Bartending is one of the best ways to make money as a college student or individual with experience in the foodservice industry. Unlike servers or other restaurant staff, bartenders usually make minimum wage (or higher) and don’t rely on tips as their primary source of income, however busy bars or nightclubs usually generate a lot of tips for bar staff. Sure, you might not make as much money annually as a doctor at rcmcmedicalcenter.com, but bartending is a great way to make a decent living.
If you’re new to bartending or just want to maximize your chances of earning big tips, here are a few things you should try.
Read The Room
While some people assume that being overly friendly or striking up conversations with patrons is the best way to earn tips, the truth is that giving the best service to a customer is all dependent on the customer. Try to get better at reading body language or social cues to determine if a particular customer wants to make conversation with you or would prefer to sit in solitude. Both are okay, but understanding the difference and acting accordingly can make or break the service you give and the tip you receive.
Be Proactive About a Guest’s Needs
While this isn’t possible 100% of the time, especially if you are working at a busy bar, giving guests what they want before they have to ask is the key to keeping them satisfied. Keep an eye on your guests to anticipate when you should ask if they need another drink. If a customer is digging around in her purse for her wallet, it might be a good time to ask if she’s ready for the check. Try to anticipate your guest’s needs throughout the night and you’re sure to leave with a big tip.
Don’t Think About the Tip
No matter how much you do to serve a guest, you can’t control the tip they leave you, and thinking about it with every action is sure to make your helpful attitude seem less than genuine. The less you think about your tip, the more you are able to focus on the service you are providing, and the more you are going to be able to leave customers satisfied. This might sound counterintuitive, but it is one of the most important ways to improve your bartending skills.
{ 0 comments… add one now }