Tips for waitressing?

Question

I am really good at costomer service and have been tipped 20 dollars because they said that they have never had that good of costomer service. What are some tips that would help me be a really awsome waitress? About how much in tips will a make a night? is it hard?

Answer 1

waitressing is hard... you have to take the jerky customers with the nice ones as well as be on your feet for hours at a time... i did like the instant cash from tips... always having lots of money in your pocket is nice but it takes it's toll on your body and is very stressful... i did it for years and pray i never have to go back!

Answer 2

I have some assistance as a general eating position diner - (a million) be positive you spot if the clients favor refills on their beverages earlier ( !!! ) the glasses are empty; (2) once you ask "how is each and every thing" or "how is the meal ", wait a second to work out what the reaction is - too many waiters/waitresses will in simple terms without delay ask how the meal is without truly being concerned and the customer would want to praise or ***** (3) attempt now to not invite how the meal is even as the customer is ingesting - i understand this isn't continually achievable, yet i believe that that is area of "waitress college" to attend till the customer has a mouthful of nutrition , then ask how issues are so all they could say is "mmppfgh" and (4) verify back even as the customer is complete to work out in the adventure that they favor a top off or to reserve something to take domicile...........desire the following assistance help you to get the different assistance :]

Answer 3

You must prepare yourself for the 'low tippers' and the 'no tippers'. I bet you are excellent at what you do; great customer service is getting harder and harder to find. Kindness and honesty and knowledge will always increase your tip IF the person or persons are going to leave a tip. You will be surprised at the number of folks that do not tip. Even though the going percentage to tip is now 20% of the food and beverage bill, you will find that you will only average 8%-10%. To your question "is it hard?". Being a good server is an 'art form' and yes, it is hard; there are few that are excellent and make it their profession, but if you do and you find the right establishment you will make a decent liviing. Just be prepared for the 'no tippers' and the 'low tippers' and don't let it hurt your feelings. Really 'care' about your customers and it will show in your actions.

Answer 4

Tipping is just one of those things that many people on both sides of the issue do not understand.

While tipping is customary, do not expect it. Many people seem to think that tipping is automatic, even if they've had a crappy, inattentive server. Other people base their tip on "THE SYSTEM" -which involves percentages of the total bill. Some, regardless of their server's efforts don't get a tip at all. Perhaps as the result of an undercooked steak -which is the cook's fault, not yours -- but they don't have direct contact with the cook.

That said, can't readily predict how much you'll be making unless you know that you're doing a great job and what the average meal cost is.

Tips on serving:

Dress neatly. Have your order sheet and pen ready. Wear comfortable shoes that match your uniform.

Don't chew gum.

Look your customers in the eye (even if they don't look at you).

Greet them with a sincere "Hello" and introduce yourself with your first name. Speak clearly.

ASK them if they'd like to hear the daily specials (if there are any). If they don't, see next step. If they do, tell them about the specials.

If your establishment gives out complimentary bread, ask your customers if they want some.

Take their drink order (if they know what they want) and ask if they have an appetizer in mind or if they need more time. If they need more time, go get the drinks. Return with drinks and bread, if applicable. If they ordered an appetizer, let them know the order has be placed with the chef or prep chef.

If they are drinking wine, learn how to PROPERLY present AND pour wine.

See if they're ready to order their entree. If not, excuse yourself and check on the appetizer. If it's ready, bring it to the table.

Take the order for the entree. At the same time, ask if there is anything else they need before you go.

Write everything down. While it may be impressive to some that you can memorize an order, you are human and are not infallible. Don't take the chance. Besides, you need to account for everything. Remember, the amount of your tip may be riding not only on your performance, but the order itself. If you don't write down an item, that's a percentage you're going to be missing in tips.

Place the entree order with the kitchen.

Periodically return to the table to check for drink refills, and how quickly they are finishing their appetizer. Ask if the appetizer is okay and whether or not they need anything.

DO NOT BRING OUT THE ENTREE until the appetizer is finished! If you do this, their entree will get cold because they are finishing their appetizer. Besides, no one enjoys having stacks of food piled up on the table. Give them time to digest. When they are done, give them a moment or two (the time it takes you to clear the appetizer and dishes), THEN bring the entree if it is ready. Bring any special sauces or condiments which usually accompany the entree (ketchup, A-1, mustard, etc.).

Before leaving the table, ask if there is anything else they need. If they do, please do your best to accomodate them.

