<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SeAAttle:
A question for the Europeans:
When the service is included in the bill, and you feel the service was really bad, do you just pay it or do you ask for a reduction? </font>
In my experience the 'service included' line in Europe can be read as:
- no additional tip: client is displeased with the service
- some small change left: normal service, not fancy eatery and/or obviously not prosperous customer (students, etc.)
- about 5% additional tip: client is relatively satisfied, normal restaurant
- 10% or so: client is very satisfied
- more than 10% in new bills: exceptional service at a fancy restaurant
As a result, I have trouble realizing I am expected to tip 15% even for mediocre service in the USA.