How to Get More Tips, or... Tip Tips

You know that rage you feel when someone doesn't tip you?

Don't get me wrong, you can't completely eliminate stiffers, but there are some things you can do to get more people to apply gratuity...

1.Hygiene!!

This is the most important advice. Every day before work, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and take a shower. Remember, you are handling people's food. Don't be a slob.

2.Treat the Customer like a Homie

Make conversation. Say the person's name (if it's on the ticket) as if you have met them before. This is especially effective with regulars. It makes people feel important when people know their name. Maybe even add a suffix when you say their name if they are the suit and tie kind of guy.

3. Mark up the CC slip

Circle the tip, total and signature lines and put a smiley face, or a heart if you are a girl or an effeminate guy. This adds a bit of friendliness to the whole process and has proven very useful for me.

4. Don't let the Neighborhood Hear your Music

This goes over some people's head and is actually a delivery guy stereotype. Turn your music down and power off your amp if you have one. Let the block eat dinner in peace.

5. Bring Extra Condiments Just in Case

I had this old lady yell at me once for not bringing her napkins. She was a crazy old hag and assumed we HAD to bring napkins. When I told her I followed any special requests and she had not asked for them, she signed a 0 on the tip section of the CC slip and threw a couple of dimes at me. Ever since then I carry napkins and condiments in my car.

6. Go to the Customer

Try your hardest to cut down the amount of energy the customer has to use to get their food. If they are in an office building I always try to  get it to their desk. Impresses the fuck out of people.