The Subtle Things that Add Up
Okay, listen up you tip-chasing rockstars..IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. Yes, I said it. No, I’m not drunk. Not Yet. I may be as you scroll down further.
Ok anyway… So what I was thinking was we spend so much time focusing on the customer and the service, but have you ever looked INWARD? No not like yoga enlightenment, I mean inward, as in maybe it’s not the room…maybe it’s your vibe that’s off?
..Because guess what, pumpkin spice? The little things you do (and don’t do) during a shift absolutely stack up. And you need to be stacking extra twenties like you’re in a low-budget rap video. Oh man that was terrible, I guess the bourbon is kicking in now.
OK, anyway, on to the TIPS.
Strong Mind, Strong Vibe
Customers are empathy sponges and if you walk in looking like maybe you lost your dreams in the parking lot, they feel it and the first impression is ruined. Energy is contagious. Life is hard, but you need to do your best to fight past it to make that money. So stay positive, stay focused, and keep up a great spirit.
Eye Contact = Tip Foreplay
Look people in the eyes when you talk to them. Not in a creepy murder-podcast way. In a “Hey, I see you and I’m not dead inside” kinda way. People tip more when they feel acknowledged and you have a soul. This isn’t just customer service it’s human voodoo. USE IT. Socially intelligent people are masters at this, both in terms of picking up on social cues as well as understanding what to say and how to say it. While many of them end up being top tier hostage negotiators in a city Batman would thrive in, the ones who are earning tips probably pull in great cash. Think on this more as you wait tables, style hair, walk dogs, work at a casino, etc; are you being personable?
The Little Magic Things
Refill the water before they ask. Compliment their jacket even if it’s ugly. Toss in an extra bobby pin, a warm towel, a mint, a joke.. something. I used to do a stupid magic trick called ‘the French drop’ where I’d make a quarter jump from one hand to the other. These are your Easter eggs. And guess what? These micro-moments add up to macro-cash. SURPRISE AND DELIGHT, BABY.
The magic trick thing worked so well, and whenever I’d get sat (get a table) in the restaurant, and the parents looked stressed / kids were complaining, I’d take their drink order and ask them if they wanted to see a magic trick with a quarter. This completely reset the whole vibe because now the kids were happier, the parents were relaxed, and they felt like they got dinner and a show (lol).
Fix that Resting “I Hate You” Face
Your face says more than your mouth. Maybe I’m repeating myself from tip #1 above, but if you’ve been grinding a double for 12 hours and your soul left your body 5 hours ago, it’s hard to feel awesome. Those tiny moments where you soften your brow, lift your chin, smile for no reason maximize your tips. I understand difficult customers are not helping, but you have to deal with it. You can still have inner monologues about how much you hate them!
Be Tidy, You Filthy Farm Animal!
You don’t have to be a Pinterest board but please don’t look like you just crawled out of the mop sink. Organized workstations, clean hands (CUT YOUR NAILS), minty breath, maybe a hint of lavender oil to fake inner peace? Don’t smell like booze, cigarettes, or weed (perhaps there’s something edible that doesn’t smell, *wink wink*). A little cologne or perfume (but not too much, I’ve been guilty of that).
End on a High Note
The last thing you say matters. I know you want to churn and burn, but don’t go out like “here’s your check, mmm k bye.” End with a flourish. A kind word, a genuine smile, a “thanks for being awesome.” Even if they weren’t. ESPECIALLY if they weren’t. Leave them feeling like you were a gift from the ancient tip gods of an epic polytheistic culture. Because you ARE. In large restaurants or organizations it’s easy to get lost, but all the time we have cases where people wait to use a specific hair stylist/barber, or want help from a particular bartender, etc. Personally I’ve actually sought out a bartender who I know works upstairs, or asked to be sat with a specific person, because I know how good they are. Getting “regulars” isn’t dumb luck, it’s because you did something common uncommonly well. Keep that in mind the next time you do something. Don’t look at this as a numbers game, focus on quality.
So what’s the actual tip here? (Pun ABSOLUTELY intended.)
You don’t need to become a whole new person..This isn’t an MLM cult. Changes don’t have to happen overnight, either, you can adjust one dial at a time. Tweaking the tiny moments. Choosing intention over autopilot. Because when you care about how you work, not just who you work for, it adds up.
OK.. end rant. Go forth. I hope you found this valuable!