How can i talk to my customers at the bar to make better tips?

Question

We have a beer and wine only bar. How can i start conversations with these patrons, learn their names and create regulars coming back for more?

Answer 1

First be a great bartended. As with any other conversation, use 'ice breakers' newspaper headlines, weather, etc etc. Be attentive to their needs and be a great listener (everyone has a story to tell). Make them feel like they are special and that you are making a clear effort to make them believe they are...good luck

Answer 2

If the barman doesn't like your personality, it won't matter what you do. Talkers do make the time fly by, but they need to understand you are WORKING and need to focus on Other custys as well. Pick your moments and only engage the bartender when they don't appear too busy. Another thing. Surprise!! not all bartenders like sports, so don't assume that because the game is on tv, that the poor guy knows somene's batting average or points per game. This person is at work doing a job, and probably isn't even watching the game if it is busy. Tipping is important. Start him off with a solid tip for the first round, and you will probably be noticed sooner the next time. Then, continue to tip a fair amount throughout your stay. Loners are ok, but let's face it, some people who go out to drink alone are not the happiest folks. Sometimes they are just confident independent souls who enjoy the company of the patrons and barkeep. Obviously the latter is preferred. As a long time bartender, I prefer girls who flirt shamelessly in front of their boyfriend, tip too much and kiss me goodbye. Talking to other custys is ok, but after 8 pints or so, you are probably just scaring away business. When I get a custy I enjoyed, I would usually comp them a drink or a round and encourage them to return soon. A good clientelle builds itself. Cool people go to bars where cool people hang out. I could go on for ever, so I will just leave you with that.

Answer 3

Why don't you serve cocktails? You'll attract far more people mixing drinks than you ever will giving them a bottle. Any way, people are attracted far and wide to bars. Always have been. Find out where they are from, what they do for a living, family, own or rent, where, what kind of beer they like, know extensive product knowledge of every product you serve, lean little bartending tricks with toothpicks or matches, or if all else fails, have a large screen TV going with sporting events on. Talk about that.

Answer 4

You need to learn how to scope them out. If they come in with friends or dates and are engaged in eager conversation, or if they seem to be on the quiet side, maybe they don't want conversation. In that case, they'll come back and tip nicely more often if you leave them alone.

If the person seems open, just follow normal conversation protocol. Say hi, how are you. Serve the drink ordered and then step back. Approach in a couple of minutes to ask how the drink is. By now you have an idea if they're open to conversation; ask them a question about something that's going on with them--is this your first time here? What brings you here today?

Look for clues about topics of conversation. If they're wearing a name badge, ask if they're here at a conference. If they're wearing sports fan clothing, ask about their team. Is there a TV playing in the place? Offer a comment (non-threatening, non-political, non-religious) about what's on.

Then listen a lot, and let the conversation go where it will.

Answer 5

the trick is you just have to be an observant person.
you have to find something that stands out (even if just a little) about each customer and talk to them about it.
also, if you learn more about the wine and beer you are serving, you will get a better tip anyway, and might be able to help them explore new wines and beers they didn't know about. they will come back b/c of that, and learn to trust your opinion. then they will regard you highly and always tip you well.

Answer 6

Start off by saying hi and making small talk. Maybe start asking people how there day went. Maybe if a business type person comes in you can ask where they work. Compliments are a good conversation starter. If you notice the same chick coming in all the time maybe you can make a comment on how much you like her top. Even if you don't like the person pretend to be interested in them and talk.

Answer 7

People are coming in for a drink, not a hired friend. Do the best possible job serving them, mixing speciality drinks, lighting cigarettes, mopping up spills... I think that will increase tips. Don't think I'm a snob, but when I go to a restaurant, wether alone or w/ friends/family, I'm not there to talk to the waitstaff. I'm there to enjoy some alone time or enjoy the company of my chosen diners. Someone who keeps my drink refilled and is unobtrusive gets the most tip from me.

Answer 8

Keep there drinks full! Ask them before they ask you for another! Ask them how there day is going or how they are doing. Simple just talk, when people drink they tend to love to talk about everything. Just by asking them how they are doing will start a conversation you can continue. Drink specials always helps to keep people coming back. Music or some kind of entertainment never hurt.

Answer 9

Well, speaking from a customer point of vue, I Like it when the bartender remembers what I drink, also if he or she remembers that I like a glass with my beer. They get extra points when they actually take the time to pour my beer in my glass. At one bar I go to they serve drinks in plastic non-breakeable glasses (which I hate) and Jeff always finds me a chilled glass. I think he keeps them in the fridge especially for such occasions. It helps too, when they introduce themselves, Hi, I'm Sophie/Jeff what can I get you? Just be yourself, look pleased to see them, and make an effort to remember them -
When they leave - say bye, thanks for coming, come again , whatever. It makes people feel at home in your bar.

Answer 10

I was at a bar last night, and one bartender had a t-shirt on that said on the front "BARTENDERS ARE GODS" and on the back it said "Tip well, do not anger the Gods."