A bunch of us went out to eat at Paradiso in Grand Forks this past Saturday evening. Most of us payed separately, a few together. I was paying for myself. I got my bill and they had added on a 15% gratuity charge. I was not pleased with this. I HATE being forced to give a tip. I will do so at my discretion, and only if I feel the service was adequate enough to justify it. When I do tip, it is well enough over 15%. They would have been better off leaving this off my bill in the first place. So, what do I do? I give them my credit card and they bring me a copy back to sign. I subtracted the tip amount, resulting in something a little less than $2 of the original bill, and my signature verifies that I agree to pay only that amount.
So far, the charge for the full amount is pending according to my online account but that's because they swiped the card at the full amount. We shall see later this week if the full amount is approved, or my modified amount without the tip. If the full amount is approved I will have no problem what so ever disputing the charge.
It's not about the money, it's about the moral principle behind it. They shouldn't do it. Note to businesses...if you want my business, don't pull crap like this.
No Tip!