https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:52:41 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips/page/2#post-2155507 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:48:32 +0000 Littlebit 2155507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Try to guess what the customer will need before they ask for it. Extra napkins if they're eating something like wings or crab legs, or have children with them. Stay on top of refills.</p> <p>Be close by after they get their food. I HATE HATE HATE waiting for my check for 10 minutes after I'm done eating. Huge pet peeve. </p> <p>Also, act like you like your job even if you don't. Your attitude makes a huge difference! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips/page/2#post-2155387 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 07:27:26 +0000 looch 2155387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are we talking about a family type place, or a higher end restaurant, because I certainly don't tip the same, it depends on the experience, I suppose. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2155236 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 00:20:05 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2155236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My late MIL was a wonderful woman who loved eating out at nice restaurants-a rare treat for her. According to my husband, one of her pet peeves was when the waiter/waitress asked, "Are you still working on that?" In her opinion enjoying a meal out wasn't "work," and she felt that saying so by the server took away from her enjoyment. The servers who asked "Are you still enjoying?" or "Is everything still tasting wonderful" *always* got a good tip from her. I now make it a point to leave a great tip whenever I'm not asked if I'm still "working" on my food. Yes, it might sound silly, but in her beloved memory I wanted to add her tip for good tips;-). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2155171 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:10:25 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2155171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with those who say when we're ready to go let us go quickly!</p> <p>I also tip more for people who are helpful in some way with lo's needs, because I feel that's going above and beyond (her food is the cheapest but she is the one needing extra accomodation) especially in the days before we paid for a kids menu plate. If they are nice but not super chatty, and quick, that's ideal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2155168 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:08:43 +0000 autumnlove 2155168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTiz: haha, we had like 8 cups on our table the other night...a lot were empty! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2155163 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:03:32 +0000 Mrs.ThinMint 2155163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These are all great tips! Another thing that I always like is when the server acknowledges my baby, waves at him, or tells me he's cute in a genuine sounding way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154916 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 19:46:57 +0000 matador84 2154916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I waited tables for six years, but here's what I've for for ya--</p> <p>If you want to make money, turn tables quick, but don't rush your customers.<br /> Don't ever serve a customer a drink while holding it from the top, that's just disgusting. Always hold from the side.<br /> If there's a daily special, keep it short and sweet. Offer an appetizer off the top.<br /> Smile! I can remember having some of the worst days including a day when my house had just been burglarized and then having to put on a smiley face was soooo hard. Being friendly without over the top brings better tips.<br /> Always check on the meal within a minute or two of being served.<br /> Keep drink full always before customers have to ask.<br /> Make sure silverware is clean and tables are set properly, booth or tables are clean as well including highchairs.<br /> Don't bring food out not on a tray, even if it's just two plates.<br /> Never just hand a guest their check after the me has been served. Have the check preprinted in your apron so you can hand it to them whenever their meal is completed. Always offer dessert so you aren't rushing them out the door.<br /> If they order alcohol and it's taking long at the bar (sometimes it does) give an update on the meal.<br /> Do lots of walk bys to check visually if they need anything (napkins, extra silverware, straws, crayons for kids etx). You want to interrupt their conversation or meal as little as possible.<br /> Know the menu inside and out and items that can be made that aren't on the menu.<br /> Never be seen chatting to other servers or just standing around. There is NOTHING that ticks me off more when I go to a restaurant and see servers talking to other servers, hanging out, on their cell phone, etc. There's always tons of work to be done in a restaurant and learn every position you can to make yourself marketable. Hosting, expo, prep, etx. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154901 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 19:40:06 +0000 jaguar 2154901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I find this super fascinating - tipping isn't a culture down here in Australia (because our base salaries are higher, so it balances out) so travelling internationally &amp; figuring out tipping was a bit of a challenge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154755 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:15:20 +0000 lady baltimore 2154755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My family always tips bigger when the server is on top of keeping the water glasses filled. Sometimes that's you, sometimes that's the bussers, but keep an eye on it.</p> <p>As a former server, I would encourage you not to spend too much time focusing on your tips. Count them at the end of the night, sure, but I always thought, when I saw coworkers carefully counting exactly how much each table had left them, "you'd make more tips if you spent this time attending to your tables!" If the customers see you doing it, it looks really tacky, too.</p> <p>Also, find a few favorites on the menu that you can recommend with confidence. There are customers who really appreciate a tip from the server. And pay attention to the regulars, but not too much. Some of them can get territorial and demanding, so accommodate them, but don't get into any bad habits that will take you away from taking care of your other tables. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154607 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:16:24 +0000 Freckles 2154607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154606 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:16:03 +0000 prettylizy 2154606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another regular customer with a mommy perspective. If I get there with my kids, ask if you can put there order in early or if we would like their order before the rest of the meal. Often the kiddos get impatient and having their food come out fast is a blessing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154601 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:14:27 +0000 Torchwood 2154601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Freckles: It's not a mistake. He specifically tells us he did it, with a "wink wink" sort of attitude. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154583 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:07:48 +0000 Freckles 2154583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: don't you just tell him that he made a mistake and have him make a new bill? We always point out mistakes, even when it is in our favour. </p> <p>To answer the OP I can only answer as a customer- bring waters and menus quickly and don't take too long to bring the bill- I really detest trying to flag the server 10-15 minutes after we are done because he/she thinks they are "done" with us. Bring it right after clearing the table and just say, "no rush, take your time." Also, if the table has kids and they ask for napkins, please bring lots! I usually use the napkins to clean up messes on the floor/table. