Forums39
Topics38,638
Posts312,209
Members26,564
|
Most Online2,218 Jan 21st, 2020
|
|
40 registered members (Jerry_R, Alecs, Beansbbq, BHK, Kevin_B, KC2SXM, Kegoangoango, davidandsusannj, BillB42, GeorgeC1, SXMScubaman, JeanneB, socamon, deliveryskipper, ChuckG, eightzerobits, RonDon, NumberCruncher, barryvabeach, Fitzhughlaw, mscottc, dolfer, betsyg, ChiTownHarry, cbinparadise, pandpfromcanada, steve74, VirginGordaResident, 12 invisible),
854
guests, and 141
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
15% Service Charge on French side
#84986
02/02/2016 10:04 PM
02/02/2016 10:04 PM
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 309 Chicago, IL
Mbrott
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 309
Chicago, IL
|
I know we go through this all the time but I was surfing and saw this on L'Auberge Gourmande website. http://www.laubergegourmande.com/menu.html The menu and prices are subject to change. The traditional 15% service charge is not included in these prices and will not be added to your bill. Prices are in Euros. It's just so aggravating knowing that they all add it in. Mbrott
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Mbrott]
#84987
02/02/2016 10:13 PM
02/02/2016 10:13 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,781 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,781
Central Florida!
|
Sorry, I think you're reading it wrong. It says that it will NOT be added to your bill. Of course, 15% service charge is NOT traditional in France, which to me means that you can leave a small amount if you wish. But if you quoted it correctly, they do NOT add any service charge.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Tom]
#84991
02/03/2016 08:50 AM
02/03/2016 08:50 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
Doesn't matter what you agree with or not, in France (and I believe it is French law) the Service Charge is already included in the prices on the menu.
In France, the French do not tip in the american sense of the word. If so inclined they do leave a "pourboire" in cash, but this is never 15% or more. Try maybe a few euros or maybe 5%
So the restaurant mentioning a 15% service charge is being very misleading to Americans, the French would just ignore it.
So if asked if Service Charge or Tip is included they will almost always so no, for in their translation you are asking about the "pourboire" being included, which it never is. There is a big difference ($) between an American tip and a French pourboire.
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Rasputin]
#84992
02/03/2016 08:58 AM
02/03/2016 08:58 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534
Ohio
|
So if asked if Service Charge or Tip is included they will almost always so no, for in their translation you are asking about the "pourboire" being included, which it never is. There is a big difference ($) between an American tip and a French pourboire. Correct and I have found it best just not to ask and open the door for more confusion.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: charlieh]
#84994
02/03/2016 08:15 PM
02/03/2016 08:15 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
|
This is a requirement of French law as tips are assessed for taxation. The bill is supposed to have an itemization line called service compris ( tip included ). There is however no requirement that the restaurant distribute the tips to the wait staff.Makes no sense to me but that's how they do it.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#84997
02/04/2016 07:41 AM
02/04/2016 07:41 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
|
My friends from Paris tell me the rate is 15, regardless of the service charge issue we always tip 20 in cash for good service, 10 on the card for so so service and nothing for poor. The only place on the island we have stiffed the server was at the Flamboyant and that was totally deserved.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 02/04/2016 07:47 AM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#84999
02/04/2016 08:44 AM
02/04/2016 08:44 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
Hdrdr911 said: ... regardless of the service charge issue we always tip 20 in cash for good service .... No one from France would leave a 20% tip, it would be considered outlandish and possibly even obnoxious, something only an American would do. So many American have been doing it on French St. Martin for so long I guess they have come to expect it from Americans, but such an expectation for a Frenchman to leave such a tip would be absurd and insulting. This may just be another case of Americans thinking the rest of the world should do things the same way they do. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Rasputin]
#85000
02/04/2016 09:01 AM
02/04/2016 09:01 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
|
All I can say to that is anytime we have left a tip the staff is always gratefull and on our return we are treated very well.We certainly don't expect to " force " our way of doing things on anyone. FYI we are a Canadian /American couple.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: GaKaye]
#85002
02/04/2016 09:57 AM
02/04/2016 09:57 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
JulieandKarl
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
|
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: GaKaye]
#85003
02/04/2016 10:24 AM
02/04/2016 10:24 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
|
Just the way I was raised. To each their own. The issue here as I understand it is certain establishments deceiving patrons for financial gain.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: charlieh]
#85006
02/04/2016 10:43 AM
02/04/2016 10:43 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308 Tampa, FL
denverd0n
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
|
charlieh said: Of course it's the norm for Americans not to be clued into their culture and laws... I'm not sure I believe that is the "norm." And if it is, it certainly should not be. It doesn't take that much effort (especially now, in the internet age), to learn a little bit about the culture and laws of anyplace that you might want to visit. As such, I have no tolerance, and very little sympathy, for anyone who is too lazy to make that effort. This subject has been beat to death, which doesn't take much, since it is really quite simple: In French territories service is included. If the service is average then you pay your bill and go. If it is above average then you "round up" the bill, or add a Euro or two. If it is really exceptional then give a little more if you want, but no one will be insulted if you don't. Is that really so complicated?
