How to talk to a customer and make good tips! | How to be a good server or waiter
As a waiter or server, if you can learn how to talk to a customer and make small talk, then you're well on your way on increasing your check average and making good tips. Better tips come from customers who are happy and feel like they got great service and treatment. Organize your life, stop procrastinating, achieve personal growth with this journal which I personally created: amzn.to/3G8A65A
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How to start a conversation with your customers | How to make small talk with a customer
1. Know your restaurant and your surroundings.
What is the location of your restaurant? Are you in a hotel? Are you in a area with a lot of tourism? Is this a regular neighborhood restaurant with regulars? Is this restaurant inside a large mall or shopping center? Is this the kind of large corporate chain restaurant that's on the side of the freeway?
2. Every customer is different, with a different personality, and experiencing different emotions that day.
Part of having empathy is understanding that human beings are complex but are usually motivated by simple things. You will have to test the waters and adapt.
3. Be prepared to smile. Be prepared to talk. About anything.
Readiness is spontaneity. Human communication should not be scripted, because we know the difference. Walking around with a forced smile is strange and people will often view it as fake. But if you are prepared to smile and prepared to laugh and prepared to engage in spontaneous conversation, then you are ready to communicate and connect with another human being.
4. Look for a easy opportunity to ask a genuine caring question about the person, like when you are dropping their drinks.
It should be relevant to here and now. For observational. You can ask them how is your day going or getting some good shopping done today if they have bags. Make the comment positive, innocent and harmless, this demonstrates that you are open to talking with them. Now even if they don't engage in conversation with you, You have at least tried to meet them halfway. This is enough for most people.
5. Be confident.
This is always easier said than done if you're like 80% of the Earth's population. But your confidence can come from knowing and understanding how to make small talk work for you. This takes the courage to try and to try consistently. The majority of communication is nonverbal. So if you feel good about your self and you are happy, and you genuinely have feelings of concern for your patrons, and if you will make even the slightest attempt at small talk if nothing else for fun or practice, you will open your tables to a world of potential conversation and it will happen effortlessly.
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@kairolewis1372
3 жыл бұрын
you prolly dont care but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!
I always like it when the server introduces them self by name. I don't know if anyone mentioned that before. But when they share their name, I feel a closer connection with them, and the service just feels better.
@TrueGritProductions
9 жыл бұрын
Xavier Guillaume That's cool but fine dining protocols may vary by restaurant... some restaurants have told us not to introduce ourselves by name
@noeldee9236
3 жыл бұрын
@@TiinUser good evening what would you like to drink?
I am starting a waitress job for the first time next week, I'm shy so small talk is challenging. But to help me cope, I just remind myself of my goals and values i.e. take risks and opportunities to improve your confidence or make the customers experience memorable. Like you said; everyone has some degree of self consciousness and by breaking the ice, you help them open up
@TrueGritProductions
10 жыл бұрын
Hi Katharine! Remember as a server your main job is to provide value. Value from the menu, value from the experience. As long as you stay focused on providing value to the guest, you can't go wrong. Sometimes value means you present the best and most popular menu items, or paring and matching items with beverages or appetizers and so forth. Remember, some people don't want to small talk, but sometimes people do. A genuinely happy "good afternoon or good evening" and "how are you doing today?" is all you need to do to clear the air for better things to come! :-)
@katharineli6671
10 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your advice, I'm feeling a lot more reassured and encouraged
@Movivational4Lif3
Жыл бұрын
@@katharineli6671 so how did your job go??Im be a waiter for a restaurant and nervous
The success of a waiter is in it's confidence and kowlege. The real waiter always must be o top: 1.Good looking; 2. Knowledgeable; 3. Communicative; - have some ideas; - news. And so on. Never give's up
@rustyshackleford4743
9 жыл бұрын
Must be good looking? That's a bit prejudice. I've had some ugly waiters who were great, and some terrible waiters who were good looking
@rjwelch17
9 жыл бұрын
+Rusty Shackleford I thing he means presentable. Being good looking doesnt hurt though, society is prejiduce no matter which way you look at it, its inevitable.
You are very right in what you say about being happy and smiling around your customers. I have noted that when I have a positive mental attitude as I work, I encounter fewer stressful situations. When I repeat my "money mantras" to myself, I feel happier and generally earn more tips.
