The service industry is one in which persons can excel while doing a job they enjoy. Waitresses and waiters are known to garner good tips but this is dependent on the kind of service that is given to customers. Here we have a few tips to help persons in this profession to be better at what they do.
A few waitressing tips:
- Look the part. Ensure that your clothes are clean and smell fresh. Always smile with your heart even if a piano just fell over you. But don’t be too cheesy.
- Know all the items that are on your menu and be able to comment on how items look and taste, how the portions are and what side orders best complement the meal. Also the types of drinks, costs, popular ones and so on.
- Always be nice to the kids. Smile at them like they are the CUTEST you’ve ever seen. Parents like that … especially the new parents.
- If the order is taking too long, don’t hide from your table. If your manager is ok with it, offer your customer a cup of soup on the house if things are taking too long. If they know you are trying to keep them happy they will appreciate it even if they decline the soup, or free dessert, or salad, or say, “I won’t charge you for coke since it took so long”, etc. Of course make sure it’s OK with your boss.
- Keep checking on your customers to ensure that they are comfortable. Keep up the drink refills and try to bring it before they ask if you can.
- Take the unwanted dishes away as soon as they are finished. Don’t leave them there until the customer has to tell you when to take them.
- You can ruin the whole experience by making them wait too long for their bill, but also don’t make them feel rushed and ask if they want dessert.
- Up sell … the bigger the bill, then obviously, the bigger the tip. Offer appetizers, salad, dessert, etc., and be specific. Say “Would you like to try out buffalo wings or an order of our famous onion rings to start off with tonight?” not simply “Do you want an appetizer?” Asking if they want to try something sounds better than buying.
- Invite them to come back and remind them of your name. They may ask for you again.
- Depending on the party, you might save time and frustration later by confirming at the beginning if the bill will be all in one or not.
- Never count your tips in front of the guest. It makes one look greedy.
That’s about it; and remember to be the best you can, no matter the job!
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