all the restaurants in Florida charge 18% service for tables of 8 or more.We where over last month and had 8 of us when dining out. It really annoyed me that we were always charged 18% on top and I was wondering why, our needs where no greater than a table of 6 or 7 and you would think they would be grateful for the good custom.
I always tip anyway but really object to having it put on automatically....... and when the waiter or waitress asks if I need any change when paying the total amount including the service... well lets just say it gets me a bit annoyed.
florida4sun
08-11-2007, 23:24
It is pretty much standard practice, you can ask to have it taken off. Suits me fine as I would normally tip more 18% if the service and meal are good. I have noticed this is gettig adopted in the Uk which does annoy me as the whole wage structure is difference and staff are not reliant on tips.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by andy_d
Does anyone know why just about all the restaurants in Florida charge 18% service for tables of 8 or more.We where over last month and had 8 of us when dining out. It really annoyed me that we were always charged 18% on top and I was wondering why, our needs where no greater than a table of 6 or 7 and you would think they would be grateful for the good custom.
I always tip anyway but really object to having it put on automatically....... and when the waiter or waitress asks if I need any change when paying the total amount including the service... well lets just say it gets me a bit annoyed.
[/quote]
As Martin says it is standard practice, some do it on parties of 6.
chrizzy100
09-11-2007, 02:01
They lose out with us too because we tip more then 18% a lot of the time...
canarypam
09-11-2007, 13:08
So do we - but I do agree that if they have added it on the waiter/waitress shouldn't ask if you need change!!!
we found out about this on our first trip with the bil and his family, it was fine with us except for one meal where the service was appalling (in disney a ice cream place? the btm of mainstreet on the right)
we noticed glass under the table and the server was most peeved when we asked if we could be moved or for it to be cleared away, he slammed every plate down and had an attitude from there on, i always think that had we not been a party of 8 his attitude would have been different because his tip wouldn't have been automatic
florida4sun
09-11-2007, 14:38
The tip is still voluntary, they do it becuase they get so many people who do not tip fulltop, if you have bad servce just ask for it to be taken of the bill. Or simply tyell the staff that you may be be geting out you tip erazor[msnwink] This usually perks them up a little[msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mizzy
we found out about this on our first trip with the bil and his family, it was fine with us except for one meal where the service was appalling (in disney a ice cream place? the btm of mainstreet on the right)
we noticed glass under the table and the server was most peeved when we asked if we could be moved or for it to be cleared away, he slammed every plate down and had an attitude from there on, i always think that had we not been a party of 8 his attitude would have been different because his tip wouldn't have been automatic
[/quote]
UK restaurants also added a fixed service charge on tables of 8 or more so it is not just a US situation.
Newhomebuyer
09-11-2007, 19:27
I don't know whether you are aware but from Jan 1st Disney are going to add an 18% charge for all diners whatever the size of the group.
chrizzy100
09-11-2007, 19:40
I try not to dine where there is a set charge...even if I would of tipped higher...most of the time in Disney because we don't go there often we just have time to grap fast food...
flyrr100
06-12-2007, 21:47
The 6 person service charge is more in the tourist areas of Orlando because...... and please dont all jump dowm my throat..... Brits are bad tippers.
The norm for tipping is 15%. 20% if you had good service. It's tuff on the servers when a table of 6 doesnt leave a tip, or leaves just a few $$. So more and more places are starting to add a service charge. Thats how servers here earn their money.
What amazes me is that in our restaurant in UK, when the Americans visit, despite getting excellent service, they rarely leave a tip and only drink water!!! Our staff are not reliant on tips at all, but obviously appreciate it when most Brits do tip, generally around 10%.
Sandra
Does the full tip go to the servers though in the US? I get a bit suspicious when the service is added onto the bill automatically and wonder if the full tip is passed on to the staff.
florida4sun
06-12-2007, 23:18
Yep. They split it among the staff there is usually a strict share out sequence. what many do not realise is taht they are taxed gross. Thats is they will pay a set amount of tax each week and they have a bad week they can end up owing money. I for one would not tip poor service but I often used to see good service go without being tipped after doing a good job.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by andy_d
Does the full tip go to the servers though in the US? I get a bit suspicious when the service is added onto the bill automatically and wonder if the full tip is passed on to the staff.
[/quote]
I suppose it balances out! A meal out is a lot cheaper in the US which is partly because the staff are paid such low wages. When you add back the tip of around 20% its still a lot cheaper than in the UK.
We went to a restaurant in London on Tuesday and were rather surprised to find no matter the size of the party (and there were only 3 of us) there was a cover charge per head plus a service charge. Needless to say they did not get an additional tip and we would have tipped more than was asked for but to include both a cover and service charge we felt was 'out of order'.
They add it because large parties are quite often made up by separate parties ie not a family group. Like co workers students etc. so, they often divi up the bill. and some don't pay their share much less a tip. So, the server, who's time/area are taken up disproportionatly don't get their due as tables for 8 are 2 tables for 4 or 4 tables for two joined up. And the IRS bases tax on expected tips/shift and they could end up with more tax than income if they are stiffed by a table or 2 of 8.
The US waiting staff automatically get 8% deducted for tax from their wages. Every server has a unique code to press into the till of what their tables bills are. They are taxed 8% whether they get a tip or not.
Sandra