@missfefeloves
3 ай бұрын
Me too
I just took a server job at the Hilton hotel thanx for the tips! I was worried before watching this video cause I'm not the most social guy but your points are great, present an image of happiness and showing interest in the customer is key! I look forward to applying these tips
Thank you so much for all of your helpful information!!! i am a newer server and i get extremely nervous when i have a few tables going on... i struggle on up selling items off of the menu because i feel that if i start a conversation or to much time at a table that my other tables will need something from me. I try to rush through things fast and after watching your video i have learned that i need to slow down a bit and relax. i found your video very helpful and i will practice your advice next time i work!!! :D
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
here in my room, dreaming of you Selena
@jeffreywheat6298
7 жыл бұрын
da fuck.? lmao
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
jeff wheat it's a song ya fuckin douche
@selenacastillo2028
7 жыл бұрын
lol
@jojo-cw2tm
6 жыл бұрын
Selena Castillo v
i was a food runner at my restaurant last summer and winter breaks and today is my first day as a server. I’m trying to beat the nerves and store up as many tips as I can! At least I know the menu ...
Since I graduated into the service industry of full service restaurant and became a server myself, one thing that bothers me is the amount of servers who dont take their jobs seriously. Many of them are alcoholics with a very fake approach to their guests because they have alot of hidden annomosity toward the customers AND their job! Serving is an excellent way to make money for those who take it very seriously. If they learn their craft, truly represent their restaurant, maintain a POSITIVE attitude and focus on their guest's, they would make even more money with the guests who truly enjoyed their service instead of being angry about "being jipped on their tip". Maybe it happens often since their service is bad and they dont enjoy What they do. Customers can sense that in their server!!! Its in the way they walk, talk, and communicate. Its in the way they treat the transaction.
@TrueGritProductions
9 жыл бұрын
Yeah I agree completely. I used to dread being at work because other servers would stand around and complain all day. That's all they complained about was being broke all the time. All the while their table could be ordering wine.
@NoobyRussian
8 жыл бұрын
+lexabuzz Keep in mind though what restaurant you are at. That attitudes spread and some restaurants attract a different crowd and mind set when they come in. For instance I worked at and Outback and an Olive Garden. I get compliments all the time from guests. I won't say I'm the best server but I do my job well. I received well over 30 compliments in my first couple months at Olive Garden. Outback Averaged 20% tips even when I was new and really bad (first serving job). Food pace was a lot slower so it was easier to serve 3-4 tables. Average table time was a solid 1 hour. People didnt want to talk that much when they came in. Most tables wanted to talk to with eachother rather then you. So you had a lot of free time Olive Garden Averaged 15% tips. I received a lot more Great Job! Then a 15% tip here then I have any where else. Food pace is SO FAST! Pasta doesnt take long to come out. Depending on what you order. Most people that come in I would say order right off the bat on first great about 50% of the time. Tables time is probably 30-45 minutes average. This is probably the most fast paced service job I have ever worked and it sucked. People tip horribly but compliment you all the time. You are told by your managers to work on your addons all the time. Even if you have great addons for the night. They will acknowledge it then say now better tomorrow. 1/3 tables want to talk to you. I think most restaurants are fairly easy to be a server at. ESPECIALLY Steak houses. However any italian restaurant with pasta as your main thing. Especially you olive garden servers with your unlimited soup and salad. If Olive garden wasnt the busiest restaurant in my area, there would be no way you would make more money working there then any other restaurant. Fortunately at the time it was the busiest so it was quantity over quality. I feel like depending on your restaurant and how quick you have to do everything. You might have a right to bitch. Steak House servers... get your shit togeather. Served 7 tables at once in a self seating bar. Had 4 tables food go out incorrectly (cooks fault not mine). And still have time to do side work and got compliments that night. While only telling the manager in a angry tone in the back of house to tell the cooks to get their shit togeather cause I dont have time for them to fuck up again. Which I would say is impressive. 7 tables came by being double sat, drinks out, sat one more. Salads out for the first two with drinks for the 3rd. Then double sat twice, luckily one of the tables didnt know any english (germans). While one table was waiting on a person to show up. so could of been a lot worse. Wasn't 7 all at once.
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
NoobyRussian Prime Steak houses are not easy to serve at. Outback steakhouses maybe.If 4 tables food went out wrong in a prime steakhouse the regional manager would be there the next day and the company's CEO would be on the phone with the manager within 24 hours.
