Why would paying €11 vs. paying €11 (€10 + 10%) for the same meal in different restaurants pi$$ you off? Surely it's just a different method of displaying a price, i.e. the €11 includes service, but €10 doesn't?
Because when the prices are listed on the menu or in the window, that should be the price you pay. I don't agree with this idea of separating out parts of the cost to the consumer to create an illusion of better value.
It's the Ryanair Model. Headline price looks cheap, but every single thing they can is broken out into a special charge. They even tried listing Wheelchair levy as a separate charge.
Why not have Free Flights on every route and in the small print list every concievable cost to the airline.
Pilot Fee €20
Fuel Fee €25
Cabin Crew €50
etc. etc.
The price listed should be the price you pay be it a restaurant or any other business.
Unless there's a very good reason for separating it out. Like an optional charge.
I'm with the poster above. If a service charge is automatically added I don't tip unless the service is really really top notch. The automatically added charge is usually less than I would normally tip.
I find it's rare for a charge to be automatically added for parties of less than 8 though.
Has anyone noticed that Chip And Pin makes it slightly harder to give a Tip. Not all restaurants show you the Gratuity Screen to enter a tip amount.
I usually prefer to tip in cash even if paying by credit card, so I know it has a better chance of getting to the person who served me. But sometimes you need to use the card.
-Rd