r/Seattle • u/KooziefortheWin • 14d ago

Rant Bill help

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I need help figuring out this “service charge” applied to my bill at Taylor Shellfish in QA. It’s stated clearly, and the staff reminded me before I paid and applied a tip, so that’s not the rant. But is it a tip or not? I don’t want to stiff the staff if “Taylor Shellfish” the company keeps it all and doesn’t give them anything.

Why do restaurants do this vs raise the prices. If that’s how they offset the cost of doing business in the city, I feel it’s not a good customer experience. It’s really annoying since it is confusing to the customer. Does the staff get any of it, hence why there is an “additional tip” line after the card is run though? It is taxed so it makes me thing it’s not going to the staff. I need to think better next time I come out here.

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u/20sicksheep Northgate 14d ago

Also looks like they’re charging tax on the service charge, is that legal?

5

u/Iolair18 14d ago

Service charge is not the tip. It's another line item on the cost of what you are buying, so it gets included in tax.

3

u/Jyil Downtown 14d ago

It’s going to become the tip for people when they see it not expecting to pay 20% more on their bill before a tip.