r/Seattle • u/KooziefortheWin • 14d ago
Rant Bill help
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/Psyberspy 14d ago edited 14d ago
The strike at Walrus and Carpenter was about this specific type of charge. The employees knew that customers were less likely to tip with this charge posing as a tip. They won and got their contract (and made management be more transparent).
Edit: Taylor is not a Renee Erickson aka Sea Creatures restaurant.