Wow, wasn't expecting much from a 5 min video, but this is REALLY helpful! Thank you.
I just subscribed to your channel. I love the sound of your voice as it’s honest and calm. I am starting a trial job at a cafe Saturday - this has been greatly helpful! I get worried about things like forgetting orders or getting them muddied up! I believe I can do this 😊
I work in a service oriented industry. In my experience, most people are extremely cheap and don't think it is required to leave tips to those who serve them. With that said, I have some "regulars" where I work that appreciate my good work and courtesy. Most of my regulars do leave nice tips and thank me for my service.
Thanks for these videos! I watch your channel and I apply your teachings to my practices. I work at an upscale restaurant inside of a Country Club and I always want to improve my skills as a server. I started at a regular diner with very zero experience and overtime I grew out from being the unorganized forgetful waitress who gets easily overwhelmed and can't keep a clear mentality, in fact I'm a very timid person in general so the job itself portrays great challenges for me. So far I've been studying and practicing and my turn out is great! Thanks again for the helpful tips!
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
That's great, congratulations. Always wanting to improve seems to be a desire that all successful people have in common.
Thank you helped me a lot as I have such low confidence and I have this new waitress job and yeah will deffo try your advice thank you so much!!
This is great video! wish i would have watched this when I started way back lol
Thank you. Used it with my staff.
Thank you very much appreciated.
Thanks Mister, for tips.
Just subscribed. Great info and most people don’t realize the simple things make the biggest difference
You are fantastic! I love that you tie in exercise and good eating. Everything is interrelated.
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
people want a fit server even in a place where they'll be stuffing face
Thanks for the video! It encouraged me a lot. I got a new job working at a restaurant. I needed some more advices though I had some experience as a server. What would you suggest to finish a conversation with customers, when other customers just walked in or getting phone calls etc :)
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
Cut off the conversation with "I'm going to check on your (drinks or food)" and then leave
pre bus. good grief. Also, half full= half empty....keep an eye on dem drinks.
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
+Khristtii Meeks Servers don't bus tables. They clear them. Not dem. Them.
this is gold pure gold really appreciate thw content
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
+Roman Sedano fuck off d bag
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
Phineas Henry I know he wasn't.
Such good advice Thank you so much
@TrueGritProductions
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
Great stuff! Very helpful
Very helpful! Gracias!
thanks for sharing !
This has gave me good advice thank you :)
thanks for the tips
Pro tip for $$$. Pay attention to what they are wearing and how they are carrying themselves. For instance if the lady is wearing Louboutins and sports a diamond Rolex you know that they are big spenders from the get-go, thus you can safely recommend a $400 bottle of wine instead of a $40 of wine; same for the food, recommend the Stone Crab claws for $90 instead of a puny salad for $15
@TrueGritProductions
2 жыл бұрын
You're literally everything wrong with the restaurant business. What do I know I quit my restaurant job 7 and a half years ago. Been traveling the world for the last 6 years. Never once did I feel the need to size people up like that. But you're the one offering "pro" tips. I guess if you want to stay a waiter your whole life, that is.
Really good stuff, keep the videos coming.
@TrueGritProductions
9 жыл бұрын
Rick Butler thank you
Thank you!
Good ....%100
May I highly recommend "The Four Agreements", by don Miguel Ruiz. Nice work on this video. Thank you!
The Four Agreements ❤️
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
Hmmm, my curiosity is piqued. Please share
Great video:) thanks for the tips
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
vanilli
excellent.
Thank you I’ve made so many improvements!
@TrueGritProductions
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome, keep up the great work!
thankyou
I actually do some of these. And i serve at Rainforest Cafe where its a bit pricy. But i make great cash. Only temporary though student loans
@TrueGritProductions
10 жыл бұрын
Rainforest Cafe which part of the country? I used to have a friend that worked in the one in San Antonio
@MzBeBeLena
10 жыл бұрын
It's a northern suburb of Chicago called Gurnee in Gurnee Mills mall (the longest mall in the country) which is where we have a Six Flags and the only training (bootcamp) Naval Base in the country is 10 mins away in Great Lakes
@MzBeBeLena
10 жыл бұрын
***** Oh snap i just saw you're a navy vet.. u have to know exactly where the great lakes base is
To talk to a customer please press one
Question: What do you do with rude customers? Last week this lady said: "More mountain dew". I grabbed the cup and refilled it but it hurt not hearing that wanted "please" from her. Her attitude sucked! Any advice?
