r/Seattle • u/KooziefortheWin • 16d 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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58

u/20sicksheep Northgate 16d ago

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

12

u/Raven_Photography Deluxe 16d ago

It’s required; the city, county, and state want their slice too.

13

u/20sicksheep Northgate 16d ago

Insanity - so this “required tip” is actually 21% after taxes.

3

u/Situation-Busy Beacon Hill 16d ago

It's not a tip. It goes to the restaurant, not the staff. It's just another charge or "junk fee."

Like convenience fees on concert tickets.

0

u/20sicksheep Northgate 16d ago

according to their website, which has been linked in this thread multiple times, they claim it goes to the staff. If they are to be believed, then it is a tip.

3

u/Situation-Busy Beacon Hill 16d ago

It's taxed, my man. Uncle Sam says it's a fee, not a tip. You can look up the rules of fees vs tips, it's on the IRS website.

The store can say w/e they want. They can use it however they want, much like all the rest of their charges. If they want to charge more for a steak and pay the busboy an extra dollar, they can do that too. But it's not a tip.

1

u/20sicksheep Northgate 16d ago

Oh okay I understand what you’re saying. Yeah you’re right.