Tips for tips: advice on being a server

[slickdtc]

Just got a new job as a server at a mid-level chain... aka nothing too fancy, but not some run-down place either. I'll be able to make some pretty decent money on the busy nights.

I know the obvious stuff about serving, it's all about the customer and pretty much catering to them, but wanted to know if anyone on here had any special tricks or tips they've used that always won over their patrons.

Fire away.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

From a consumer standpoint, if you are having a ****ty day get over it whenever you walk in the door.

I've never been a server and have no idea what I am talking about. If I was though, I would try being a fan of every single sports team there is. If you see someone wearing a hat or shirt make a comment as if you are a fan too.

Don't forget about people. Nothing is worse then running out of water when eating something that you drink a lot during.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Never been a server, but I have been in sales before......so the following would be helpful:

1. Good hygiene. Seriously. Clean hair, clean face, not too strong cologne, no cracked or dried out lips.

2. Don't get too close up on people, especially women when you talking to them. That always irked me when people get too close up on me.

3. Talk slow, talk clear. Talk loud enough for them to hear you but not loud enough where it sounds like you shouting at them.

4. Don't be chatty. If something is new on the menu, bring it up, but other then that, walk away until they are ready to order.

5. Have VERY thick skin.

[PVarck31]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

One thing that annoys me to no end is lack of refills. Make sure my drink is always topped off and I am happy.

Also, be seen. Check up on your table enough to make sure they don't need anything but not too much, you don't want to bug them. I know its a fine line.

If you act like you care about your tables dining experience it will be rewarded.

Good luck!

[cubsfan203]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

As simple as it sounds, be friendly. If you act like you are genuinely interested in the people, chat with them a little if you find something to talk about, and make their overall experience good most people will take care of you.

You just have to understand that you aren't going to get a good tip every time. That's impossible.

[canes21]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

When taking someone's order, or whenever you're talking to them, act interested and act like you're really paying attention. The waitress I had today took our orders and just said, "K..." in a shallow voice and walked off after writing it all down.

Just act like you're happy to be serving whoever it is no matter what. Don't kill me with happiness, but definitely act like you're enjoying what you're doing.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Don't get mad when people like me leave a $2.00 tip on a $20 tab.

[slickdtc]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Thanks fellas.

It's funny, I'm mostly a shy, quiet guy, kinda awkward communicator, so doing this is definitely out of my comfort zone. But I guess I've grown up a bit since my last time as a server (where I could only bear it for a month) 5 years ago as a teenager. Today, dealt with a few tables as part of training and I didn't even feel nervous (well, just a bit) but confident. It really is the attitude you take in there.

ollie, so you're THAT guy, huh? Just kidding, I know some tips will be great, others will be non-existent no matter the service you give, that's the nature of the business. That's what I signed up for. It always baffled me how badly drivers at the pizza shop complained, like they were expecting a $5+ tip on every delivery. You win some, you lose some. No need to get your panties in a bunch. I'm going to be making more money in the end then I was where I was at, and that's what it's all about. I think I'll be able to handle it a lot better then I did in the past.

Just gonna go in there, do my best, not take it personally, and make a few bucks in the process.

[sb24]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Dont assume ANYTHING about a customer. Dont assume they dont want desert, they want to chat with you, they are young and dont know how to tip like some people here (often they work similar jobs and will tip you better because of that....)

Always be quick with the check. You dont want to make them wait as they are about to tip. I used to have their check tucked in my back pocket, asked if they needed anything else and if they said no had the check handy without making it look like I was trying to get rid of them.

Be honest. If you dont know, dont make it up.

I actually have plenty more but will have to post later.

[55]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Don't get mad when people like me leave a $2.00 tip on a $20 tab.

I can only assume you're joking, but people that really do that piss me off to no end and I have never even been a server nor have I ever had any job that relied on tips.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

I can only assume you're joking, but people that really do that piss me off to no end and I have never even been a server nor have I ever had any job that relied on tips.

Nope. They aren't saving the world. Nothing is more annoying then girls I know whining on facebook about how much they made in a night, but it comes out to be like $15/hour that they brought in on tips.

