There is a brand new chinese buffet in town and I'm working there as a server. I got really good tips a couple of weeks ago when the resteraunt opened but they're like half as much now. Any suggestions on what might help? What would you like your server to do or say?
2007-03-01 16:43:19 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I always wonder about how much to tip at a buffet style restaurant. But I do not tip as much as at a full-service restaurant.
As a server, what do you do, get drinks, clean away plates? Face it, the whole idea is for people to walk up to the buffet line and look around for waht they want to eat and get it themselves. I think buffets are expensive also, I guess I just assumed they paid the wait staff better.
The way to get better tips is to ask people what they want to eat and serve them. Otherwise I think your tips will remain small.
2007-03-01 16:50:37 · answer #1 · answered by KingGeorge 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is a good question. People often take the staff at a buffet for granted. But, a server at a buffet usually has to clear the table multiple times while the patrons mostly focus on their gluttony.
Two major things:
1. Let them know you're there. Make a little small talk (not too much, they all ready have their food and staying too long could put them off) and be very friendly. At buffets they have to notice the nice, friendly, attentive server (you) while you remove plate after plate. One way of doing this is complimenting the patron's food choice. "I see you got the liver and onions. I think they're wonderful... I eat them all the time, etc.)
2. Keep the drinks full. Bring drinks before they're finished. Being attentive won't always get you higher tips, but being inattentive will most surely bring in lower ones.
2007-03-02 01:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by BeileinFan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sandy Lou is right, that is what you do. But it is also what you do not do.
Don't take a person's plate until you are sure they are done. Ask if they are ready for a new plate. Clean up spills and messes promptly, and with a smile, and with a nice remark, like, "oh, it's OK, happens all the time"
Sometimes the server gets a little too aggresive, wanting that tip. I get annoyed when they hover, or come back every couple minutes, asking the same thing over and over. I can't converse with my dinner partner, I can't put food in my mouth and finnish chewing it. I feel rushed.
And say thank you, and make eye contact when you get a tip. What is with servers, they never say thanks, or even acknowledge a tip? Is it that it is never enough, have they been told not to? Say thank you, and come back again at every tip, every table.
Don't discriminate. Treat each guest well, and the same. Treat a table full of women the same as a table full of men. Even if you subscribe to the men tip better than women theory.
You got good tips the first couple weeks because people were enthusiastic about the new place. And some people are smart enough to court the waiters to get good service on the next visit, they want you to recognize them the next time they come in.
Happy serving!
2007-03-02 01:05:29 · answer #3 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
#1 Make sure my glass is never empty
#2 Ask if there is anything that I need
#3 Ask if I am finding what I want on the buffet
#4 Ask if everything tastes all right
above all make sure my glass is never ever empty that is my bigest pet peeve in a restaurant.
2007-03-02 00:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by hurricanemercedes 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Focus on people with small kids in your section. Offer to get booster chairs/high chairs for parents, drinks, extra napkins. Offer to get more food for parents or for the kids....epsecially if there is only one adult at the table (People don't feel comfortable about leaving their kids at the table alone)
2007-03-02 00:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, just make sure that their cups are filled, don't let the them just sitting there wondering where you are and they want more to drink and if they need anything, like napkins. Make sure that their dirty plates are taken away and not just sitting there.
*I was just at a sit down resturante, and the waitress was only at our table to take our order,to bring our order, and to bring our boxes. She didn't see if we wanted anything else besides the free tea and water to drink...and my one friend wanted something else to drink*
2007-03-02 00:51:57 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Brown Eyed Girl ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the drinks refilled
Clear plates often
Smile!
Make small talk
Act like you really care about the food and ask people if they are enjoying it
2007-03-02 00:49:25 · answer #7 · answered by Sandy Lou 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
clear table quickly between courses bring coffee and cream for me get my water offer to serve the desert
2007-03-02 01:24:22 · answer #8 · answered by Nora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