How to Be a Better Waiter

Waiters can make or break a dining experience.

Being a waiter is hard work that can offer either a huge or a small payoff, depending on your tips. Tips are a waiter's livelihood. The ability to be on point, friendly, and attentive (but not too attentive) is directly related to the amount of tips you earn. The best way to increase the cash in your pocket at the end of your shift is to improve your skills in serving your customers.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Assess the environment you work in. Adjust your attitude and presence to fit the atmosphere of your restaurant and mood of your customers, whether you are a waiter at a posh Michelin-starred restaurant or at a cozy, casual family establishment.
   For example, co-workers out for a casual pasta dinner want a waiter who encourages a fun atmosphere, not a stuffy server reciting the wine list. But if your customers are celebrating their wedding anniversary with an expensive gourmet dinner, you want to contribute to a romantic, elegant dining atmosphere.

2. Maintain a friendly manner at all times. Nothing dampens a dining experience faster than an unfriendly waiter. You don't have to be the most charming waiter on the planet, but don't be grumpy. If you start to feel irritable, think about your tip and put on a happy face.

3. Know the menu inside and out, beyond what is listed. Try the food. Your patrons will have questions and your ability to readily answer them may increase your tip. Customers will also appreciate your honest answers.

4. Ask the customer. Don't make assumptions. If you're not sure whether the customer said extra dressing or dressing on the side, ask. Your customers won't mind, and it's much better than serving the wrong food and making your patrons wait longer to eat.

5. Don't argue with the customer. The motto "the customer is always right" is never more true than in a restaurant. Acknowledge a customer's complaint, apologize instead of making excuses, and correct the mistake. If there is a problem, use your charm and wit to smooth over the situation and give your customer a good feeling about his experience. Your customer will be understanding if you treat him as a priority.

6. 6. Find a balance. One of the trickier aspects of being a waiter is figuring out what is too much or too little attention. Remember, your customers are there to eat and socialize, or spend some quiet time if they are alone. You don't want to either ignore or bother your customers. Simply check in about every 15 minutes with a quick "Can I get you anything?"

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a well-groomed, clean appearance.

References

• Make Better Tips: Guide for Waiters and Waitresses to Maximize Tip Revenue

Resources

• Waiter Training Manuals and Seminars