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154571 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:01:42 +0000 DillonLion 2154571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Very limited food service experience, but as a customer I love when drinks are replenished constantly without asking. I also like being checked on and having my requests (more napkins/extra ranch/etc.) delivered right away. I try to tip 20% for regular service and if it is above average, or we make a huge mess, I aim for 25% to make up for the people who tip like shit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154467 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:55:59 +0000 Adira 2154467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: Oh, that's kind of annoying then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154442 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:44:48 +0000 Torchwood 2154442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: He makes a point of telling us every time, so pretty sure he does. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154432 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:41:20 +0000 sorrycharlie 2154432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>so I'm not waitstaff but I can answer as a customer! We usually give 20% if the service includes - friendly waitstaff, pays attention to us (notices if we need something or we're looking around for him/her), keeps up with my insane water intake :P, doesn't take a year and a half to bring the check when we're ready for it. on the flipside, I've also had a waitress who when we flagged her over she handed us the check and we were going to order dessert...so we just left and stopped for froyo on the way home. She also never came back, so we had to ask a manager to break a $20 at the bar for us - and then she magically appeared, pissed. Well, too bad, you were ignoring us! I felt like she wanted us out the door. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154426 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:37:33 +0000 MrsTiz 2154426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've not been a waiter, but I go out to eat a lot lol</p> <p>Biggest pet peeve, hands down - If I need a refill and you bring me a new glass instead of topping off my old one TAKE THE OLD ONE AWAY!! I want to scream when we're trying to eat and there are 4 cups on the table. DH drinks after like every bite, so he needs a lot of refills. Take the cups away. Please.</p> <p>And when someone is ready to go, they're ready to go. Don't make them wait for you to ask if they want a to-go box, and then wait for the check, and then wait for you to pick it up. When we're ready to go, we want to go! Especially if LO is with us lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154407 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:26:13 +0000 Adira 2154407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: Ohhh, gotcha! Now I get it. :D Although if he ALWAYS charges you the single bowl price, maybe he just doesn't know any better?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154388 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:16:36 +0000 Torchwood 2154388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: The price for all you can eat isn't the same as the price for just ordering one bowl of soup and nothing else. He's giving me the one bowl price, not the all you can eat price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154372 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:11:00 +0000 Adira 2154372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: I'm confused... if it's all you can eat soup and salad, shouldn't you only be charged for one soup, regardless of how much you actually have? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154363 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:07:06 +0000 mrscobee 2154363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: Makes total sense. I think doing it once or twice if you have two bowls is different than doing it all the time and constantly cheating the owner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154358 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:06:11 +0000 mrscobee 2154358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We usually tip well. The thing that will cause us not to is a waiter who is either completely inattentive, or one who does not apologize when something goes wrong and is just rude about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154349 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:01:23 +0000 Torchwood 2154349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: It's also that he's done it more than once. One time, and maybe he just felt bad for having been a crappy waiter, or maybe if I only ate two bowls it's not unreasonable. But he always does it. DH and I both hate feeling manipulated, and that's how it comes across. Like he's trying to trick us into giving him more by acting like he's doing us a favor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154343 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:00:23 +0000 charlotte 2154343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>no waiting tables experience here but as a customer, we always tip really well when people are nice to LO and helpful - like asking if we want his food or part of it first (if possible) etc. and when its just the too of us being around just enough but not too much if that makes sense! it seems like some waiters can just sense when we need something without hovering and refilling water that is already 90% full etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154336 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:58:21 +0000 mrscobee 2154336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: Oh, got it. That makes sense, and you are totally right! I guess I was thinking about a corporation. Not that it is any more ethical. But sometimes, I appreciate little one off things like that (giving the customer the pickle, if you will). But totally get what you are saying and why he would be sensitive to that!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154330 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:56:50 +0000 Torchwood 2154330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: Because he's cheating the owners or of money (it's not a corporately owned restaurant) to line his own pockets. FIL owns a couple of restaurants, so DH is more sensitive to that side of things. He's said he would fire that waiter on the spot if he was the owner and found out about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154305 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:47:05 +0000 mrscobee 2154305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: Curious as to why that seems tip grabby? Does he say something? I would be appreciative if someone did that for me and probably would tip them better, because in the end, I'd be coming out ahead! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154284 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:32:41 +0000 Torchwood 2154284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a lot to add to the above; there are some really good ones there. (I hadn't thought about the taking control thing, but I agree that as a customer that would make me feel better in a complicated paying situation.) But one thing that DH, having had many years in the restaurant business, really hates is when the waiters/waitresses come off as really tip-grabby. Like there's one restaurant I only go to for the all you can eat soup and salad. One waiter there *never* charges me for that, he only charges me for one bowl of soup no matter how many I get. DH feels like he's hoping I'll be appreciative and make up the difference by tipping him better. He's overall a crappy waiter, so that makes it worse, but I generally tip him slightly lower than I would normally (still quite a bit, but less). DH is also willing to give a lot of grace when someone is clearly having to cover a lot of tables or a difficult one, but he gets super angry if they're NOT busy and still take forever on things like drink refills. </p> <p>Also, if you smoke, try really hard to do so as little as possible while working. I HATE having a waiter come to the table smelling like smoke. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/waitstaff-bees-tips-on-how-to-get-really-good-tips#post-2154248 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:10:07 +0000 MrsSCB 2154248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Making sure they don't have to wait forever for the check is definitely a big one! That's my DH's biggest pet peeve. FWIW, we have never changed the tip amount over that (I pretty much always just tip 20 percent) but maybe others would? </p>