Tipping

[MTP]

I'm quite happy when they write Gratuity not included because then I can use my discretion and tip according to service etc. It's when they write 18% gratuity included which bugs me because if it isnt discretionary/voluntary then it is a service charge and should be called such.

Except you can ask them to remove that. Unless there is something in the menu like 18% charge for groups of over 6 (although I've never understood why that happens - surely it means the restaurant is getting more business and a bigger bill should mean a bigger tip by default).

[florida4sun]

When Gratuity is automatically added, it is not compulsory you can have it removed.

[mexico]

I'm a bit lost! Please can someone explain? This year there will be seven of us, I have asked before and op's have said that I will be charged a service charge because of the size of the party? Am I going t be charged 20% more every time we go to eat? Is it compulsory or can I have it removed and am I also expected to tip on top of this??? I don't agree with this for obvious reasons but would have to split the group to avoid it as it would make eating out too expensive !!!
Pauline

[florida4sun]

A lot of places have always automativly added the tip for parties of 6-8 or more, it is still discretionary and you can adjust it, more or less.

I'm a bit lost! Please can someone explain? This year there will be seven of us, I have asked before and op's have said that I will be charged a service charge because of the size of the party? Am I going t be charged 20% more every time we go to eat? Is it compulsory or can I have it removed and am I also expected to tip on top of this??? I don't agree with this for obvious reasons but would have to split the group to avoid it as it would make eating out too expensive !!!
Pauline

[Dads_Taxi]

Pauline, I'm with you on this. Our next trip will see 10 of us on holiday together, and if restaurants think that justifies an automatic 20% addition then we will automatically become two groups of 5 and out of sheer annoyance will tip less than we would have done.

[vickk]

Yes I know - was it at the Cheesecake factory in Naples because that's 1 of the places it happened to me for the first time a few weeks ago? I also had the same note at an Outback in Fort Myers.

Spot on, first it was at the Outback in Naples and then twice in the Cheescake Factory in Naples. You do get around a bit don't you. I am Jealous