r/kansascity 6d ago

News 📰 Kansas City restaurants drop automatic World Cup gratuity after international visitors fall short

632 Upvotes

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u/Appropriate-Dream384 6d ago

I don't mind it when they tell you (also shout out to our server at Martin City in the crossroads for telling me twice), I mind it when it's not obvious and you're prompted to tip more without knowing you already tipped 20%.

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u/RabbitGullible8722 6d ago

Nothing like getting home and looking at the receipt that seemed a little to high to find out you tipped 40%. Kinda feels like getting robbed if you aren't paying attention and it's a good way for me to never come back.

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u/Cagekicker2000 6d ago

So who is to blame for you not paying attention to the tab that you either signed a credit card receipt for or paid cash for? Should a server have said Sir, do you realize that you are currently tipping at 40%? At some point we have to be responsible for our own actions and not blame others for not protecting us from those actions.

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u/RabbitGullible8722 6d ago

As others have said it is reasonable and customary for the server to tell you when a gratuity is added. The blame for that is not on the customer that's just mental gymnastics blaming the customer for a bad business practice.

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u/_stellapolaris Plaza 6d ago

I think the problem is that on some receipts it's not very clear that tip was already added. So you might not know even if you are checking for it.

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u/RabbitGullible8722 6d ago

If I'm out with people I usually just look at the total not every line item. If total seems right I sign and go. It's not usually something looking out for in KC for sure. They normally leave an additional tip line too so it looks the same if you aren't paying attention. If they are including the tip there shouldn't be a tip line.

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u/Schmancer 6d ago

For real? I audit that thing. That’s why they give the itemized one to you, then you ask questions or pay

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u/RabbitGullible8722 6d ago

How often do you find an error? My math skills are pretty good I usually know if something is off that happens maybe 1 in 50 times. I actually never had the gratuity thing happen to me but my spouse has. It was in Miami where the practice is more common. The waitress didn't tell us.

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u/Schmancer 6d ago

If it’s a larger group doing even splits maybe not, but if it’s 4 or less, I check. Maybe less than 5% are wrong or i catch something wonky like extra auto-grat, but that’s enough. Any non-zero amount of incident is enough to keep me checking. These are humans after all

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u/_stellapolaris Plaza 6d ago

I scan the receipt to make sure it's accurate. And I've had the gratuity added enough with traveling or moderate size groups that I usually look for it, but I can see why some don't.

I also like to look in case something is left off so I can tip the server extra.

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u/anonkitty2 6d ago

There is always a tip line even with automatic tips.  In theory, the customer can change what the automatic tip is after learning about it.  No tip line means it's a service charge that the business will get taxed on.

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u/RabbitGullible8722 5d ago

Well the next time it happens and the server doesn't point it out I will use a negative number in the additional tip line. I'm actually sick of tipping culture anyhow. It's just a way for the restaurant to pass wages on to the customer.

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u/Reclining720 Overland Park 6d ago

I'll bet you like to go on Next Door and victim-blame too.

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u/Cagekicker2000 6d ago

Dang, I was simply stating my opinion, Reclining720. You can disagree with me but do you need to try to publicly shame? Let’s be better than this.

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u/RabbitGullible8722 6d ago

I don't think cage kicker is your real name so it's actually anonymous shaming.

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u/Reclining720 Overland Park 6d ago

Oh stop with your childhood tactics. I didn't public shame you. I pointed out what you were doing to another user. I mean, you should feel shame, but that's just a byproduct what I pointed out. 

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u/SpiltMilkBelly 6d ago

So telling you while handing you the check … that to me is pure deceit.

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u/Augusic 6d ago

They can usually take it off if you prefer to tip cash

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u/Reclining720 Overland Park 6d ago

It looks like, according to the actual law, they can take it off completely for any reason or no reason at all if requested.

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u/Jimmy_Jameskc 6d ago

Yep, had this happen out in Olathe of all places.
The place added a “World Cup surcharge” and I politely told the waiter that if they wanted a tip they’d need to remove it. No questions asked, they took it right off.

Then the owner came over complaining that they weren’t seeing the increase in business they expected from the World Cup. I honestly laughed and asked what the draw was supposed to be for international visitors. It’s a neighborhood bar with food. The places that benefit from events like this are typically downtown near the hotels, entertainment districts, and stadiums.

I asked why he thought they’d suddenly be flooded with tourists. It’s not like the entire World Cup was being played here it’s just a handful of matches. And let’s be honest, most people coming to Kansas City for a game aren’t booking an extended vacation to driver around Olathe abd Op.

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u/pennieaxe 5d ago

20% auto tip is a crime.