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Newbie August 2021 Ontario

Gratuity?

Diana, on June 24, 2021 at 19:59 Posted in Before the wedding 0 6

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Hey there!

Okay, I am about to host a bridal shower this Sunday. It was originally supposed to be hosted at a cafe, but because of covid, we are doing a drive-by shower in my backyard. The cafe I've been working with has been hard to deal with. They are always really hard to get a hold of, don't send emails they promised they've written, and don't follow up with important things. Their service has been lackluster to say the least, and I don't say this to be mean. I'm happy to support local, and I understand things are hard with covid. I think I've been very patient, and only really started pressuring for confirmations 6 days before the shower.
I just received an itemized bill for my order. They included 15% gratuity on a take out order, that I am driving to pick up myself, to be served by me and my family.
I was already planning on leaving a small tip for their trouble, but the fact that it was automatically included ticked me off. It's not listed anywhere that they include gratuity, but I don't want to be rude if this is normal.
So my question is, is it normal to pay gratuity for a situation like this?
Thank you!

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6 Comments

Latest activity by Hank, on June 25, 2021 at 03:03

Featured September 2021 Ontario
Hank · On June 25, 2021 at 03:03
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Restaurants do sometimes tack on an automatic gratuity/service charge for larger groups and unfortunately, there's no law against it. While I think it's tacky (assuming your cafe is not a bar that serves alcohol, and therefore all employees make at least regular minimum wage as per the employment standards act), I don't think you can fight the charge if they want to make you pay it. I just hope the gratuity actually goes to employees instead of the owner (it'l illegal for the owner to pocket it but let's face it, a lot of people are into shady business).
I mean, you can try to fight it but not sure how arguing with them will benefit you, especially with the event being so close and you need their services. Definitely leave an appropriate review though on Yelp, Google, Facebook etc.
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Super October 2021 Ontario
Tunisha · On June 24, 2021 at 22:56
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Yessss, that sounds like a great plan!!
I wish you all the best on your bridal shower! Make sure you enjoy it and get ready for that big day.
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Newbie August 2021 Ontario
Diana · On June 24, 2021 at 21:26
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This is great advice! I emailed to ask, and will likely leave an honest review about the good and bad.
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Newbie August 2021 Ontario
Diana · On June 24, 2021 at 21:25
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We ordered 23 takeout boxes. I'm not sure either, I feel like a tip of appreciation is valid here, rather than a mandatory added gratuity. Especially since it was never mentioned to me? Idk, I appreciate your input!
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Frequent user June 2022 Ontario
Kelsey · On June 24, 2021 at 20:58
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Frankly, I wouldn't tip on this at all. I think the general rule of thumb is there are no tips with takeout (may have changed for some people with covid since there isn't any dine in currently). But especially if they've already added the 15%, I wouldn't be adding any more by tipping on top of that. I don't know if they may have added that because of the size of the order? (Large?)
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Super October 2021 Ontario
Tunisha · On June 24, 2021 at 20:14
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Hello Diana. 👋🏾
First of all, I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. This is very trusting I’m sure. I’m not too sure if it’s Covid causing these lack of professionalism around a few vendors or if it’s been this way. 😂🤦🏽‍♀️ Anyways, I believe some of these places do add gratuity to their bill without notifying. Personally, I would ask if gratuity is apart of their terms and also, mention to them how disappointed I was with their service after* receiving the order. Also, making a review for them to get their service together.
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