‘Service fee isn’t a gratuity’: Customer claims restaurant tried to ‘sneak in’ 2 tips on bill
In a viral TikTok video, a customer claims that a restaurant tried to "sneak in" two tips on their bill, as they say gratuity had already been charged as a "service fee."
User George (@nulevelgeorge) shared a recording of his receipt on the platform. A $21 service charge was included in the bill's subtotal of $127. Several additional "gratuity calculations" are at the bottom of the receipt, suggesting additional tips ranging from 18% to 25% of the subtotal, $22 to $31 respectively.
"Tried to sneak 20% gratuity in as a service fee and then asked for another 20% on top of that total!!!" George wrote in the clip's text overlay.
The TikToker did not state the restaurant that served him.
"Not around here, partner," a voice says in the audio, followed by laughter. "Not around here."
@nulevelgeorge #foryou #viral #foryoupage #fyp #CapCut #AmazonSavingSpree #HuluChippendalesDance ♬ original sound - lee🎀
His video has racked up over 323,000 views as of Thursday, resonating with viewers who were outraged by automatic gratuity.
“I'm sick of this ridiculous tipping / service fee crap,” one viewer wrote.
“But if you don’t 'tip' then you’re the bad guy. These things are getting ridiculous,” another echoed.
“Not a chance. I decide if I want to tip and how much,” a third said.
However, others disagreed, arguing that the service fee is not a tip given directly to the employees.
“When you don’t tip, do you know the server pays a percentage for that meal to the other workers? Bar/expo/ hostess/bussers?” one claimed.
“Unfortunately the service fee is for the establishment and not the server who took care of you. Not tipping costs the server money,” a second stated.
“The people who complain about tipping are always the ones asking for the most. Stay home if you are cheap or broke,” a third commented.
The Daily Dot reached out to George via TikTok comment.
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