When working in a restaurant or bar, these simple and effective pointers will help you make more money.
Smile Genuinely
Even when you are having a bad day, you must smile with your guests and maintain a pleasant attitude. When you are grateful for your guests, they will be thankful for you. Seeing others smile actually can have a positive effect on a person's mood; better mood means better tips.
Empathize With Your Guests
Maybe your customer's food is taking a while or their steak is overcooked, make sure you understand how it would feel if you were the one dining. Making statements like, “I know how frustrating the delay must be and I promise to have it out as soon as it is done.” Statements like this can go a lot farther than just saying you are sorry. Empathizing with your guests problems validates their concern instead of dismissing it.
Kill Them With Kindness
Sometimes a guest is unhappy before you even say hi. They may be annoyed due to an unpleasant previous experience or they are just having a terrible day. Whatever the reason, these guests can be rude and sometimes unbearable right from the beginning. Instinctualy, you may become defensive and possibly treat them the way they are treating you. Instead, try to be very polite and sweet and take excellent care of them despite their behavior. Usually by the end of the meal, they've lightened up or at least are not being quite so nasty. Your tip should reflect all of the extra effort with that difficult table. Also, your kindness will stay with them long after their meal does.
Connect With Your Customers
Make sure to ask your guests how they are doing and, to take it one step farther, dig a little deeper. Find out if they are on vacation, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or maybe just a girl's night out. If you can establish a better connection, your guests will value you more than just someone doing their job, they'll value you as someone who enjoys their job. By making a connection, you make yourself more personable and likable.
Looks Sometimes
Are Everything
If you are a waitress, make sure your hair and makeup are done. Many waitresses also claim that manicured or acrylic nails also improve tips. If you are a waiter, make sure your hair is in place and you are clean shaven or neatly trimmed. Also make sure your uniform is wrinkle free and your shoes are cleaned and/or polished. The better you look, the better the tips.