@karlablanco8811
5 жыл бұрын
Francys Herrera continue having a positive attitude most of the times your energy will rub off and they will ease down.
I got my first serving job at a 4 star hotel. Shits been rough so far, especially because everyone (management, coworkers) expects me to be Jenkins the fucking curly-haired mustache waiter but I'm hanging in there. Not bad for never serving before, but horrible in their eyes. And customers have loved me so far, but still not enough for them.
@TrueGritProductions
5 жыл бұрын
You seem like a real piece of shit, so it's not a surprise
@makaylacree2965
2 жыл бұрын
@@TrueGritProductions omg 😭
Huge fan
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
+Jessie Garcia I'm a fan of yours
@Cornerstore203
8 жыл бұрын
+TrueGritProductions U real. Keep up the positive living.
very ni9ce my friend
I'm actually going to start my first job at ken's pizza this week, very scared. But after watching this I feel like I won't make to must of a dork of myself XD
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
good luck, just smile and always be helpful, and don't pester the customer with too many questions
Share the love! I learned something.
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
use protection
You can also read a book by the name The Innovation circle by Tom Peters Nice book as well and thank you very much for the Video.
great video i am a server in an asian restaurant for about 7-8 months and I still not quite sure how to upselling usually i go to my table and ask then if they wanna start with any appetizer and most of the time they say no so how to upselling?
@TrueGritProductions
6 жыл бұрын
Asian restaurants can be tough. But I'd specifically ask "would you like to start with or ?".... said properly, you're actually asking what in Logic would be a question that is rather giving an option as opposed to a yes/no question... see the difference?
Here is a new one for ya...(maybe). I've been currently working at a popular local restaurant. I'm only 9 months in as a brand new server on dinner shifts but also have a ton of personal customer service experience as I previously managed a successful mom & pop bowling center for 15 years. I love the people I work with (although I'm a general lover of people so I see past alot), but I'm still just part time. I've currently been head-hunted by 2 other local restaurants for full-time shift positions. My question would be this....move to a new locale without knowledge of how the operations run or if I would necessarily like it..just based on full-time?.....or stick with what I know here and wait for the better, full-time shifts? Thanks man. Appreciate your videos.
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
In my experience dinner/night shifts are where the majority of the real money is made. Having a full-day shift that may span into the evening usually resulted in marginally more money but at the cost of much more physical exertion and a drain on your free time. I once quit a job where all I worked was pretty much night shifts to go work at a new Gordon Ramsay restaurant. I got a lot of lunch shifts and not many great night shifts, so I wasn't making as much money. The new restaurant was filled with douche bag employees who would spitefully lie about you to get you in trouble- just for being happy. It was terrible. I ended up getting fired from there by their terrible management and the restaurant ended not long after getting sued by employees for not getting paid right. So the grass is always greener on the other side but ultimately you'd need to investigate the new place, see the menu and how much volume they do before making a decision.
@ericgumble6789
7 жыл бұрын
thanks for the lightning-quick response! One option is restaurant that serves only dinner (same price-point). The other is a pretty big jump to fine dining, which I don't have any experience in yet.
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
Eric Gumble fine dining should be the goal of every serious server... I'd put in my 2 weeks notice at the current job and let them know it's because you want to develop as a professional server, leaving the door open to pick up shifts there on days off or be a backup on-call... they'll likely appreciate that even though they probably won't use you moving forward, but that'll give you points if you need a job in the future again... Then go do the fine dining and challenge yourself... Fine dining is where the real money is because you get to sell wine at $100/bottle easily, and the clientele are not broke
@ericgumble6789
7 жыл бұрын
thanks man. appreciation
Do u have any tips for who has accents? or lower voice what do u prefer to do in those situations??
@TrueGritProductions
6 жыл бұрын
Absolutely. Study English. That means reading books and studying the language, practicing on your own to get rid of your accent.
My resteraunts in the hood what do i do? Customers are aggressive
@TrueGritProductions
4 жыл бұрын
You need to tell your customers: "I don't know what you're going through right now, but I hear you and I'm listening. I'm sorry for being racist, even though I didn't know that's how I was being. I'm sorry for everything I have or haven't done to you. Here, you don't need to tip me, and you can have this and all future meals free." Nah just kidding, find a new restaurant in a better part of town.
