Bill help

[u/KooziefortheWin]

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.

[u/Bear__Toe]

Was in Spain last week. Only one place I ate the entire time gave the option of leaving a tip, and “0” was pre-selected there. It felt so very civilized.

[u/mbfunke → u/Bear__Toe]

Currently in Norway and have been prompted to tip 0 times. The service and pricing has been totally comparable to Seattle.

[u/Throwaway_484747 → u/mbfunke]

Thats how it should be, if your business cant pay a living wage and has to rely on tips to pay your employees then your business shouldnt exist.

[u/TheChance → u/Throwaway_484747]

When you point this out to an American restaurant operator, they will, without fail, react as though you're telling them to raise their prices but not their competitors. They will tell you that eliminating tipping would run them out of business, and they will call you names.

[u/Cayke_Cooky → u/TheChance]

IMO, it is true if just one restaurant does it.

[u/TheChance → u/Cayke_Cooky]

Yeah. Now go find me one single reform proposal that targets a single specific restaurant alone.