If you work as a server in a restaurant, you know that tips are a vital part of your income. Therefore, it is essential to find ways to increase your tips so that you can earn a healthy bankroll. In this article, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to maximize your tips.
1. Be Personable and Engaging
Being personable and engaging is an excellent way to make your guests feel welcome, and it can help increase your tips as well. Try to make small talk with your guests, and show interest in their lives. Smile often and maintain good eye contact to help establish a connection with your guests.
Tip:
Try to remember the names of your guests and use them when addressing them. It demonstrates attentiveness and makes a lasting impression on them.
2. Provide Outstanding Service
Providing exceptional service can make a significant impact on your tips. Always be attentive to your guests’ needs and provide prompt service. If a guest has a question, answer it promptly and accurately. If they require refills or additional items, attend to their needs quickly.
Tip:
Try to anticipate your guests’ needs, so you can take care of them proactively. Provide them with a memorable experience, so they are more likely to leave a generous tip.
3. Upsell and Suggestive Sell
Upselling and suggestive selling can help you increase your tips by increasing the guest check size. Provide guests with recommendations on menu items or drinks that complement their meal. Try to offer suggestions on wines or cocktails that pair well with their meal.
Tip:
Upsell without being pushy. Always explain the benefits of the menu item you are recommending in a natural manner, rather than pressuring your guests into making unnecessary purchases.
4. Create a Personal Connection
Creating a personal connection with your guests can make them more likely to tip you generously. Try to remember their names, their preferences, and their previous visits. Engage in brief conversations or ask them how their day is going, and show genuine interest in their answers.
Tip:
Write a personal note or draw a smiley face on their check. It’s a small gesture, but these personal touches make guests feel welcome, appreciated, and more likely to return and tip generously.
5. Be Knowledgeable About the Menu
Being knowledgeable about the menu is essential to provide informative recommendations to your guests. It shows that you are invested in your job and that you care about providing high-quality service to your guests. After all, guests are more likely to tip you for your competency if you make helpful suggestions.
Tip:
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the menu, daily specials, and new dishes. Try out different dishes and recommended wine pairings so that you can provide genuine recommendations to your guests.
6. Keep Your Guests’ Special Requests in Mind
Guests often have special requests that need to be taken into account for their orders. As the server, you can significantly impact the guest’s experience by making sure that their special requests are accounted for.
Tip:
Make sure to double-check any special requests with the chef or kitchen staff to ensure accuracy. This way, the guest can confidently enjoy their meal and appreciate you for being attentive to their requests.
7. Work as a Team
Working together with your team can make a significant difference in the guest’s experience. Each employee should work to make the guest’s experience more enjoyable, which can result in higher tips for everyone.
Tip:
Help your teammates when needed, and give credit to others for their efforts when a guest compliments the service. It creates a positive working environment, makes the guest feel more comfortable and appreciated, and ensures that you all share a fair share of the tips.
8. Stay Positive
Staying optimistic and positive, especially during stressful or unpleasant situations, is crucial to making guests feel more comfortable and appreciated while they dine at the restaurant. A positive attitude can make guests feel more relaxed, and it sets a positive atmosphere for the entire team.
Tip:
It can be challenging to remain positive in stressful situations, but try to keep smiling and maintain a positive tone. It reassures your guests that you are still providing excellent service, even in the face of adversity.
9. Demonstrate Professionalism
Always exhibit professionalism with your guests, colleagues, and managers. It reflects positively on the restaurant and yourself, and it earns your guests’ respect and admiration. Professionalism ensures that guests tip appropriately and view you as a valuable part of their dining experience.
Tip:
Follow the dress code, communicate clearly and kindly, listen attentively to guests’ orders, and display proper table etiquette by focusing on details like clearing plates, placing utensils appropriately and refilling drinks in time, and cleaning the table diligently after the guests have left. Small details can provide a big impact on your tips!
10. Encourage Honest Feedback
Encourage your guests to provide honest feedback on their dining experience to build a great relationship with them. Honest feedback helps you identify areas of improvement so that you can perform better in the future.
Tip:
Always thank guests for sharing their feedback and work to improve in areas that require it. Finally, Share positive feedback with colleagues and managers to boost morale and drive better performance all around.
Conclusion
As a server, your tips significantly impact your income. By following the tips above, you can significantly increase your tips earning and create a connection with your guests. Mastering these skills will not only make you a successful server but also provide your guests with a memorable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the average tip for a server?
- How can I handle a rude customer?
- What can I do if a guest doesn’t tip?
- How can I deal with a busy restaurant?
The average tip is 15% of the total bill.
Try to remain calm and respond politely. Seek help from your manager if needed
You cannot force someone to tip, but seek feedback from the guest and work on the areas that need improvement.
Remain organized, and work well with the team to provide speedy and efficient service. Prioritize certain tables by seating guests who have made reservations or guests who arrive first.
References
The Ultimate Guide to Increasing your Tips: https://www.poachedjobs.com/blog/ultimate-guide-increasing-tips/
How to Turn a Tables: Tips for Servers: https://restaurantsuccess.touchbistro.com/touchbistro-blog/how-to-turn-tables-tips-for-servers
Guide to Industry Tipping Norms: https://possector.com/management/guide-tipping-norms-restaurants/