Five Proven Waiter Tips to make more money

Waiter Tips on how to become a better waiter

With the waiter tips that follow, we have helped literally thousands of new and experienced servers to make a ton of money! For complete waiter training programs check the free courses at The Waiter's Academy.

Waiting tables is a more challenging art than you may think. The best waiters and waitresses are multi-talented, mind-reading experts who employ their own skills to achieve their goals. Their service performance can significantly impact the restaurant's bottom line and their personal earnings.
What does it take for a waiter to go from average to exceptional? Here come our waiter tips:

Five waiter tips that will increase your TIP percentage

waiter tipsWaiters and waitresses in restaurants are frequently in a unique position to earn more money based on how well they serve their guests. There are many ways to improve service, but here are five proven methods for consistently increasing waiter tips.


- High-quality contact with the guests


- Sell and up-sell, based on personal experience


- Assume nothing, follow the rules.


- Maintain efficiency


- Diplomacy with guests who stay at the table for a long time

High-quality contact with the guests 

Waiter talkWhile this is easier said than done, especially given the dozens of things that must be remembered while on the job, the server's full focus must be to provide a great dining experience for each guest.
The server cannot afford to serve robotically, repeating the same meaningless formulas each time; instead, he must treat each guest differently and individually. If he succeeds, he will receive more tips, boost customer loyalty, and raise per-table revenues.
Begin by stating your name and presenting yourself in a polite and personable manner. According to a 2009 research, waitresses who identify themselves by name receive a 23 % boost in tips.
According to another study, telling a joke to the guest might increase tips by 40%. Laughter and humor can also help to generate positive memories and boost consumer loyalty. It must be done with measure!

Upselling based on personal experience

Upselling is a business tactic in which a waitress suggests higher-priced menu items after enquiring about the guest's preferences and tastes. To do so, the server asks specific questions (to learn more about the guest), carefully listens to the responses, and then makes menu recommendations based on that information.
Selecting and presenting an item that will enhance the guest's eating experience efficiently raises restaurant revenue and tip.
Instead of saying, "Would you like some wine with your meal?" say, "I recently tried this Pinot Noir and thought it would pair nicely with your filet mignon. It will bring out the meat's tastes while also emphasizing its texture. Is it okay if I bring you a glass so you can taste it?"
This strategy works because you place the wine in the context of your own personal experience, and you sell it not for its flavors but for its ability to enhance the guest's eating experience.

Make no assumptions

Until the order is processed into the cash register system, a competent waiter never assumes what a guest will order.
Keep in mind that the consumer sees the server as the restaurant's guide. They'll inquire about daily promotions, new menu items, personal favorites, appetizers, and the wine list, among other things.
Take the time to display the menu and learn about your guests' preferences. You create the option to upgrade and so obtain additional tips by doing so. Furthermore, taking the time to interact with guests in a more personal and intimate manner helps you connect with them, increasing the likelihood of them returning in the future, leaving excellent reviews online, and referring your restaurant to friends and family.

Maintaining efficiency

Table rotation must be efficient to maximize restaurant profitability. There is, however, a narrow line to be drawn between quick table turnover and hurrying guests. To keep within your restaurant's typical table turnover time and ensure a continuous, predictable flow of visitors - and revenues - follow the steps of service.
This can also help you stay efficient


- The waiter greets the diners and takes their drink orders within 2 minutes upon arrival.


- Drinks are served after 4-5 minutes, and the waiter takes food orders.


- The food should be served within 15 minutes for the starters and 20-30 minutes for the main course. Inquire if the guests would like a new drink. The server asks if the guests want anything extra once the dishes are presented.


- 2 minutes or two bites after the food is delivered: The server double-checks that everything is in order and asks if the diners enjoy the dinner.


- The waiter clears the dishes within 3 minutes of guests finishing their meal


- Offer dessert and coffees and serve dessert within 10 min.


