Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Work Effectively
• Method 2 of 4: Dealing with Specific Situations
• Method 3 of 4: Quality of Service
• Method 4 of 4: Learning in a New Job
• Tips
• Warnings

Working as a waitress can be quite stressful, even if you are already an experienced worker. Read this article to learn how to become a good waitress. The smiles of your customers, the satisfaction of the employer and the amount of tips will all increase as you work on the quality of your customer service.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Work Effectively

1. 1 Always look presentable. If you wear a uniform, keep it in excellent condition (washed and ironed). If no uniform is provided, wear a little formal attire. This will create a good impression with your customers (and your boss will generally be happy). Check your appearance periodically to make sure you don't look disheveled or that you haven't spilled anything on yourself.
   • Keep your nails clean and trimmed.
   • Wear good looking shoes (don't wear sneakers or sandals).
   • Refrain from using perfume, as some customers may be allergic to the scent of your perfume. Also try not to smoke before work or during breaks, as this can leave an unpleasant odor.
   • Jewelry shouldn't be conspicuous.
2. 2 Learn the menu to save time when taking orders. Learn the menu in your spare time if you want to avoid mistakes and delays.
   • Learn the flavors of each dish. For example, if a customer orders a sandwich, you need to know what kind of bread you can offer and what to put on it.
   • Learn which foods contain meat, dairy products, and common allergens such as peanuts. Be prepared to offer a similar meal, but without containing foods that the customer dislikes.
   • Before your shift, check out today's meal list.
3. 3 Ask the customer politely if they would like to order anything else. The bosses will love you for this, and your tip will grow.
   • Learn which spirits are high quality and expensive and offer them to your customers.
   • Always offer a snack.
   • Don't be persistent and don't mislead the client.
4. 4 It will be easier for you to work if you do three things at the same time on the way to the kitchen and back. Collect empty dishes from tables when you go to the kitchen. On the way back, grab additional orders for all tables at once, rather than carry them one at a time.
   • If you are an inexperienced waitress and cannot remember the order, write it down directly in front of the client (and, if necessary, take notes to yourself about what needs to be done in the next 5-10 minutes).
5. 5 Learn to manage your time properly. Keep track of how much time has passed since the order was accepted, and also learn the amount of time it takes to prepare each dish. Approach each table after customers have finished eating the meals they ordered. Move fast (but don't run) and try to stay at your chosen pace.
   • Let the client know how long he will wait for his order. For example, if someone orders a steak, tell them how long it will take to cook it.Or if the soup is over and the chef has to prepare a new portion, notify the client and be sure to offer an alternative dish.
6. 6 Check the dish before taking it to the customer, especially in cases of special requests. If the dish is the way the customer ordered it, you will avoid hassle.
   • If the dish is confused, inform the kitchen and the client about it. Apologize for the delay and, if this is the practice at your establishment, offer the customer something at the establishment's expense.
7. 7 Remember the preferences of most customers. For example, burgers are always served with ketchup, and children often drop their cutlery. Learn the requests of certain categories of customers and fulfill them in advance. This will save time for both clients and yourself, which will have a positive effect on the amount of your tip.
   • Additional cutlery, seasoning bags, napkins can be stored in your apron pocket.
8. 8 Don't let bad tips ruin your mood. Never complain about a bad tip when you've served your customers well. You may be fired or have a bad relationship with the rest of the service staff.
   • Some people never pay a good tip regardless of the quality of the service, and others simply cannot afford to pay a good tip.
9. 9 Don't sit around. If you don't have clients, do something else (there is always work in the restaurant). Show your employer that you know how to work and be proactive.
   • If your customers aren't demanding attention, look at other customers. Perhaps some of them need something (but try not to spoil the relationship with other service personnel).

