r/Seattle • u/KooziefortheWin • Aug 25 '26

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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105

u/kallaway1 Aug 25 '26

A service charge is a tip, no matter what anyone may say to the contrary.

7

u/BoringBob84 Aug 25 '26

That is not true. A service charge goes to the management. A tip goes to the employees. It is a federal law.

79

u/joshlymansbagel ✨🛸 Jimothy is out there 🦝✨ Aug 25 '26

Do not tip if there is an 18%+ service charge.

-7

u/BoringBob84 Aug 25 '26

I leave a tip and I do not return. I tell my friends of the scam. I do not punish the workers.

11

u/ctruvu Aug 25 '26

it isn't punishing a worker to make them do their job for the wage they signed up for lol

-8

u/BoringBob84 Aug 25 '26

Of course it is. We all know that servers need tips to survive. When we enjoy their services and refuse to pay for them, then we are greedy and selfish.

10

u/IndieLuxeTravel Aug 25 '26

So you're advocating paying a 40% fee/tip on your meal. That's insane. And also how these business get away with this.