How to Be a Good Bar Waitress
Attitude is everything when you're working as a waitress in a bar. Your two primary concerns should always be giving your customers great service and being a positive representative of the bar you work in. You may be nervous when starting out as a bar waitress, but experience breeds confidence and implementing a few tips along the way can help you become a confident, seasoned waitress.
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Instructions
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Keep a smile on your face -- and mean it. Even someone who has had a few drinks can detect insincerity and it's a huge turnoff for customers. The best waitresses are pleasant to be around, so set your attitude to "bubbly" and keep that smile bright while you serve.
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Be confident -- if you're at ease, your customers will be, too. Confidence comes naturally as you get better at your job. Perfect your efficiency as a bar waitress and become knowledgeable about the drinks your bar offers so you can inform customers quickly and easily when they have questions or aren't sure what to order.
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Take care of customers' needs before they have to ask. Being aware of those you're serving and anticipating their needs -- refilling an empty glass or bringing the check before they have to wave their hands to get your attention -- goes a long way in creating goodwill and satisfied customers.
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Accentuate the positive. If a customer makes a negative comment, answer with something upbeat. If he says, "The traffic is terrible in this neighborhood," answer back with something optimistic, like, "But I heard they're adding a new bus route. That will sure make it easier for you to get here." Raise your customers' spirits -- don't feed into their negativity.
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Develop positive relationships with your coworkers. If you're friendly with the bartenders, it will ultimately mean smoother sailing when you're serving customers. If the bartender doesn't like you, he may be slower getting your drink orders filled, which means your customers will have to wait longer.
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Get in touch with your customers -- literally. A 1998 Cornell University study found that patrons who were briefly touched by their waitress -- or even experienced a lingering touch lasting as long as four seconds -- felt friendlier toward her and they showed it with their wallets, tipping as much as 7 percent more than those who were not physically touched. Showing attentiveness in this way makes customers feel cared about and more connected with you as their waitress.
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Tips & Warnings
In some cases, you or the bar you work in can be held accountable for a drunk driving accident if a person involved in the collision was served alcohol by you before getting behind the wheel. Thoroughly understand your state's laws regarding serving alcohol so you are always in compliance when waiting on your customers.
References
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