Florida-South Florida

Question about Service Charge & Gratuity

Hello all!

I had a question about recent estimates I've been receiving from planners/caterers.

They add a 15% service charge to the bill then in the bottom it says "Gratuity is not included".

I though Service Charge is the same as gratuity. What are your thoughts on this? I

Re: Question about Service Charge & Gratuity

  • I think it stinks but has become an industry standard.  I think it is a way to get the servers paid more without actually increasing payroll. 
  • It's a standard. I have a grat + service charge on all the quotes I've gotten when it came to venues/caterers 


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  • this service charge thing is really a bummer and puts a damper on how i feel about having an event, in general.  Why can't the overhead/labor costs be included in the dang price you're quoted?  20% service charge just seems like a sneaky way to make more money and not be upfront with what it's for.  It makes me not want to tip at all.
  • @littlemary1234 there are certain things that have a set cost no matter if you have 50 people or 500. That is what the majority of the base costs go to, and that's why you will find a F&B minimum at most venues. The 20% service fee/grat is for the staff. If you have 500 guests you will need more staff members than if you were to have 50 guests.


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