just started a new waitressing job... what are some ways to make sure i get some big tips?

Question

please no sexual remarks... its a small town resteraunt not hooters

Answer 1

be attentive but don't hover,be friendly but don't be chatty. never refill a coffee drinkers cup without them knowing, black coffee drinkers burn their mouths and the others like a certain amount of cream sugar etc. refill soft drinks anytime you can.
Look at the plate the cook sends out and do your own quick inventory, the customer will give you a smaller tip for the cooks mistakes.
If the condiments are not on the table, bring them according to what they order before the food arrives, and if someone orders milk don't forget it. Milk seems to be the most forgotten item for some silly reason
If a mistake gets by you apologize and offer to take it right back and follow through so the wait isn't as long for the correction. keep you hair in check it freaks some people out to see it hanging over their food.
I agree with the above person, if they have kids bring any toys crayons etc. you have to the table and don't just give little ones thier drinks. Paper cups and lids are good even if the item is not to go.
Don't make the cook mad. They can ruin your tips and they know it.
Take your sense of humor with you, you are going to need it. good luck.

Answer 2

You've got some great answers, but I disagree with one point - some people don't want a chatty server because they're wrapped up in their own conversation. You'll learn to read people pretty quickly and figure out who's at a business lunch or having a private conversation with their friend. What annoys me the most is when the server assumes the male at the table is paying the bill; just drop it in the middle of the table and say you'll take care of it when they're ready. Once you get your feet wet, I suggest sampling the food and picking some favorites in case customers ask "what's good here." Typically people tip a certain percentage of the check, so up-selling items increases the amount of the check and could increase your tip. Something as simple as asking "can I start you off with a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay" or "can I get you some delicious potato strings (appetizer) while you look over the menu" will increase sales, customer satisfaction and your tip. Oh, and invest in some comfortable shoes!

Answer 3

Pay attention to your customers - most important. I cannot tell you how many times I have eaten in restaurants, and the servers do not stop by to refill drinks, do not ask us how everything is, and we cannot flag them down because they are nowhere to be seen.

Also - and my friends have noticed this too - do not only look at the male if there is a couple ordering dinner. There are several times my fiance and I have had dinner, and the female server looks only at him (he's good-looking but come on, be professional here). I think sometimes female servers assume that the men are paying, but coincidentally I often pay (it all balances out) and I end up leaving them a small tip :o) Hey I'm eating there, too!

Lastly, if a customer has a problem with their order, or something was screwed up in the kitchen - do not argue with the customer and say "But you said you wanted chicken" (I'm vegetarian and get this A LOT - NO, I did NOT want chicken!) and then say "Yes you did." I have been argued with several times, with the server trying to convince me that I requested something that I did not want. If it happens again, I'm getting up and walking out of the restaurant.

I am not a difficult customer, but I do frequently dine out and I suppose the more you dine out, the more experience you have - good or bad.

Okay that's my advice :o)

Answer 4

Small town allows the opportunity to get to know your guests on a personal level. Get to know regular guests likes and dislikes, if they want something particular every time they come in, bring it to them as you go to greet the table (always starts with coffee, bring the pot to the table and pour it without asking as you say hi) Always greet the table and introduce yourself if they don't already know your name. Chat the table up, but if you get the feeling they want to talk uninterrupted, just check on them periodically. You can talk to your guests in a more casual way in small town restaurant, "Hey, your Christmas lights look great this year!" Always wear your hair back, even if short and off the shoulders, wear barrettes or something that makes you look clean and neat. Keep your fingernails short and clean, or if polished, no chips and nails not too long. Don't wear too much perfume or make-up, and always wear socks or pantyhose. If you wear a skirt, not too short so people can see your bootie when you bend over, because you will be bending over a lot. Pants, not too tight, loose enough to work in and make sure you have pockets, even if you have an apron, can never have enough pockets! Keep earrings small, dangly is OK, if not too big or long. Smile even as they make the most outrageous request, do your best to be polite and humble if you have to tell someone "no" for something (no substitutions, out of roast beef, etc) In a small town where guests are regulars, they might try to pick on or test the new waitress, always have an air of confidence and authority about you without being snotty or unwilling to serve. Good luck waitressing in a small town can be very profitable if you make friends with your guests and never show anger, even if you have the right to be angry. Always keep you cool and speak softly so people have to pay attention to you when you talk, yet loud enough to be herd without some one asking you to speak up. I've been waitress all of my adult life, 18yrs, so take it from me! Write everything down, take drink orders first, salad and soup go out as you place the entree order so you don't havta dump hot food on their table as they still eat their salad. Always ask "may I..take your plate ....get you some more coffee etc, avoid "can I". May the tips flow endlessly your way!! : )

Answer 5

Smile; be polite; but don't fake it. When people sit down for dinner they want a normal person that actually cares whether or not they have an enjoyable time.

Sometimes the key is to NOT be noticed. Most people only remember the bad things that you do; or the mistakes you make. If you keep it normal and even keeled; when it comes time for tip; they will remember you as a good server; not the girl who spilled water all over the table or whatever.

Answer 6

Good service

anticipate clients needs

example

when i had small kids waiter would place a cup with no lid right in front of my child and with in seconds the child woul spill the drink then we would need napkins and towels to clean up

this would happen almost every time we stopped dinning out for awhile

lesson

when bringing drinks for kids

1. always have lids on drinks
2. place the drink with the parent and let the parent give the drink to the child
3.bring extra napkins and towels up front to anticipate a accident

these kinds of consideration will make the dinning more enjoyable and will lead to greater appreciation


this is just 1 example


the best waiters are almost invisible meaning they provide good service with out the client having to call the waiter over to the table be friendly but not invasive

Answer 7

Always smile, be very nice and friendly. Try to meet customers' needs before they have to ask, such as bring them a drink when you see it needs refilled, don't wait for them to ask. Don't check up on them too often, that can be annoying. Let them eat a few bites before asking if everything is ok. Don't let customers sit too long before asking them what they want to drink at least. That's about all I can think of, trying to remember from when I was a waitress in college. Don't be pushy about appetizers or dessert, customers find that annoying. Ask them if they want either, but don't try to talk them into it once they say no.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Find a delicate balance between ignoring the customer and hovering at the table... both are annoying. Be sure to give people (when there's more than one at the table) the right plate. Keep the drinks refilled but not every time someone takes a sip. Good luck!!!

Answer 9

Be friendly, make the guests feel at home, and even at the end of your shift, don't let them see that you're tired. Never make them feel rushed, come around to see if they have everything they need. Never assume they're done, always ask if there is anything else they'd like to order, before you give them the bill. Don't forget them when it's time to pay because they want to leave. And always say thank you when you give them their bill. Show returning customers that you remember them by giving smile.

Answer 10

Normally just checking back with your eating customers to make sure they have everything they may need for a satisfying meal. Also, since you do say it's a small town, you probably have lots of regular customers. I would get to know them a little bit more and remember their likes/dislikes of condiments/food items. Keep that happy face! Have fun!