Waiting tables in a restaurant is a great way to earn money, but as a tipped employee, it's difficult to estimate an expected salary. The daily intake of cash will vary from day to day and week to week. While most people will leave the standard 15% gratuity, there's always a chance that someone may be having a bad day, or something uncontrollable may happen, which results in no tip or a small amount. The following are several tips to ensure a high quality of service, which as any server can tell you, will be reflected in the large pocket of money at the end of the night.
Be Courteous
As a server, it is your job to be of service to your tables. With that in mind, using good manners is hardly something that even needs mentioning, right? However, after a long night, a busy restaurant, or a rude table, it's easy to carry that bad attitude over to the next table. However, that will most likely affect your tip. A better way? Remember to say please and thank you to your guests. Look them in the eye and smile. Look for small ways to be extra helpful, as pulling out a chair for someone or picking up a fallen coat. In many circumstances, the Golden Rule applies: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Know Your Menu
Again, a no-brainer. However, a good server will not only know their menu, but put that knowledge to use to increase the amount of the bill, as well as be able to answer customer questions and address any concerns. "Up-selling" is a term used in the food service industry when a server suggests a particular appetizer, drink, side dish or even dessert to increase bill size. A good server will take in account what their guests have ordered, and try to up-sell appropriately.
Often, guests may have food allergies or preferences. By knowing the menu inside and out, you may be able to better guide your guests to food they can eat and enjoy, or, if ingredients can be added or subtracted from meals.
Be Proactive when Addressing Guests' Needs
Often, items on the table may be a clue to something your guest may need, without them even needing to ask you. For example, you have a party that includes children. Make sure to bring crayons, extra napkins, and even handiwipes. Those parents will be eternally grateful. Or, you see a beverage that is two-thirds empty. Grab a refill (if it's free) and offer to the table, letting them know you noticed it and didn't want them to go thirsty.
Build a Relationship With Guests
You may be at work, but your guests are enjoying a day or evening out. Chitchat with them. Ask them about the children, or compliment them on what they are wearing. In food service, there are customers known as "regulars," which are people who come in frequently and may like to have a particular server. It should be a server's goal to acquire regulars, as these are people who can be counted on for steady money, at the very least. Often, these people will also go out of their way not to be any trouble to the server, such as waiting patiently if a server is busy with another table.
Being a server is often a job that can be both physically exhausting and mentally draining. However, it can also be rewarding both in emotional and financial ways.
Susan Beam - Currently writing for a weekly newspaper, the Columbia Ledger, in Columbia, PA, and for Lancaster County Woman.
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