"On the side of the freeway " ):
Yes with Americans I make 25% to 50% tips but EU 79,80€ getting 00.20 Cts !!!
@TrueGritProductions
2 жыл бұрын
Because Americans are the freest most generous people in the world, and don't ever forget it.
@mayuran1611
2 жыл бұрын
@@TrueGritProductions yes correct 💯 my parents and siblings live in Rochester NY
I really don't like talking cus I'm shy :(
@TrueGritProductions
10 жыл бұрын
I don't either! But you can start out with taking charge of the procedure of waiting tables, then work in the small talk when you can. Get used to always having something to say when you're at your table. Simple conversation goes along way! And some tables want to talk to you for several minutes about anything in general, and others want you to be gone fast! Just use your magic powers of observation to determine the difference :)
Clearly you don't work at the the one and only restaurant of a chain in the whole of it's city. Conversation is definitely nice, but you are only talking to servers who do not work in an extremely popular and ridiculously busy restaurant. It's only at the very beginning of a shift of nearing the thinning of the crowd that 'conversation' is even possible. And (true) while not every customer is interested in chit-chat, every single customer appreciates an attentive server, one who always makes them feel like they matter and a 'genuine' smile throughout their meal is the guarantee for healthy tips. You have to love being around people to do a good job. Customers can spot 'fake' , when a server just doesn't want to be there or is just in it for the money. Sounds like the place you work doesn't have such extremely high traffic.
@TrueGritProductions
5 жыл бұрын
Santa Monica pier does not have much traffic? Ignorant
Do your side work and quit worrying so much about your tips. Hiya!
Ask "is this your first time here?" At the restaurant
@TrueGritProductions
8 жыл бұрын
I disagree. Not only was I specifically taught in fine dining to never ask if someone had been to the restaurant before because it can make them look bad in front of their guests, and I can think of 2 reasons right off the bat why it's a bad question: 1) they answer "no" and you've now wasted conversation and accomplished nothing but now you assume they know things about the restaurant that they may actually not and give them a half assed presentation of the menu and features 2) they answer "yes", so now you start treating them like you are the authority over their visit, which is extremely douchey when a person of reasonable intelligence can read a menu. If you are going to ask them questions, then ask them if they've tried a certain menu item which you highly recommend. Now if they choose they can say they've never eaten there before. Remember you are not the owner of the restaurant or their dining experience, you are not the 0,0 on the x y axis and they are in your world eating at your restaurant. You are working at their restaurant that they are eating at.
@JJ-ju6ky
7 жыл бұрын
Peyton Stoner Rather than asking "is this your first time here", ask instead "when was the last time you dined with us?" It accomplishes the same thing without setting you up to fail in the ways the above commenter has mentioned.
Another great way get more tips is by guessing your guests zodiac signs 😂. Ask them questions about themselves and their hobbies etc and guess their signs right, they love that 😂
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
I like the idea of getting to know your guests and get them to talk about themselves, the zodiac thing... I could see that working on some folks but might throw off others... good comment Robert
Who's here for Sociology?
@TrueGritProductions
3 жыл бұрын
No, no. Scientology is down the hall.
Thanks for sharing your stories! Just started as a server and it's super intimidating but I'm encouraged by your video. Also, I'm really into personal development books so I enjoyed your unique spin on this subject. Checkout my Facebook page The Oldsoul Milennial- Leena Love if you get a chance. 😊🙌
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
well, you got a subscribe on your YT from me... as for self-identifying as a millennial, look up the word "passe" and get back to us
How to be fake
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
no guest wants to hear what you did today or how you're feeling, neither do you when you eat out... call it fake all you want, but you have a job to spread vibes that are not miserable, so do it or don't waste a spot in the work force on your sorry ass
@rotmgWevouls
7 жыл бұрын
***** You must be fake
@TrueGritProductions
7 жыл бұрын
Get lost, troll. Go do something useful for a change
@rotmgWevouls
7 жыл бұрын
***** I'm a waiter and I'm more real than him
@rotmgWevouls
7 жыл бұрын
***** Ass kiss
Extremely well said, I am starting a job as a waitress at a Mexican restaurant and all these tips are very useful and I will put then in practice next time I work! Awesome tips, thank you so much!!