Method 2 of 4: Dealing with Specific Situations

1. 1 Pay attention to parents when children order. A child may order unhealthy foods that are not approved by their parents. Give your parents a chance to object before repeating the order.
   • If the parents are oblivious, repeat the order loud and clear to give them another chance to change the order.
   • If the parents object, tell the child, “Sorry, I cannot bring this. Can I help you with something else? "
   • If you personally do not approve of the child's choice, do not say anything. It is up to the child's parents to make a decision (only if he does not break the law, for example, by ordering alcohol).
2. 2 Do not place dangerous items near children, such as hot dishes, sharp cutlery and other dangerous items. In this case, place the object near your parents and get their attention by saying, "Please."
3. 3 Serve parents with children as quickly as possible. Babies and small children are very fussy, so if the order is delayed, all of the restaurant's customers may suffer. Come to tables with children more often and serve such tables in a multitasking mode (to speed up the process).
   • Try to bring food and drinks at the same time.
   • If your parents order a dish that takes a long time to cook, offer them another dish that will take much less time to prepare.
   • This is the rare situation in which you have to bring the bill when you come for empty plates. But ask permission to remove the plate if there is food left on it.
   • Don't make your parents think you want to get them out as quickly as possible. They will appreciate your good and prompt service, but don't overdo it with intrusive service.
4. 4 Don't get involved in an argument about who will pay. In this case, place the bill in the center of the table, and not next to one of the clients. If customers ask you to resolve their dispute, smile and tell them you will come back a little later.
5. 5 Learn how to serve tea and coffee properly, as some customers take these drinks very seriously. Ignore this tip when serving a repeat customer you know what needs to be done.
   • Tea lovers are especially concerned with the brewing process.Make sure you write down the type of tea you ordered correctly, and bring milk, lemon and sugar (just in case).
   • Don't put anything in tea or coffee without asking the client.
   • Do not put a spoon in tea or coffee. It lowers the temperature of the drink and some customers prefer very hot drinks.
6. 6 Ask if customers would like you to bring water if they order alcoholic drinks (this is more relevant in a restaurant than in a bar). Many people like to dilute an alcoholic beverage with water to reduce the negative effects of alcohol consumption.
   • In many countries, it is not customary to dilute alcoholic beverages with water.
7. 7 Never place an object that you have lifted off the floor on the table. Even if it's just a menu or a salt shaker, you must replace it. Your customers don't need floor germs.
8. 8 Practice doing certain tasks, such as opening a bottle of wine, to learn how to do them faster and more agile.
   • In most cases, waiters open a bottle of wine directly in front of the customer. With practice in this task, you will open the bottle quickly and naturally.
9. 9 If you are responsible for music selection, turn down or turn up the volume to an acceptable level and select the appropriate melody. Never play an entire music album; play different tunes to please the tastes of all customers.
   • In the morning or afternoon in a cafe or restaurant, it is better to play calm and unobtrusive music (for example, classics).
   • In the evening, customers love to listen to more energetic music, but this largely depends on the general atmosphere of the establishment. Most of the time, customers don't need very loud music because they want to talk to each other. In any case, waiters are rarely responsible for picking music during peak hours.

