How to Be a Good Waitress and Make Excellent Tips

There is very good money to be made as a waitress; but not everyone is cut out to be a waitress. Waitress is one of those jobs, that you either like or you do not; there is no between. We all know that you have to like what you are doing to be good at it. I started waitressing when I was 16 and continued to be one until I was 34 years old. I will share with you some tips in waitressing that will definitely make you more money.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good personal hygiene
• clean clothes
• friendly smile
• great personality

1. Attitude is most important when dealing with the public. Unfortunately for you not everyone that sit in your section is going to be nice, in a good mood, or those that believe waitresses are beneath them. Have a positive and upbeat attitude.

2. Appearance is crucial to this profession. Always wear clean, wrinkle-free clothing. Practice good hygiene, customers want to smell the aromas of the food; not body odor. Customers would rather be waited on by someone that takes pride in themselves.

3. Tips are where you make your money, and they will reflect how well you treat customers. If it means going the extra mile for the customers, then by all means, go the extra mile. People will remember this; and upon returning ask for you by name.

4. 
    

   Greet customers with a smile, acknowledging each person, hand out the menus, and tell of any specials there may be.
   Ask if they know what they want to drink, if so you can get the drinks while they look over the menu.
   Get the drinks, napkins, straws, and silverware together, take to the table.
   If they are ready, take their order and answer any questions they may have.
   While waiting on the food preparation, refill drinks if necessary, and deliver condiments they will need for the food ex. (ketsup, steak sauce).
   Always explain to the customer any time there is going to be a delay in getting their food out to the table.
   Look at the order when it comes from the kitchen making sure it matches what you have asked for; if it is take it to the customer and ask if you can get them anything else, while seeing if the drinks need reills.
   Be sure to remove empty dishes (prebus the table)more than once if needed.
   When leaving the check always give the check to the gentleman, and ask if a to go box will be needed.
   If you have coffee customers at a table for any length of time, be sure to empty their ashtray when giving a refill.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to give the same attention to each person at the table.
• Do not let customers sit and talk over dirty dishes. Keep drinks filled. Anticipate tips, but do not expect them; keep in mind that many people are on fixed incomes.
• Do not talk about the other employees to customers.
• Be careful to not go to the table to often.
• Treat all races and genders the same.
• Do not forget to wash your hands often.

[withmore]

on 9/9/2009 Great article 5*