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: denverd0n]
#85007
02/04/2016 10:48 AM
02/04/2016 10:48 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534
Ohio
|
No it is not complicated and people SHOULD educate themselves but a lot of times they go on opinion rather than fact. When unsure they will often ask the server (and are often misled) and that opens another can of worms and the next thing you know confusion and fear of offending take over and more is paid than necessary.
To each their own when it comes to this but it really is not that difficult.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: GaKaye]
#85008
02/04/2016 11:04 AM
02/04/2016 11:04 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
|
Yes it was directed to you as was yours directed to me and not the original as you claim. The 20 percent was not mentioned by anyone but me. However if you are offended by what I said to you, I do sincerely apologize.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#85016
02/04/2016 04:14 PM
02/04/2016 04:14 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
Hdrdr911 said: FYI we are a Canadian /American couple. Not to worry, I was generalizing about North American Canadians along with United States North Americans. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Rasputin]
#85017
02/04/2016 05:29 PM
02/04/2016 05:29 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534
Ohio
|
How is the weather in Russia? You are an elusive one!
To address the service charge issue on the Dutch side. When 15% is added (they can call it what they want) we usually leave another 5% IF service is good, it not we go with what is on the bill.
Regarding having had BAD service when the 15% is added. Several years ago at Taloula Mango, I did ask to have the entire 15% removed due to the total lack of service. It finally was removed and I despise going back to that place.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#85018
02/04/2016 06:36 PM
02/04/2016 06:36 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,421 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,421
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
|
ruralcarrier said:
Regarding having had BAD service when the 15% is added. Several years ago at Taloula Mango, I did ask to have the entire 15% removed due to the total lack of service. It finally was removed and I despise going back to that place. I stand corrected; we did have horrible service also at Taloula Mango, and have never been back for that very reason. I honestly don't recall if a tip was added or not, but the experience was so terrible that I just wanted to get out of there, and if it was added I wasn't likely to complain. The lousy service was surpassed only by the lousy food.
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#85020
02/04/2016 06:59 PM
02/04/2016 06:59 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 Greensboro, NC
charlieh
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
|
SXMScubaman said: I never heard that there was a set 15% rate to be included. SC is supposed to be included but not as a set rate. Every web site I found had the same info: France: Cafes and restaurants include a 15% service charge in the bill, as required by French law for tax assessment. Service compris indicates that the tip has been added to the bill, but sometimes the wait staff do not receive any of it.[26] Tipping is better received in venues accustomed to tourists, but can be treated with disdain in smaller food establishments and those in more rural areas. The amount of the tip is also critical. A 5% tip will do nicely for good service. For superior service in higher-end eating establishments, a more generous tip would not be out of place.[27] However, the rare waiter/waitress accustomed to more generous foreign customers have no problem receiving a tip of up to 10% or more. web page
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: GaKaye]
#85022
02/04/2016 07:30 PM
02/04/2016 07:30 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534
Ohio
|
Location and cruise ships has to be the only things that keeps that place in business. I have been there since and the food was mediocre at best but with so many other good places, I prefer to pass. The 15% s/c has been added there for quite a while now.
Hoping to do lunch at Chesterfield's this trip.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: charlieh]
#85023
02/04/2016 07:32 PM
02/04/2016 07:32 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
What you posted seems to be pretty much in agreement with what I posted earlier.
Yours states "the amount of the tip is also critical. A 5% tip will do nicely for good service."
What many do not understand is the part it of where it says ( a larger "tip") can "be treated with disdain". = "ugly American".
If one is not in North America maybe one should do as the locals do. Not what one is accustomed to at home.
As I said earlier, the French do not tip in the American sense of the word, they leave a "pourpoire" which is a much smaller amount.
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#85024
02/04/2016 07:34 PM
02/04/2016 07:34 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
SXMScubaman said: "Service compris indicates that the tip has been added to the bill," First time I've ever heard it as referred to as a "tip". That happens all the time. The French do not "tip" in the American sense of the word.
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: 15% Service Charge on French side
[Re: Rasputin]
#85025
02/04/2016 07:41 PM
02/04/2016 07:41 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,534
Ohio
|
If one is not in North America maybe one should do as the locals do. Not what one is accustomed to at home. Exactly! Will you be wearing a Russian Fur hat in SXM?
J.D.
|
|
|
|