Service Charge and Gratuity (off topic!)

[gingerjedi]

Is it true that waitresses in the USA are pre taxed on tips? The upshot being that if you don't tip they are actually out of pocket.

[PRC1964]

On a related note, is it customary to tip hairdressers in this country?

No idea, but I do tip the barber.

[GeorgeGregan]

On a related note, is it customary to tip hairdressers in this country?

[andy]

This man left a tip : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6586879.stm

Ouch!

Wrong kind of tip
Why the hell did he do that, that too in a restaurant

[PRC1964]

This man left a tip : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6586879.stm

Ouch!

[thunderlizard]

Ask the waitperson whether they'd prefer the service charge or a cash tip.

[Gonzo]

If there is a SC charge added to the bill as seems normal in London, do the waiting staff get this? That's what I'm unsure of.

It depends. In most places it seems that the service charge is shared out among the waiting staff, although some of it will go towards the bonuses of the managers and owners as well.

Don't ever feel obliged to pay the service charge AND leave a tip. I have had meals where the individual bill has been taken away from me before I have been asked whether I wan't to leave a tip (by the card reader machine) and due to the amount of wine that I have consumed I have forgotton that they have already had the service charge

Most waiting staff will be quite happy if you give them the cash directly, but take note, don't do this in a very smart restaurant, in those places just pay the service charge.

[hyperD]

It depends - some restaurants use this to "cover the cost of table cloth and glasses", others divide the service charge up amongst restaurant and staff while additional cash grats are paid direct to the waiter/waitress under a certain size of service.

Some only pay out a percentage of the SC to staff or some pay only the cash tips to staff direct while card based gratuities are dividied up.

Best to ask if you feel pangs of socialist induced guilt

Personally, I pay cash gratuity in a cafe/pub and card in an exclusive restaurant.

I have asked for SC to be removed on some occaisions. I've also refused to pay once or twice although fortunately not that often nowadays.

[oxtailsoup]

If there is a SC charge added to the bill as seems normal in London, do the waiting staff get this? That's what I'm unsure of.

[hyperD]

If service charge is included, do not tip on top unless you have received above and beyond excellent service.

If no service charge, then tip if warranted.

Alot of places pool tips anyhow...

Always deduct SC or no tip if service is poor.