Originally Posted by mcgahat
I always wondered what the difference was between a tip and a service charge? I get a 10% service charge in a majority of Europe.
Well, tips (to insure proper service) go directly to the server who served you, thus rewarding them directly for a job well done.
The 10% service charge goes to the owner(s) of the restaurant who use the 10% to defray the cost of paying their wait staff.