For some, waiting tables is just a stopover on their work trips to another location. For others, it is a preferred job for many reasons, such as flexibility in shifts and working with the public. No matter why you’re waiting tables, here are some suggestions to help you fill your tip jar.
1: Be polite.
There are many reasons why people go out to eat. They don’t have time to cook at home, or don’t know how to cook at all. They may be entertaining guests or business partners. They are on a date and trying to impress, or they live alone and need the social interaction. The list goes on, but your job as a waitress is to make them feel welcome and important, no matter what their behavior. Yes, bosses can be demanding, surly, and sometimes just plain rude, but you don’t know how their day has been. Keep smiling, stay nice, and always use your manners. You may be the most positive thing that happened to them that day, and your tip at the end of the night will reflect that. If not, it could be that they just can’t afford more, so be careful not to avoid them when they come back. For many people, dining out is a rare luxury, but that doesn’t mean they won’t tell their friends about your service. It is up to you what kind of “word of mouth” advertising they will give you.
2: Upsell.
Study the menu as if you were studying for a test. You need to know how the food is prepared, what the main ingredients are, and what can be substituted if necessary. I should also have eaten the meal enough times to be able to honestly recommend different dishes. If the customer has questions or concerns that you can’t answer, she offers to get an answer from the trained staff in the kitchen.
Once you have a clear idea of what’s on the menu, you can increase sales by offering appetizers and/or drinks that you think your customers might enjoy, as well as fancy desserts and/or coffees at the end of their meal. . The higher you can push your final total, the higher (in theory) your tips will be. Even at 10%, a $40 tab will get you $4, but an $80 tab will get you $8. Just a little more effort on your part can double the coins spilling into your jar.
3: Be attentive.
Yes, you have a life outside of work… we all do. Your customers most likely won’t care though, unless you’ve been serving them for many, many years. They are paying not only for food, but also for the attention directed at them. They don’t want to see cell phones and text messages, or listen to your loud conversations about your home life as they sit and wait to be served. Their time is valuable, and if they feel ignored, they won’t come back. They also won’t leave you much in the way of a tip, no matter how big your bill is.
At the very least, water glasses should never run dry, dirty dishes should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed, and customer satisfaction should be checked within minutes of their food being served. There’s no use asking how everything is after they’ve finished eating, as the chance to correct any mistakes is gone, and so is your generosity.
4: Stay well groomed.
Fixing clothes and appearance can make a big difference to your total income at the end of the shift. Hair should be off the shoulders, not hanging through the paste. Playing with your hair is also prohibited, especially where customers can see you. Hairs break loose, fall into food, germs get transferred to dishes…you get the picture. Perfume, if any, should be kept light, as you don’t want it to compete with the smell of the food, nor do you want your customers to have an allergic reaction. Chewing gum is off-limits, but breath mints can be your new best friend for getting rid of the smell of stale coffee and cigarettes. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed, and jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
If you’re new to the job, check with your employer about a dress code and stick to it. Plunging necklines and short skirts might be staple at a sports bar, but not appropriate at a family dinner. Either way, make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and looking professional.