Method 3 of 4: Quality of Service

1. 1 After the clients sit down, look at them and introduce yourself. This opening tends to result in a big tip and also gives customers the opportunity to politely contact you later on.
   • You can also introduce yourself during the distribution of the menu and checking the availability of cutlery and napkins for each client.
2. 2 Be polite and friendly to even the poorest customers so that they feel as comfortable as possible.
   • Ask customers if they are visiting your restaurant for the first time. If the answer is yes, offer them your help in choosing the dishes.
   • Be friendly, but don't interfere with the conversation between clients. Get your job done and step back to give customers a chance to enjoy a meal or have a private conversation.
   • Remember to smile. No matter how annoying clients or colleagues may be, put a smile on your face and do your thing.
   • Never gossip about clients, even if they can't hear you. When discussing clients, do so in a polite and respectful manner.
3. 3 Respect the client's personal space. Never sit down at the same table with a client to write down an order, do not shake hands with a client (unless it is the institution's greeting policy) or hug (unless you are close friends with the client). The degree of your friendliness will depend on the institution you work in.
   • Research shows that waitresses who lightly touch a customer's shoulder or arm get more tips. Only do this when the client is calm and comfortable, and never do it with a lady accompanying the client. Be friendly, not flirty.
4. 4 If a customer asks for your advice on food choices, be prepared to answer all questions or recommend your favorite food (in each category). If a customer orders a dish that most other diners in the restaurant don't like, recommend another dish to the customer.
   • Customers love being recommended the most delicious dishes, but don't go too far and describe the disadvantages of the dishes.Instead, recommend a dish that you personally like or that is a chef's signature dish.
5. 5 Be prepared to comply with any reasonable customer request. Many customers avoid certain foods (especially those that cause allergies). If you do not know from what products the ordered dish is prepared, find out and inform the client about it.
   • Never fool customers by bringing them dishes made with unwanted foods. If you cannot bring the ordered dish, just say so, and then offer the client another (similar) dish.
   • Don't ask clients. Remember that there are many reasons for changing an order: religious, vegetarian / vegan, cultural, and dietary. If you can replace the order, don't ask customers unnecessary questions.
6. 6 Repeat the order out loud. Research shows that waiters who repeat the order out loud (in front of the customer) get more tips. It will also allow the customer to correct any mistakes or change the order.
7. 7 Come to your clients' tables regularly. Over time, you will learn to determine how often to do this. Be sure to come to the table when customers have finished eating a dish or when they are bored (or annoyed) while waiting for their order.
   • If you can, tell your customers how long it will take to prepare the meals they ordered.
   • Walk up to the table to refill clients' glasses or ask them if they want anything else.
8. 8 Remove plates, glasses and cutlery when customers have finished with their next meal. Always ask permission to remove the plate if there is food left on it (if there is too much remaining food, ask if everything was in order).
   • In many restaurants, dissatisfied customers are offered something at the expense of the establishment. This practice can save your tip.
9. 9 Be friendly with your regular customers. When someone sits at your tables more than once, try to get to know them better. You don't need to be friends with them, but you will most likely like some of them.
   • Remember their names, favorite drinks, where they work. Make them feel like they are going to a restaurant to visit a friend - you!
   • Write down the preferences of your regular customers. For example, a client will be impressed if on a regular visit you remember what kind of steak he loves.
10. 10 Don't wait for the client to finish and ask for an invoice. Ask if there is anything else you can do for him; offer to bring dessert, takeaway, or bill.
    • If customers say they don't want anything else, ask if you can calculate them.
    • If clients ask you to bring an invoice, it means that they are in a hurry or did not wait for you to approach them yourself.
    • Never ask a client if they need change. Bring your change and place it on the table.

Method 4 of 4: Learning in a New Job

1. 1 Learn the menu in advance. When you arrive for an interview, take the initiative, ask for a menu, and take it with you. Large restaurants have educational programs that introduce you to the cuisine and menus; bars and small establishments expect you to learn it yourself.
2. 2 Come to work on time or even a little earlier. Punctuality is an important feature of every employee, especially if you are just starting out on your duties.
3. 3 Listen to the guidance of experienced colleagues, even if you have already worked as a waitress before - you should pay attention to the nuances of your new job. Each restaurant functions differently, so knowing the details will make your job easier. Also, it never hurts to be respectful to your boss and colleagues, and not to start a conversation with the phrase: "I already know this."
4. 4 Stick to the general pace. If you've never worked in a busy restaurant, you may be amazed (and tired) by the high pace of work. Do your best to keep up with the pace of other waiters.Over time, you will get used to it and it will become easier for you to work, but at first you may have to make an effort.
5. 5 Do unpleasant work without complaining about it. You will start your career from the very first rung, but you will never climb the career ladder if you complain. If asked, wipe tables or work off hours and remember that as you move up, you will have more choice.
6. 6 Take constructive criticism calmly. Your coworkers may accuse you that the quality of your service scares off customers (which affects the tip). In this case, just smile and tell yourself that over time you will learn how to do things much better.
   • This is definitely not the case for every restaurant. Before applying for a job, find out about the procedures and working atmosphere in this institution.
7. 7 Take extra shifts, especially early in your career, to convince your bosses and colleagues that you are reliable (they will know you can take over and can handle the extra work).
8. 8 If you don't know anything, ask questions. Show interest in learning specific skills or specific processes. Your coworkers know you’re new, and you’re sure to find someone who appreciates your questions.
   • But that doesn't mean you have to ask about your job. "When does my shift end?" or "Should I do this?" - such questions will annoy your colleagues and employer.

Tips

• Always start with appetizers, then offer drinks and first courses. Snacks are ready in minutes.
• Leave problems and bad moods at home.
• Show respect for all customers.
• People come to the restaurant to relax. So relax too.
• Always be polite to even the worst customers. You can even smile at them (fake smile).

Warnings

• Never leave one customer to serve another. If you have no other choice, at least apologize.
• Never count a tip in front of clients.
• Never brag or discuss your tip with other waiters.