Gratuity being added to the bill automatically

Merriam-Webster defines Gratuity as, “something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service.” When the Tip is added to the bill, it is no longer a Gratuity… it has become a Service Fee.

I don’t have a problem with service fees being added to the bill for large parties; what pisses me off is when it’s actually listed on the bill as a Gratuity or Tip. Because it’s not. If you’ve added it to the bill and included it in the total you expect me to pay, it has become an obligation, and is no longer something I’m leaving voluntarily because of good service.

If an establishment feels they need to add to the bill what should be a voluntary gesture by the customer, than you had damn well better itemize it as a Service Fee. If it’s not, I’m going to scratch it out, have you recalculate the bill, and leave the gratuity I feel is warranted.

One Comment

  1. DUDE!!!!! I get soooo mad at that! I think those people should not be putting their overhead costs as an additional fee to the consumer…shame on them! *shaking fist in the air*

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