- Present the bill promptly and take care of the payment immediately


Good servers know how to plan their motions and never leave a location empty-handed when it comes to efficiency. Something is always in the room that needs to be returned to the dishwasher, bar, or kitchen, and vice versa. Even if you only have to attend to a few tables, assisting your team with picking up plates and silverware, refilling waiter stations, or clearing tables can improve the link between your team in the restaurant and the kitchen

Diplomacy with guests who stay at the table for a long time

waiter tipsIt's encouraging to see guests enjoying a good time and wanting to continue their talks. They don't realize that by remaining at the table for an extended period, they prevent you from reaching your target table turnover.
Guests that stay at the table after paying for their meal are often not appreciated by waiters.
A server should never be unpleasant to a guest or make them feel unwelcome. So, for example, "Sorry, I'd like to continue serving you, but we have another reservation for this table" is the wisest course of action.

 

Three characteristics of an excellent waiter in a restaurant

The best restaurant servers, according to experts, have three qualities:


- Adaptive ability. Anticipate the guest's needs


- Friendliness


- A thorough understanding of the food and wine menus

Adaptive ability. Anticipation

The greatest restaurant waiters are aware of their customers' demands and adjust their approach accordingly. They don't wait for the guests to ask for something! Instead, they anticipate what the guest might need and offer it in advance.
(Example: a server is bringing a steak or spaghetti carbonara to the table, he doesn't wait for the guest to tell him they need black pepper with that. As soon as the plate is served, the waiter brings the pepper mill and offers fresh pepper)
You may encounter all kinds of individuals, and you have to be ready to adapt. Some clients are pretty friendly, while others are not. Again, you must be able to adapt to this and approach the table without fear. One guest, for example, may enjoy a few minutes of discussion while another anticipates their lunch so that they may go on with their day.
This ability to adapt also includes assisting the team when necessary, such as clearing tables for the room clerks or providing beverages for the bartender.

Friendliness

It is critical to have a positive, active, and willing attitude to persuade guests and colleagues. A good server can maintain composure in front of the guests, solve problems, and use diners' feedback to improve.

A thorough understanding of the menu

To create lasting memories for guests, waiters should know how to use their knowledge, warmth, and confidence. Even if the waiters go through training, it is usually focused solely on the technical aspects of the service. Wine and food knowledge is as important as knowing the service procedures. It will give the staff confidence to interact with the guests freely.
For example, we can discuss some dishes, their origins, and the best wines to pair with them during a shift meeting. This knowledge can help servers communicate with guests more effectively.

Here are some more tried-and-true waiter tips that every competent server has used at some point:

 


- Include a "Thank you" message on the customer's bill. According to studies, this can increase the tip by 13%.


- Small talk. Engage guests in conversation, ascertain their preferences, and offer beverages, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Make every effort to sell your unique experience!


- Always maintain a positive attitude and greet the guests with a smile.


- Provide the guests with recommendations based on their preferences and your experience.


- Try to recall the guest's name and face. They will be overjoyed if you remember their name.


- Learn about the celebrities who frequent your restaurant.


- Always pay close attention to your guests. Stay alerted and attentive


- Smile at each guest whose eyes you encounter.


- Avoid interrupting a guest's conversation at all costs.


- Glasses should be held by the stem, and plates should be held by the bottom. In general, avoid touching surfaces that will come into contact with the guest.


- Never use the phrase, "I don't know. If you are unsure of the answer, state, "I will find out.


- Never take away a plate that still contains food without first consulting with the guest. And if the guest requests that you remove it, inquire whether there was anything they disliked.


- Your service should be consistent in terms of quality across all dishes.


- Advise a guest who places an excessive order. Explain portion sizes.


- Do not disregard a table simply because it is not one of the tables assigned to you. Proceed if you notice someone in need of something. Your co-workers will be grateful.


- Leave no plates or cutlery on a table that will not be used.


- Notify the customer as soon as possible if an item is no longer available in the kitchen or bar to avoid disappointment if the item appears on the menu.


- Ascertain that you understand the ins and outs of your restaurant's cash register system. It is a critical component of service management.

Dear Readers, following those waiter tips, will no doubt change your life! We are certain of that! If you are a beginner waiter/waitress, please read the guide: First day at work as a waitress

 

Thank You for visiting the Waiters Network and we wish you all the success in your hospitality career!

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    21 Nov 2022 08:24

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