As a former waiter, I know how to think like a waiter. All waiters know this one fact: the more I sell to you in food and drinks, the higher my tip will be. Yes, we also know that giving great service raises our tip as well, but so many people tip at a standard 15% rate--regardless of the quality of service--that great service isn’t the best method to get the big fat tip. Instead, great waiters understand how to squeeze a little extra money out of you. Would you like to add bacon or cheese to your potato? Add another $3. Would you like soup or salad? Another $3. Waiters have a lot of tricks in their arsenal. Instead of appetizers, soup or salad, ask if the restaurant serves bread. Oftentimes you can get some sort of bread or chips free. Also, don’t add extra things onto your entree. Restaurants make a killing on these sorts of things. When it comes to drinks, I would recommend going for water, soda or tea. If you have to go for drinks, watch for this question: “What kind of rum/vodka/gin/etc. would you like in your drink?” Waiters know that you’re usually only gonna pick the stuff that they advertise on tv (which happens to be the more expensive stuff--go figure...). To save yourself a buck or two per drink, simply order the house liquor. And at the end of dinner, avoid dessert. Desserts can easily reach $6-$8. Instead, go out for ice cream at one of the local parlors. You will end up paying half as much and get just as much enjoyment out of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment