Dear Editor,
Restaurants may be quietly inflating your tip. Have you noticed?
It’s so common now to tap or swipe when concluding a transaction. If paying in cash or writing a check, maybe you’d be more aware of how YOUR money is being spent.
Personally I tip based on “effort, attitude, and service.”
A few weeks ago, I was at a relatively local restaurant. What really “got me” was a statement on the bottom of the bill, “Tip percentages * are based on the check price AFTER TAXES (my caps).” *which started at 20%
I didn’t agree with those “terms” so told the wait staff the dollar amount of the tip I was leaving and it had to be entered manually into the iPad.
Also, look CLOSELY. Check for “gratuity included” or “service charge” on your bill. (This is OFTEN added for a party of 6 or more, in tourist areas, and/or for a special event.)
Sometimes people miss it and tip twice.
In case you’re wondering, management has full control over a restaurant’s payment systems including whether tips are calculated before or after tax.
Eileen Z. Fitzsimons Town of Dodgeville, WI