What do you like to see when eatting out? What makes you tip more?

Question

I am a bus boy and I want to make a lot of money tonight at work. What should I do to make people tip me or the waitress more.

Answer 1

Be friendly! Everyone enjoys a friendly bus boy or waiter/waitress. If they start to talk to you engage them in friendly conversation, but don't make it last too long. They'll want to eat and your other customers will get mad if your standing around and talking to just one dining family. Be pleasant and do a good job at your job and you'll be more likely to get better tips.

Answer 2

I've waitressed in fine dining for many years. Bussers should be looking for anything that is out of place - bits of paper on the floor, spills (be the first one there to clean it), missing silverware, if a table needs more napkins or drink refills - tell the waitress immediately! If you're walking by a table and see a plate that can be picked up, ask! Say, "May I take this out of your way? Were you finished?" Never just take it! Never take an empty glass unless you're replacing it with a full one (more of a server's job) while guests are at the table. Always say Please and May I - use your best manners all the time.
Move fast so you get more done in less time. That is always helpful. Customers do not want to see trash on the floor, nasty condiment bottles, dirty dishes, empty beer bottles, spills not cleaned immediately, etc... If a customer has a spill at the table - be the first one there with napkins. Smile and act concerned all the time. Fake it if you have to ; )
Never let customers get to you either - act like you care, but don't take every little thing to heart - mean people don't really matter - they come, they eat, they leave. Their reason for being is to leave you a tip - thinking this will make you feel better if someone is being an ***. It happens. I've seen people get so upset, one woman was actually jumping up and down - we just tried not to laugh in front of her.
I wish my bussers cared as much as you do - most bussers and hostesses, bartenders don't get that if you all work as a team, you all make more $$$ and that's the nature of the business.
Waitstaff will tip you more too (I would give my favorites a few extra dollars secretly) just for trying hard to help them individually - I'm not saying suck up - but if you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you. ; )
Another tip - if a customer has an older baby or toddler who is fussing, go grab a package of crackers for them - ask the parents if it's okay without showing the child. Sometimes that little effort pays off big!
Best Wishes!

Answer 3

Be friendly and attentive, refill drinks without having to ask. Get down on one knee when taking the order. It helps your patrons feel more comfortable, they won't have to look up to you. Don't drive them crazy! Pay close attention to their needs, but don't come around every 2 minutes. Clear their plates as soon as they are finished. When you ask if they want a dessert and they say no...joke around about how "chocolate is good for your heart" and how non-fattening cheese cake is. Even if they really don't want anything, they will enjoy the idea that a luscious dessert is healthy. Just make them happy. Make them feel like they are the most important patrons there.

Answer 4

Have a smile, and show patience. Avoid intruding too much into the customer's space when they are talking to each other. If there's a table with kids, offer to clear out any clutter that may be in the way. Hard work, but it's a good way to learn about how to deal with people.

Answer 5

Make sure you are paying attention to the customers. If they want something bring it right to them. Make sure the dishes are cleared, drinks refilled and tell the waitress to make sure to smile and be nice.

Nothing is worse than a waitress and busboy who constantly ignore you and let the dishes pile up on the table.

Answer 6

Manners - be polite, smile.

Refills - nobody wants to have an empty glass when eating.

Attentiveness - don't walk past the table without at least making eye contact. You don't have to be there constantly, but be available.

Touch - Don't try to feel up the diner! But there have been studies that show when the server makes some kind of physical contact, they often make better tips. http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/June98/touchstudy.html

Answer 7

You get tips? do you help out serve also? I thought tips were for servers? I don't like to see food or dirty dishes on tables nearby. I think ambience is important and a person should give the customer water and tea without having to be flagged down.

Answer 8

some people don't like to wait long for there waitress to come and once they get the food they don't like to be bother every 5 min. you really have to learn how to read people better they face expressions tells it all so good luck tonight at work.

Answer 9

When waitress or waiter brings some crayons or playthings, or even complimentary cookies for my kids, my wallet just opens up.
When service is good, I feel like I am eating at my aunt's house. And my aunt is making sure I am full and happy!

Answer 10

I suggest always being around and asking are they happy a million times and take as little time as possible. That is what me and 10 siblings always look for when we go out. Also to have a good personality cause we will not tip if u r crabby.