https://www.reddit.com/r/Edinburgh/comments/1izjb0v/discretionary_service_charges/
created by MediumComparison1007 on 27/02/2025 at 16:08 UTC
24 upvotes, 13 top-level comments (showing 13)
How are we going about paying (or choosing not to pay) discretionary service charges these days? I’ve always been of the mind that I’d rather not import American tipping culture and would much rather just see the face value of the menu increase to cover shortfalls in revenue.
I visited the Palmerston for lunch today, and when it came time to pay, I saw that a service charge (10%) and donation were automatically added. The service charge I was aware of, and was going to ask for it to be removed, but the donation was not mentioned beforehand. We requested that these be removed and the server rather rudely pressed us on what was wrong, as if we weren’t entitled to remove charges that were clearly stated as optional. Is this normal now? I’ve removed them in the past but it hadn’t been this hostile.
Comment by Easy-Rider-9210 at 27/02/2025 at 16:21 UTC
24 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I thought the Palmerston was meant to be reasonably upmarket. All sounds rather déclassé
Comment by quartersessions at 27/02/2025 at 18:58 UTC
10 upvotes, 0 direct replies
If it's the usual 10% (hell, I'm generous, I'll not question 12.5%) I'll just take it as the tip I'd give anyway and only remove it if service has been poor. At least it means if you're paying by card, there's not an awkward faff trying to add on a tip - some places are well set up to do that, others just aren't.
Can't say I bother much about it, other than making that calculation. But yes, does seem to be everywhere these days.
Comment by mightyslacker at 27/02/2025 at 16:23 UTC
8 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Any 'donation' or anything not tip/service would get taken off immediately if the bill was the first time I saw/heard about it. I usually ask when the bill is dropped if 100% of it goes to staff - anything else than an enthusiastic yes will tend to get it taken off without any followup questions.
Comment by Beneficial-Oven9183 at 27/02/2025 at 16:15 UTC
13 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Absolutely not normal. All of those are discretionary. I usually just go by the prices on the menu. In case they wanted more for items, I'm sure they will increase price, not adding shenanigans. I can't wait to see the cashier in Scotmid putting on a 12.5% next time I go. I mean, in theoretical form, why not?
Comment by briseis-a at 27/02/2025 at 23:36 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Leave a Google review explaining what happened. Someone from the restaurant should get back to you apologising. They should be removing the service fee no questions asked.
Comment by Tumeni1959 at 27/02/2025 at 16:15 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
DONATION? To what?
Comment by Osprenti at 27/02/2025 at 18:03 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Fuck that.
Main thing to be done is hit them where it hurts - avoid the Palmerston and others that do it, and tell others to.
Good post, thanks for the heads up!
Comment by Fabulous_Payment3474 at 27/02/2025 at 23:29 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It’s something all restaurants do now to keep the menu prices as low as possible and to ensure staff can get a decent wage for a very hard job.
If the service charge wasn’t on, prices would have to go up to pay the staff more than minimum wage.
If anywhere removed service charge and popped prices up to pay the staff fairly, people wouldn’t go and it would close down.
Plus with the reduction in cash being spent tips have just dropped anyway.
Having said that if there was an issue with your meal or the service provided then feel free to ask them to remove it.
(But also remember the service charge is often split amongst the whole team, so if the meal was fantastic but service lacking, consider keeping it on so the hard working KPs, prep chefs, bar tenders, food runners etc also get a bit extra in their paycheque)
Also don’t be offended if a manager might ask if everything was alright with the meal, it’s probably just them trying to identify any issues to prevent it happening again!
Comment by HikerTom at 27/02/2025 at 16:11 UTC
3 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Donation? What is that?
Like a tip over the service charge?
Lol that's silly.
Comment by iscreamconstantly at 28/02/2025 at 10:32 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Donation? I want donations in my name, not as a tax write-off for the company.
Comment by mercy_death at 27/02/2025 at 17:08 UTC
-2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Donation is weird!
Service charges are just standard now, however, they are not mandatory anywhere. My team are always instructed to disclose when dropping the bill ‘just to let you know there is an optional service charge added’
97% of people are happy to pay it when it’s made clear but I don’t agree with sneaking things on. At the very very least it should be clearly visible (bold, larger font and made clear it is optional).
Never seen a donation added but have been asked about adding one.
Comment by P1nkxFluffyUnic0rn at 27/02/2025 at 20:18 UTC
-7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
1. We’re in the UK so we don’t rely on tips, added value to menu items only benefits the business.
2. “Service” charge means it’s for the service provided so you have a nice experience, if you don’t want the service then go to McDonalds or Nando’s ( respectfully)
3. It’s not American to show gratitude for a nice experience and service
Comment by [deleted] at 27/02/2025 at 18:09 UTC
-2 upvotes, 3 direct replies
[deleted]