Tips on Making Tips as a Waitress

To be a successful waitress and make a lot of tips you have to work hard. Tips are given because they are earned. Here are a few simple tips for making better tips.

Tips on Appearance, Attitude and Manners

You need to be neat and clean when you waitress. Make sure your uniform fits properly. Your hair should be clean and pulled back. Some restaurants may make you wear a hair net. If your hair is short, make sure you spray it so loose hair doesn't wind up on someone's plate. Your finger nails should be clean. Appearance can affect tips.

No matter what kind of day you've had or what problems are bothering you, leave it at the door. When you hit the floor to waitress have a smile on your face and don't tell customers about your personal or work problems. No one wants to here them. Greet your customers with a friendly smile. Attitude can affect tips!

Good manners, although waning these days, are still important when being a waitress. Please and thank you are never out of fashion. If the customer(s) ask you a question, be cordial and answer it politely. Help those like senior citizens get their coats off and get set down. Don't stare at people who have a handicap of some sort. Be helpful, never condescending. Manners make for good tips.

Tips on taking the orders

Some people like to try and memorize the order and not write it down. Unless that is a requirement of the restaurant, I would not do it. Write your order properly and concisely. If the cook(s) cannot read it, your order will be wrong or late. Try to remember everything the first time around. Take the drink orders, the appetizer order, the meal order and dessert. You can ask again about dessert at the end of the meal.

Know your menu!! You will be asked many questions about the food and how it is made. Example: Know what kind of oil the french fries are fried in. Some people are allergic to certain oils, breads, milk, nuts, etc. It is your responsibility to know or find out if someone questions you about the food and drinks. Remember, treat the customer like they were all your family, and they will tip you as such.

Tips on Serving

I can't stress this enough, a good waitress checks the order BEFORE you take it to the customer. Did they ask for double butter, sour cream, no cheese, scrambled not fried eggs, get the idea? You can catch a lot of problems before they get to the table. This can be a real tip saver!

Don't carry more than you can handle. Get a tray holder if your order is big. Better to make 2 trips than lose a plate or 2 on the way to the table. Always approach the customer from the right. Do NOT reach in front of people to hand plates of food or beverages. Approach each customer. If you're a waitress at a booth, excuse yourself when reaching for the people on the wall side. Make sure everyone is watching you so no one hits a plate while you are serving it.

Beverages. DO NOT hold a glass or cup anywhere near the rim where people need to drink from. Pick the glass up from the bottom and use the cups handle. Spreading germs is a tip killer and I definitely won't tip a waitress who does this wrong. When refilling drinks, whether cold drinks or hot, do NOT pour over the table. You pick the glass or cup up and turn so you are over the floor and then pour.

Always go back shortly after serving the meal and ask if everything is alright. Be cheerful and helpful. Take the dishes as they are done with them. Offer to get refills on their drinks and ask about dessert. Tips are for attentive waitresses.

Random tips for making tips

A good waitress checks her tables BEFORE the customers start coming in. Check the silverware and dishes to make sure they are spotless! Check the condiments. Is the table clean?And check the floor, are there crumbs or bits of paper? Clean it up.

A waitress doesn't yell at customers.
A waitress shouldn't show temper towards staff or customers.
A waitress shouldn't gossip about customers or staff.

In the end, be a hard working, caring and appropriate waitress. Treat customers like you want to be treated and you will find your tip cup filling fast.