Restaurant servers often wonder how they can make more money in tips.
To me, the answer is simple…
How about giving GOOD SERVICE?!
In my experience working in the food biz, too often I’ve seen servers focused on their tips throughout their shift – computing what they might make, always checking what they got as soon as they pick up their payment, comparing their tips with other servers’…
Well, here’s a suggestion…
Why not focus on giving the best service you can to the customer, instead of just worrying about how much they might leave you?
I am not the greatest server. But, I always went out of my way to try to take good care of my tables. Being friendly, helpful, talking with them. Whatever might give the guest a better dining experience.
There were times when this wasn’t easy, when I had the “customer from hell.” When whatever you do is never good enough, and nothing pleases them. (But, that’s a whole other blog post!).
One of the main things I enjoyed about serving was connecting with the people. For the most part, they were nice and easy to deal with. And, they seemed to appreciate me taking the time to get to know them better.
There are the occasional folks who want to be left alone, and hopefully, you can sense that and back off.
And sometimes, you may not be able to spend extra time at the tables. You might be slammed and doing all you can just to keep up.
Been there many times…
Whatever Happened to Good Service?
When I worked at the Harbourtowne Resort in St. Michaels, I started as a server, then worked more in the kitchen. So, I understand things from both ends.
While cooking breakfast there, I couldn’t help but overhear the servers gossiping about their tips and griping about other servers making more, yadda yadda yadda. All the while seeing them spend more time checking their cell phones or running outside for their umpteenth cigarette break, than looking after their customers.
That’s a pet peeve of mine when my husband and I go to a restaurant – when our server keeps disappearing. Then, they always seem to forget something we’ve asked them for… a drink refill, extra dressing, silverware, etc.
Maybe it’s just the area I live in, but, a lot of the servers here SUCK! They just don’t give a hoot.
Not all the servers, of course. There are a select few who are quite good.
But, why are they harder to find these days?
I could blame it on the younger generation, but, that’s not really fair. I’ve encountered this situation with all ages.
I can understand… serving is not the most glamorous job, depending on the location. It’s hard work, messy at times, and can be a drag, especially when dealing with the rude customers.
It can also be very rewarding in different ways, though, if you change your attitude. Even if you want to move on to something better (like I was always wanting), how about taking some pride in your work anyway?
At the café I worked at before Harbourtowne, I grew to really like my job. It was a small and cozy place, I liked 80% of the customers, and I treated it as if the restaurant was mine. I wanted the customers to enjoy the food and have a nice time, I wanted the café to make a good impression. I knew I could make more money somewhere else, but, I still made a decent amount for the most part.
What ruined that job for me was the owner – the BOSS FROM HELL – but again, that’s another post.
Even if you know the job is temporary, or you’re longing to find something else, be grateful that you at least have a job. Try to make the most of it while you’re there. Do what you can to make the customers feel appreciated and treat them well. Maybe one table leaves you a crappy tip, then the next table could double it. It usually balances out.
One day at the café, I waited on a very nice couple who were visiting St. Michaels for the weekend. I recommended certain things for them to do, and had a pleasant time talking to them. After they left, I turned the check over to BOSS FROM HELL, who was cashiering. She looked at it and asked, “Julie, did you know those people?”
I replied, “No, why?”
“They left you a huge tip, like 50%. What did you do?”
I shrugged and answered, “I was just nice to them.”
Gee, what a concept!
Try it – it just might work for you.
For those unpleasant times when you have the nasty customer, do your best to get through it. Know that they’ll be gone in an hour (hopefully). If they get too out of hand, get the manager to handle them. You may not get a great tip, or any at all, but, there’s always the next table.
