How to Make Better Tips

This article is for the waitress or waiter that is struggling to keep up a predictable tip wage in an unpredictable economy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Waitstaff Job

1. As waitstaff you must always mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead. However, for many of us, each day is different; From the unbearably slow Monday to the "everybody's got an attitude" Saturday. That's why more times than not we go to work unwillingly.
   That is why the first step to better tips is learning how to leave that attitude at home! I know it's a very hard thing to do but attitude is the most important part of making better tips. The more smiles the better tips!

2. ASK FOR HELP!!! Next you want to choose a reliable coworker that will be able to help you throughout the day with those things that are repetitive in nature (i.e. sidework, food running, appetizers). However, you must be throughly prepared to provide the same aid in return. Having this "back-up" will help to keep your mental state stable when things get busy and you are "in the weeds." (This step is optional but highly reccommended).

3. GREETING! When you go out to your tables your goal is to be MORE THAN AN ORDER TAKER. You are to be a TABLE MANAGER. You need to have an easily adjustable generic greeting for your tables. For example my table greeting is "How are we doing tonight guys? I'm doing great. I'm Portia and I'll be your server. Can I start you off with a Wallaby Darn or a Sweet Tea?" From there you will continue the order. In this way you let your customer know that you are knowledgeable so that they immediately feel like they have a competent waiter.

4. ORGANIZATION! However you run your tables....that's how you run your tables. Try your best not to let your customers dictate to you how things are to be ran. If they want an appetizer...get the appetizer in before the order and come back for the order afterwards. This will keep your food from piling up at the table at the same time. (Which will allow you to pre-bus finished plates which will allot for faster table turns). Again....you are the TABLE MANAGER.

5. MAINTAIN!!! Drink Refills and condiments are very important. After the food is out give your guest the time to cut into their steak, fix up their baked potato, or taste their soup, etc and then return to the table ready for the list of things they will need. But as a TABLE MANAGER you need to be prepared to predict what they will say...i.e. "How's everything going guys....do you need some napkins with your ribs?" Being a "mind reader" will help you to keep your tables from running you back and forth. Be assertive! "Is that steak cooked the way you like it." "Here's some wetnaps for after your meal." "Here's a refill on your coke." ETC.

6. FINISHING! Finally your table is done eating and everyone is fat and happy! Now go to the table and say "Alright guys what dessert are we going to do tonight/today?" This is assuming that they will get dessert instead of "begging" them to do so. Before they answer be ready with two of your favorite desserts...."Chocolate Thunder or Penut Butter Pie?" Most times they will resist...saying they are too full. Then suggest something to take home. If they say no....say :"Let me go prepare your ticket and I'll be right back." Remove any clutter from the table (plates, empty cups, etc) and go print the check.

7. PAYMENT. Leave the check. Give your guest time to pay....but not too long! You want them to pay and leave. Return and take the check book....If there is a credit card, say "I'll be right back with your receipt sir/ma'am" If it is cash say "I'll be right back with your change." Return the change or reciept and say "Alright guys...have a nice night...come back and see me." This closes the table and allows you to focus on the rest of your tables until that one is sat again.

Tips & Warnings

• Be Pleasant
• Be comfortable
• Be funny
• Have your checks printed before you ask about dessert to save some time.
• When customers pay with a credit card, look at the name on it and return the reciept using the name.
• Take care of the woman/elderly first
• Thank your table for things like moving drinks to the edge of the table to make them easier to refill or stacking empty plates for you.
• THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL TIP BADLY NO MATTER WHAT.
• DO NOT assume that a table will be a bad tip....go for the gold at each table.
• Do not feel intimidated by tables that talk down to you. You are a server first and foremost so do your job and laugh at their ignorance. But never compromise a TIP!

[bpreardon]

on 8/14/2009 Well written and some great ideas!

[andhowto]

on 8/4/2009 Nice 5 star article. A pup like me needs to loose a few. LOL! Thanks again

[walker7]

on 8/2/2009 wonderful service advice...I like it!

[gahazeleyes]

on 8/1/2009 Great article, thanks for helping people who may be new or becoming a waiter or waitress. Like your example on how to ask for dessert. 5*****