A Tip20! Original Article, by Tom Mason
Making better tips doesn’t have to be rocket science. In fact it can be as simple as the words you choose when taking an order. The list below are just 10 simple ways to make better tips and improve your guest experience.
- Greet your table immediately. A minute or less. If you simply don’t have time to do your big introduction at least stop by the table for a moment and say “My name is ________ and I’ll be right with you.” This will buy you a little time because they know that you are aware of their presence and are hurrying to get back to them as soon as possible. When you get back to them apologize for the delay.
- Smile. Smile. Smile. It’s you strongest money maker.
- Don’t be just an order taker. Repeat their items back and re-enforce their decisions. People are often unsure about their choices and are comforted to know they have made a good one. Set yourself up for success – “That is one of my favorites” or “I just had that myself yesterday” or “A very popular dish”
Know your menu. Not just the items on it but the ingredients that make them up too. Solid product knowledge will help you sell and build your credibility with the guest.- Always up-sell. When you do make sure it is an addition you personally like. If you can be honest about your recommendation, you will sell more. No one likes a salesman but people do value your opinion. Higher ticket averages mean larger tips.
- Recommend specific beverages and deserts. “Anything to drink?” won’t cut it and they will stick with water. People can get exhausted just deciding on their entree and won’t want to think anymore about a beverage. Instead try “Would you like a cold soda, fresh brewed iced tea or glass of red wine?” Notice the adjectives cold, fresh and red. This helps your guest visualize the beverage and may trigger a taste for it.
- Stay on top of refills. You never want your guests thinking about you. Nothing will get them thinking about you faster then thirst. Also, use napkins when possible. Drinks sweat and leave pools of water on the table. People don’t like putting their hand inadvertently in said pool, it’s gross.
- If you need to apologize for something, be sincere. Don’t try to shift blame if it is your fault. People may feel sympathy for you if you feel bad for the mistake you made. They may not be so forgiving if you are trying to blame the kitchen for their late food.
- Present the bill at the right time. Don’t make them wait for you, this is the number one tip buster.
- Tell them how much you have enjoyed waiting on them and to please come back and ask for you. Building your own clientele is good for you and your establishment. You will get to know your guests and can hone your service to their likes when they come back. “It has been my pleasure serving you today, please come again and ask for (say your name).”
Bonus Tip: For a great eBook on improving your tips, check out Patti Farnham’s Gratuity Ingenuity. The proven techniques and information it contains will pay for itself almost immediately!
Related Information
April 9th, 2009 | 
Great post Tom.I completely agree with everything but i really like how you put it ” Building your own clientele”. Your post is perfect i would only add that if you could grab their name and write it down. The next time they come by greet them with their name and that will solely separate you from a good waiter to an awesome waiter. They’ll be so impressed you have a great memory, but you know you dont you just wrote it down lmao.