How to Earn Excellent Tips Waiting Tables

Hi folks. How are you tonight? My name is Chris and I'll be your waiter this evening.

Everyone working in the food service industry knows that earning good tips is not only part of the job but absolutely necessary. Every dollar earned pays your rent, tuition, medical bills and whatever other expenses you may need to manage. Having worked in the industry as a waiter for over six years, I have discovered a few tricks that may help you make your money.

Make eye contact and smile. When I began my occupation I was right out of high school, a shy nerdy kid with not much social confidence. It took me a long time to figure out that just by smiling at someone, you speak to them on a more emotional level. Sure enough, as my confidence grew, I smiled more and I found my tips increased by an average of about five percent. Smiling is a simple gesture that everyone can do.

Be well groomed and look sharp. On a similar note, people connect with those they find physically attractive. This doesn't mean that unless you're Brad Pitt or Adriana Lima you're doomed to double tax, but rather when you take care of your self - your clothes are cleaned, your hair is styled, your nails are trimmed, etc. - people get the impression that you care about yourself and about your job. I've noticed on days when I haven't looked my best, I walked out with less cash.

Find a point of connection with the customer. Granted, not everyone wants to chat. A lot of people just want to enjoy the company of the people they brought with them. I find that families and couples who have been together a long time are more likely to be open to conversation. (I guess they don't have anything to say to each other anymore.) But take note of the little things your customers say and do and see if you can work it into a conversation or a joke. It doesn't have to be anything extensive, but if you can make them laugh they are MUCH more likely to leave a good tip.

For example, recently I had a middle aged woman dining out with her family who ordered salmon. I asked her how she would like it cooked. She hesitated for a moment then replied, "Medium Well. I saw a show about worms living in fish." I chuckled lightly and joked, "Good call. I can't make any promises but I think you'll be okay." The table laughed and I went on my way. Later, checking up on them, I asked, "How is everything? Find any worms?" and again had them laughing and earned twenty percent.

Gain their trust. Often, customers will ask for recommendations on their food or drink. Learn the menu well, and try some of the items if you can. Pick some favorites and be firm in your recommendations. An often heard question is, "How is the (steak/fish/whatever)?" I find this interesting because no one expects the waiter to say it isn't good. By explaining to the customers that, personally, you think the escargots are good but the fried calamari are better, you're now on their side. They will trust you more.

Another good tactic is to confidently recommend something you think they'll like right off the bat. Often, this item will be a very popular one. I worked at a restaurant famous for their dark beers, and I would often recommend the most popular one to customers. When the customers, satisfied with your recommendation, are ready to order steaks, they may feel more comfortable spending the extra money on something you recommend. You have a good track record with them now. Not only have you raised their check, but they get a good meal and for your help you get compensated too.

Earning good tips is truly an art. It requires good people skills and an ability to adapt to different personalities. With experience, reading people becomes easier. I watched a senior waiter once watch a table of six sit down and one by one tell me what each person would order. Sure enough, when I took the order, he was dead on every time.

As you work, you'll start to develop your own individual strategies. Live and learn and make your money!