ALT-29 Nonprofit Service Sector
It is not easy in this day and time to make extra money, but I have found a way for me and my family. I am a waitress. Bad job? Wrong, it is a great job. I have been a waitress for 6 years, supporting a family of four (myself and three children). These are the steps that I use everyday to insure that I make a good profit for my time and hard work.
1. Customer Service - The customer is always right. If there is a conflict, be patient and treat that person like a family member. Resolve the issue as quickly as possible and remember, your apology is worth the effort and will be rewarded.2. Quality Service - Here there are a few steps that lets your customers know that you care about their experience.
a. Meet and Greet: Respond to the customer as soon as you see them. (Hello, I'll be with you in a moment.)b. Promptness: Get to that customer as quickly as you can and get them seated with drinks and fresh rolls or bread. A standing customer is not a happy customer.c. Smile, Smile, Smile: No one wants to see the person that is waiting on them with a frown on their face. This is supposed to be a pleasant experience.d. Interaction: Treat that person as if you have known them forever, such as a family member. Make them feel welcome, initiate the conversation. (How is your day?)e. Conflict: If you know the person that you are waiting on and you do not get along, give that person to someone else. There is no reason that the other waitress could not benefit. Keep your person feelings out of the work place.f. Observation: Remember their drinks? If their glass stays full, so does their stomachs. It is okay to bring an extra glass of soda or tea if that person is drinking them heavily and taking extra rolls or bread can also keep them satisfied.g. Quality Product: If you wouldn't eat it, don't send it out. Clean the plate if there is gravy running over the side. Send it back if it looks burnt or unappetizing. Sure the cooks will get mad, but your customer comes first.h. Reassure the Customer: If there was a problem with the food, talk to the customer and let them know. If they wait over 20 minutes without a word, they are going to be upset and there goes your chance to make a good impression.. Remember to apologize for the delay, bring them a complimentary salad or soup.3. Prebus - Clear the empty dishes. No one wants to sit and enjoy a conversation with dirty dishes all around. Give them some elbow room and let them enjoy their experience.
4. Free Stuff - Offer complimentary coffee after their meal. Everyone enjoys free stuff and a nice hot cup of coffee relaxes most.
5. Return Policy - Four simple words.(Thank you, come again.) Add your personal touch. (I look forward to seeing you again, thanks for coming.)
6. Holiday Cheer - Make it personal. (Valentines Day - Right this way, I have a special table just for you.) (Christmas -I give each a candy cane.) (Easter - A chocolate filled egg.)
These a just a few ways to insure that you are earning the most possible tips. Using these guidelines can mean the difference in a good tip and no tip at all. Remember that your customer is always first, leave everything else at home. This experience is about them, not you. If you are having a bad day, leave it at the door, you can fume at home later. The most important thing is to make your customers happy, at all costs. One good experience overrides ten bad ones.