[letsgopens66]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

Nope. They aren't saving the world. Nothing is more annoying then girls I know whining on facebook about how much they made in a night, but it comes out to be like $15/hour that they brought in on tips.

But really, only 10%? I know they're not saving the world, but tipping 5% below the average because of girls on FB is harsh.

Edit: Back to the original topic, I agree with what everyone has said so far, be friendly (but not too friendly), have the check ready, and don't wait too long to top off refills.

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

YES my kind of thread.

Id like to think Im a professional on this.

1. Know what kind of table you are getting.
Meaning this: Business (in a rush), Drinking time, Just want to eat with no interruption, Friendly people, etc.
This is the best way to find out. When you go up to the table do this, "Hey guys (or ladies or whatever) my name is [name] and ill be taking care of you guys tonight. How are you today?"
If they answer with a 1 word answer and that's it, then you know they aren't looking for a super friendly good time. They just want food and make sure everything is correct.
If they respond with an answer, and they ask you back "How are you?" then you know you are able to work your mojo. Really say something unique back, not "good." Something I always say is "Living the dream" That usually gets some good feedback.

2. A trick I usually do, (When it's the aforementioned fun tables) is if someone orders Ice Tea and they need more sugar or sweeteners (If they aren't already at the table) I will go and grab a handful of packets. However, when I bring it to the table I drop just 1 and am like "Here ya go." The person 9 times out of 10 gives me that sarcastic "oh thanks..." Then I wait like 5 seconds awkwardly and throw the rest down on the table and say "just kidding." Works like a charm.

3. Always offer specific items at the beginning. Don't just say, "Start you off with something to drink." Its boring, stupid, and makes you look like you don't know what youre doing. Even if it's just saying "Coke, sprite, beer." It works a lot better and makes people thirsty just hearing that.

4. If you can, try not to write anything down. I've been doing this for 7+ years so obviously I've had practice, but it really impresses people if you take orders without writing stuff down.

5. Smile/laugh when talking.

That's a good start i believe.

[C the Lyte]

Re: Tips for tips: advice on being a server

YES my kind of thread.

Id like to think Im a professional on this.

1. Know what kind of table you are getting.
Meaning this: Business (in a rush), Drinking time, Just want to eat with no interruption, Friendly people, etc.
This is the best way to find out. When you go up to the table do this, "Hey guys (or ladies or whatever) my name is [name] and ill be taking care of you guys tonight. How are you today?"
If they answer with a 1 word answer and that's it, then you know they aren't looking for a super friendly good time. They just want food and make sure everything is correct.
If they respond with an answer, and they ask you back "How are you?" then you know you are able to work your mojo. Really say something unique back, not "good." Something I always say is "Living the dream" That usually gets some good feedback.

2. A trick I usually do, (When it's the aforementioned fun tables) is if someone orders Ice Tea and they need more sugar or sweeteners (If they aren't already at the table) I will go and grab a handful of packets. However, when I bring it to the table I drop just 1 and am like "Here ya go." The person 9 times out of 10 gives me that sarcastic "oh thanks..." Then I wait like 5 seconds awkwardly and throw the rest down on the table and say "just kidding." Works like a charm.

3. Always offer specific items at the beginning. Don't just say, "Start you off with something to drink." Its boring, stupid, and makes you look like you don't know what youre doing. Even if it's just saying "Coke, sprite, beer." It works a lot better and makes people thirsty just hearing that.

4. If you can, try not to write anything down. I've been doing this for 7+ years so obviously I've had practice, but it really impresses people if you take orders without writing stuff down.

5. Smile/laugh when talking.

That's a good start i believe.

All really good. But I take exception to number 4. NOT writing anything down? You better make sure you get my order correct, especially if I'm with my mother-in-law. She's complicated when ordering, to an extreme.

Now, some people have tremendous memories and can do that. Most do not. And I didn't come here to eat to be impressed by memorization.

Just saying, and from past experiences.

[ScoobySnax]

Nope. They aren't saving the world. Nothing is more annoying then girls I know whining on facebook about how much they made in a night, but it comes out to be like $15/hour that they brought in on tips.

Every night is not at $15/hour night. That's pretty much just on the weekends. The weekend usually makes up for the when the restaurant is "dead" during the week. There are exceptions though.