Make better Tips waitressing?

Question

I read an article that said squatting to their level when taking the order, wearing a flower in your hair & smiley faces on the check will earn you better tips. Any other ideas?

OMG- You pp are amazing- thank you soo much! Been doing this 20 years-really didnt think I could learn this much- How am I gonna pick a "best answer" THANK YOU

Oh, and the cutesy stuff- I didnt believe that either!

Answer 1

I tip better when certain things happen. I always give the minimum, but sometimes, they get more IF:

They ask how my meal is when there ISN'T food in my mouth.. I hate when they see me chewing and THEN come over and ask how everything is.

They refill my water, coffee, tea, pop.. etc.. in a timely fashion. If I was at home, I would get up and get it myself.. but I'm not, so you should be doing it for me.

They get my bill when I ask for it.. not 10 minutes later. When I ask for my bill it's because I want to leave.. not because I want to sit there for another 10 minutes waiting.

They are NICE.. if you're having a bad day, and you're being a ***** to me just because you're having a bad day.. I don't tip at all. There's nothing worse than a waitress having a bad day taking it out on you. Leave your problems at home. You're in an industry where you rely on tips.. knowing that tips aren't mandatory in most places.. you'd think you'd be nice to the customers even though your BF just walked out on you. If you don't think you're going to be able to leave it at home and be personable.. then don't come to work.

For me, and everyone I know.. waitresses don't get more of a tip by drawing a smile face on the cheque, wearing a flower in their hair or breathing on my neck. They get their tip for being a good waitress and taking care of our dining needs.

Answer 2

1. Be polite.
2. Make sure the order is on time and correct.
3. A little perfume is ok, but don't bathe in it.
4. If it's appropriate, lightly squeeze the customer's bicep area as you hand them the check. It personalizes the meal. But, don't do this if it's a arguing couple, a flirty person you're not interested in, or an angry person.
5. Listen to what they say. Make good eye contact.
6. Don't gossip to the customer.
7. Refill the drinks without asking if they want a refill.
8. Bring ketchup with all burgers and fries. Don't make them ask for it.
9. Thank the customer for coming. It'll make them feel important.
10. Don't worry about other tables/waitresses. That's someone else's problem.

And forget about the smiley face on the check. I've always thought that to be cheesy.

Answer 3

Part of it depends on the restaurant where you work. Your behavior should reflect the customer's expectations of their dining experience. For most restaurants (casual, family-style places), friendly gestures like smileys on the checks or squatting down are appropriate, while the expectations at a fancier place would be for more formal behavior. Sucking up to the kids also can be helpful for tip-boosting, particularly if you find someway to help keep them quiet for the parents. Get them balloons, crayons, or whatever else you can (do ask the parent first though, but quietly). Whatever you do, don't sit down at the table to take their order. It's amazing how many servers do this. I know it stinks to be running around on your feet for several hours, but most diners do not like it for one reason or another (breach of decorum, invasion of personal space, etc.)

Answer 4

personally i don't really care if they squat, sit, or kneel, if they have flowers or smiley faces on their checks. what i want is not to have to ask for refills or to have them clear plates or wait around forever to get their attention. if they have great, fast and professional customer service I have no problem with tipping accordingly. I had an outstanding server once and left her $20 for a $60 check. it was worth the money in my opinion.

Answer 5

I tip my waiter/waiterss , based on the Approach at my table , I just want my waitre/ss to be themselves , Smile an just be kind. I usually tip no less than 30% of my check , if the waitre/ss is Just chill calm , relaxed , an acting like themselves, it's really easy to spot when a waiter/ss is acting fake.

Or you could waitress at a More upscale resturant , food is more so the check is more an tips are usually more !

much luck !

Answer 6

I don't like it when servers stoop to my level or pull up a chair to take my order. I'm there to eat and be waited on--not make friends with my server.

I generally tip very well, and what makes them get a really good tip (25% or more, in some cases) is a) when I ask for a refill, they bring it quickly; b) when I ask for the check, they bring it quickly (and bring me my credit card slip quickly); and c) if they ask if I want to see the dessert tray and I say no, they drop it and don't leave me hanging for 5 minutes, only to ask again. (Macaroni Grill is HELLISH about doing this.)

Answer 7

Bring their drinks right away. Don't mess up their order. Be polite and professional. Check back with them to make sure everything is okay. Bring their check & clear the table once everyone is finished eating.

Save the cutesy stuff, it doesn't work.

Answer 8

Anticipate their needs before they ask you. If you noticed their napkin is getting used up bring some over next time around. If you see them shaking the hell out of the ketchup bottle bring one to them. It is amazing how the customer appreciate not having to ask you for something. So be attentive to your guest needs. Also check your plate presentation. If their is supposed to be a lemon as a garnish make sure it is there. That's one step you wont have to repeat if that customer uses that lemon on his fish

Answer 9

I tip better to people who are friendly and get my order right the first time. Take the time to make idle chit chat even though you may not want to. Sometimes though you still may not get a tip, but don't let it get you down, just pick yourself up and continue to be perking even though you don't want to. Tips may be scarce now due to the economy, but remember that even though a person look poor they may be a better tipper than a rich person because they appreciate your attention.

Answer 10

Just be sure to not act like you hate your job! I tend to tip better if I have a waiter/tress that is cheerful, even if they get something incorrect. So smile, and even if you are having a horrible day, treat the customer like they are your main priority (as they should be) and be sure to apologize if something does go wrong.