Return to the table about 3-5 mins later (unless they flag you down) to check on them. Be sure to ask if everything is okay and that their meal is satisfactory thus far.

Pass by their table periodically to check for refills and other needs. Otherwise, just keep an eye on them and their progress with the entrees.

While out performing other duties, visually check with your customers, even if it's from across the room. Most customers will attempt to flag you down if they need something. All they need is your attention first...

When your customers were done, ask if there meal was good. Also offer coffee and desert, but do NOT insist if they say no.

Clear the table and return with the final bill.

Before stepping away from the table, ask them one last time if there is anything else you can get them. If not, simply thank them for coming to your establishment and wish them a good day/night/whatever.

If the customer pays for the meal in cash, be sure that you provide them with as many singles ($1 bills) as you can (up to $5).

DO NOT ASK IF THEY WILL NEED CHANGE - whether they pay in cash or by credit card!!! THAT IS COMPLETELY RUDE AND PRESUMPTUOUS. NEVER ASK THAT QUESTION!! While one might think it's a subtle reminder about tipping, it is a completely passive-aggressive maneuver to 'force' a customer into tipping. Simply give the customer their chage or receipt slip and make a dignified exit.

Wish them a good day, afternoon, evening, or night -whatever it is.

After they're gone, RUSH back to the table and see what pittance those tightwads left for you. Fight-off the dish-guy if you must.

Your tip response will either be: "Oh yay! I can buy some gum, a Pepsi, and a pack of smokes... Cheap bastards! I busted my hump for them" -or- "Daaaaaamn! They had better come back soon!"

Seriously though, I'm willing to bet that with a few solid practice runs of some of my tips, you'll see an increase in what you're bringing home. That's not a guarantee, but I will say that as a former server and caterer, it's worked for me.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I waitressed for 7 years and found the best way to make good tips is to be friendly, suggest good food/beverage choices, and to have a good memory. How much you make depends on what kind of establishment you work in. The place I worked was small with alot of regular customers, so I learned the regulars orders and they loved it. A good memory is a great thing for a waitress!

Answer 6

1. I love it when the waiter/waitress always makes sure that I have water!!! This is what I base my tips on.

My "Ex" and I went out and he knew I was paying ... he became a "Prissy Beech" and ran the waiter ragged, while I nicely and repeatedly asked for water ... since my buddy was getting service and I got little service, the tip was tiny ...

The best water service I've ever gotten was when their was multipule staff to watch the tables. This staff would not let me see the bottom of my water glass ... plus, after three re-fills of my glass they brought me a fresh new water glass ... That was service!!! We tipped like 30% that night.

2. Don't always assume the men pay, because sometimes us women are trying to be nice to the men and pay. Also, when it's a business function, the woman may have the corporate credit card.

3. When a person looks hungry, make sure there is something for them to stick in their mouth. My "Ex" and my best buddy both are hyper-glycemic (I think that's what it's called) --- any ways, they become monsters when they're hungry and I always am embarrassed at both of their behaviors ... they usually eat and then are very apologetic, but WOW, don't let your fingers get near them because they're more dangerous than Saddam Hussein with chemical weapons.

4. If you flirt with the men and there is a woman ... flirt with her too (u don't know who'll pay) ... I had a woman flirt with my boyfriend and I was about to get miffy, but, she also flirted with me and made a "Star" in my latte so I understood that her behavior wasn't threatening, but equally nice.

Answer 7

Always smile, try to act as though the customer is the only one you have to take care of. NEVER let their beverage glass get empty. Keep an eye on them and see if they are looking for you, don't constantly ask them if everything is ok. don't put the bill down until they are through with the meal, ask about dessert and coffee, don't rush them.
You can expect between 15 -25% gratuity.

Answer 8

rThe most important thing to remember is anticipating the needs of tour customer.EX...If they order a steak with a bake potato as soon as you can after turning in their ticket you would want to carry steak sauce ,sour cream,maybe some xtra butter well you get the picture anything to keep them from having to ask.Also you are not there to be their best friend.Be friendly but dint spend a whole of time at the table they are thee to enjoy dinner out .tips depend on what kind of restaurant.It is physically taxing but if stay on the game you ll do fine.always acknowledge the female even if he does the ordering.

Answer 9

For good service, 20% is a great tip

Answer 10

Great. But don't make a career of it, and no disrespect to those who have. It will wear you out.