Comments on: 6 simple ways to get more tips as a server

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:21:54 +0000

I had no idea that such simple gestures would get that much more of a tip out of people. I’ll have to get my daughter to try that sometime!

By: Hayley

Hayley — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:11:45 +0000

These are all fantastic ideas. But I think one would have to be a bit careful in how friendly they are, regardless of whether they’re a waitor or a waitress. Sometimes being too casual can turn a customer off.

However, being in good spirits, keeping an eye on the table and seeing if there’s anything to be done (though constantly checking back every 10 minutes isn’t necessarily needed)is always helpful and that’s usually what I base my tips on.

It’s also awesome that debit machines in restaurants give you the option of tipping! So even if you’re short on cash you can still give!

By: Warren Davies

Warren Davies — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:36:29 +0000

Thanks for the comment Blair! The tie idea is a brilliant one! Sometimes all you need is a good prop to get the conversation going and connect with, then once the ball’s rolling it’s easier from there. Good stuff!

By: Blair@Funny waiter stories

Blair@Funny waiter stories — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:31:21 +0000

This is a very interesting study. I have noticed many of these ideas increasing my tip percentage over the years. One thing that I have found is that while you want to get the check average as high as possible, it is much more important to establish good rapport with your table. In some cases I have found that people are more inclined to tip you higher if their check is not too big. Telling a table that they made a great choice is a must. It is also important to be honest if you do not like a dish.

One tactic I found very effective for increasing my tips was to wear a really strange tie. The stranger the better. When you introduce your self to a table the first thing they notice is that “wow that is a very unique tie you have on”. This opens the window to create strong rapport with your table. You tell them the story of how you got the tie etc and make a joke out of it. Now you and your table have bonded on something specific and they feel more connected to you. It may sound odd but it really works well. Thanks for the great post, I enjoyed reading it.

By: PhilTheTipJar

PhilTheTipJar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:18:37 +0000

Depending upon the establishment, tip jars or buttons can be used to remind the customers to tip in a humorous way. This would not be appropriate for a fine dining establishment, but for smaller sandwich shops, delis, coffee shops, etc. it might encourage people to tip.

People normally tip in a restaurant and hardly ever at a fast food place. For these “in-between” places, like a deli or coffee shop, it isn’t clear as to whether the customer should tip or not. A tip jar or a button with a clever saying might make the difference.

I also have more advice for increasing tips on my website.

By: Warren Davies

Warren Davies — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:30:52 +0000

Thanks for the comment, that’s a good point about the drinks; these ideas are measured against the size of the bill, so of course the higher the bill the higher the tip!

By: DogsDeserveFreedom

DogsDeserveFreedom — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:33:15 +0000

I have a few tips for servers to add that will increase their tip jar …

1 – if your customer tells you of a food allergy, DON’T bring a plate of food covered with that food!
(I had one who went over the entire menu with me regarding what I could and couldn’t eat, then didn’t think twice about the gravy they poured all over my food after I had asked not to have gluten!)

2 – if the customer is friendly, be friendly back. Joke around. Laugh a little. Don’t be so serious.

3 – refill their drinks regularly. The higher the bill, the higher your tip, so if you bring four martinis to the table instead of only one, your tip will be significantly higher.