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One more time... I get to bloviate on this subject.
Just my humble opinion...
... I consider the 15% "service charge" to be nothing less than a RIPOFF and an INSULT. It is twice as a insulting when the waiter says, that the "service charge" is not a "gratuity."
FURTHERMORE, dining out in Aruba is not exactly cheap. Yes, I know all the food is shipped in, on and on and on. Then adding another 15% to the bill is really sticking it to the diner. Many first time visitors to Aruba simply look at the bottom line on the bill then add a "tip." Only later do they realize their error. Sure, this is their fault for not clearly examining the bill. That said, this is a "GAME" the restaurants have learned to play and they play it well.
I've heard all the stories about restaurant owners keeping a portion of the 15% and that it doesn't get "spread around" properly, on and on and on and on. SPARE ME. How things work behind the scenes at a restaurant is not the customer's problem. Wait staff should go on strike like the airport workers are considering; ask for 25%, you might get it. Of course, you won't have any customers, but you'll have your raise.
The price of having food delivered from the kitchen to the table should be included in the price stated on the menu. A gratuity is exactly that: something extra for high-quality service. It is not an AUTOMATIC, EXPECTED, or otherwise instant transfer of funds. And I'm fair to generous when it comes to tipping. HOWEVER, when I see that 15%, I'll be lucky to leave one guilder and lately have been AVOIDING restaurants I know do this.
So, if you're doing a survey for some restaurants tell them to get into step with the rest of the world and stop ripping me off. Some places have entrees exceeding $45, many are over $30. Plus 15%, plus a tip, plus how much more do you want?
Finally, at those friendly Colombian joints I like, the wait staff is used to getting very small tips if any at all. The service at the ones I go to is very good and especially friendly and I often go up to 20%. One nice lady tried to give me the money back because she thought I made a mistake. I told her to keep it, and if for no other reason, the bold honesty on her part deserved a reward.
Just my opinion above and may be worth absolutely nothing. See you in the NON-15% clip joints.
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