How to Get Better Tips Being a Waiter or Waitress

In the service industry, customers rule. In order to receive a better tip there are certain things you should, and should not, do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The service industry is filled with people who get below minimum wage and rely heavily on tips. One of the primary jobs that fit that description are the waitresses and waiters.
   There are a great deal of factors that weigh in on your tips. One of the main things is your disposition. If he or she are having a bad day then that will reflect in your job performance, and thus the tip. No matter how bad a day he or she is having, if your livelihood is based on tips, then you have to put a veil over your emotions. You should take a few deep breaths and try to find humor in it. Yes, I know that is difficult. If you can discern humor from a bad situation, then half the battle is won. Humor usually helps defuse situations.
2. A customer may be in a bad mood too.
   I was at a restaurant recently and I was in a sour mood. My wife tried to cheer me up, to no avail. The waitress, sensing something amiss, invoked an off the wall comment that was based on the food I was getting ready to eat. I will not repeat it, but it was funny. I laughed out loud until I was practically teary eyed. My mood was instantly lifted and she received a much larger tip than I was originally going to give her.
3. How did she know I had an off the wall humor? I was not displaying anything to indicate I had one. She was smart enough to listen to what my wife was saying to get me to lighten up. Apparently the waitress was able to say something my wife could not to summon up laughter. Perhaps it was the unexpectedness of her comment. Either way, the waitress listened, understood and responded accordingly.
4. Moreover, the preparation of the food could determine the amount of the tip. If my wife sees any red on her meat, she returns it. A perspective waitress or waiter will listen to what their customers want, and makes sure it is correct prior to delivery of the food. That being said, if they are swamped with customers, that should be taken into consideration. That is a disagreement my wife and I have. She wants hers perfect the first time. Is she wrong? No, she's not. I think she is unrealistic if the restaurant is packed and the waiter or waitress brought some food that was not cooked according to my wife's specification. It is probably the cook's fault. And I do not blame him or her if they are in a rush. The cook's job is stressful enough without complaints.
5. In today's society, people are way too serious. They do not put themselves in other people's shoes. My wife's rebuttal is they knew what they were getting into when they were hired. People, have some compassion.
   Does it really matter if the meat is rare instead of well done? Okay, if it is, simply ask them to take it back and have it cook longer. How hard is that?? You can't expect perfection. You can expect good service. If there isn't then you should look at the situation as a whole. Ask yourself questions. Is the restaurant packed? Is the meal cooked the way the customer wanted? Is there enough employees that particular night to meet the customer's needs? I know people will not care about those things. They came to enjoy a meal and do not want to deal with delays. The waiter or waitress should evaluate the customer's mood and act accordingly.
6. Another step would be to check on us periodically. This is one of my pet peeves. Yes, I do have a few. I would like to think that my server cares about me. If her or she does not take the time to see me, I feel like I am not being catered to. What if I need another napkin or more coffee? Am I disrespectful (like sometimes I witness)? No, of course not. But it does affect the tip, especially if I see the establishment is not crowded. I take into account how busy the place is before ascertaining the tip. I want to be catered to. If you see me looking around, take a trip to my table. I may or may not need something but the attention to me will not go unnoticed.
   There are going to be people who do not tip despite every conceivable thing you do to make them happy. You must get over it and move on to the next table. It's hard, I know. I have been there.
7. There are factors to consider to increasing your tip. I highlighted a few. Remember to be friendly and courteous. The important thing to remember is to be genuine about it. Show real concern, not fake. I can usually tell. And that will affect the tip.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient.
• Never, EVER put a hot dish in front of a child. I have seen it done.
• Try to make sure the toddler/child get's their food first, their attention spans are shorter.