How to Make Great Tips Bartending or Waitressing
People who are successful as bartenders or waitresses include many for whom those positions represent years of experience and their full-time employment. Others use such opportunities to make spending money in a fun, social setting. Neither job is easy: Both require extraordinary energy and the ability to remain charming long after they might be forgiven for choosing not to do so. With the right routine and the right attitude, however, you can keep the big tips roling in.
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Smile. No matter how bad your day is going or how tired you are, don't show it. Paying customers do not want to hear complaining. They just want good food or drinks with a smile and friendly attitude. If you want to make great tips as a bartender or waitress, you must put your best foot forward and get customers to like you. Offering patrons friendly service is the best way to make great money tending bar or waitressing. In fact, you could even stand to mess up a few orders as long as you provide the meal with a kind composure. The more friendly you are — sincerely of course — the better tips you'll receive. Just think of when you've gone out to eat. If the service is good you tip well; if not, you don't.
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Get the orders right the first time. This isn't always easy when dealing with customers because sometimes patrons are picky in their meals or drinks. However, the more experienced you appear, the more tips you'll receive. Bartenders and waitresses are far more likely to get big tips if they know what they are doing when serving customers. If you're new, this is not an easy task. In this case, it's perfectly fine to tell patrons that you're new and ask if they could bare with you. Sometimes, this actually gets you more tips because customers tend to feel bad that you messed up and are trying your hardest. Just try to do your best at getting drink and food orders right and the tips will flow.
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Stay calm and composed when taking orders. People want to eat and drink in an atmosphere that is relaxed. If you're running around stressed out, chances are your customers will not tip you as well. Most people go out to eat because they want a change of scenery — some place calm and less stressful than home. They don't want to see bartenders or waitresses being angry, upset, frustrated, or even crying. Even if you are all these things, try not to show it to customers. Remain calm and cheerful when out near customers and your tips will be plenty. Bartenders and waitresses who have fun with their jobs are far more likely to get great tips than those who act like their job is a chore. Just try to enjoy yourself, remain calm, and do the best job that you can.
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Get to know your customers and what they eat or drink. This will take some time, but if you are good, you should be able to know after a few times of seeing your regular customers what they usually order for food or drinks. Knowing your customer's tastes makes them feel special and encourages them to leave bigger tips. When a patron sees that you remember him or her and what they like, they respond in gratefulness with higher tips. You can also achieve this relationship by talking to your customers even if they are new to you. A good bartender or waitress knows how to communicate with his patrons and create a personal relationship, even if they never see them again. Asking how a customer's day is, talking about the weather, or even sharing a bit of information about yourself will encourage a patron to leave a good tip.
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Dress appropriately when bartending or waitressing. Even if you don't wear uniforms or work in a fancy restaurant or club, it's important to always be professional around customers. Trashy, unkempt or messy attire is not appropriate for a business of any sort and customers do not want a show with dinner or drinks. So try to be clean, neat, and look appropriate when tending bar or waitressing. Keep shirts buttoned up, not hanging down the chest, and hair neatly groomed. Customers are more likely to tip well if bartenders and waitresses look as though they care about themselves. It's appreciated by patrons and by other workers and managers.
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Check on your customers and tables often. Be sure to refill drinks, take dirty plates away, and bring food out quickly. Patrons appreciate a bartender or waitress who takes time to check on them often. If you do your job and keep customers happy while they dine or drink, you're far more likely to get good tips. However, this is not to say that you should drive your customers crazy with attention. They are, after all, dining out for a reason. More than likely they are wanting to enjoy the company of their companions. The exception is a customer dining or drinking alone, who may like the company. A bartender or waitress who pays attention to such a person will might receive a large tip. Try to feel out your customers before bombarding them with attention. You can usually tell those that want constant attention and those that want checked on only once in awhile.
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