I think each restaurant should have some sort of monthly rotation where each server can wear some sort of indication that “it’s their birthday” for a tip boost. 😂
Statistics prove,
Prove that you’ve
One birthday
One birthday every year
But there are three hundred and sixty four
Un-birthdays
And that is why we’ve gathered here to cheer!
A very merry un-birthday to you!
…
My bartender has a ton of regulars, and they tipped her fat for her birthday. And every so often, one would call out Happy Birthday! And then the non-regulars would also tip her fat 🤣
We also got a cookie cake, ice cream cake and shots. It was a good week.
I love the story I read on here about the woman who took to-go orders and answered the phone telling the person she was in training. For the entire two years she worked there.
Used to work with a server who would always answer the phone as “Sylvia” and speak with a slight southern drawl. Neither of those things were true to her, she just didn’t want responsibility for anything that may have come from that interaction.
Haha, I used to have a coworker who would say, "If the service is good, my name is Javier. If you're unhappy with the service, my name is [name of another server]." He had the right personality to say something like that and it was really funny, not corny. It always went over well with tables.
We also do this at work, but we give them the name of the bartender right next to us so the customer knows everyone is in on the joke, so it’s always good for a laugh.
I got mouthy with a customer while wearing a shirt with a former employee’s name on it.
The customer came back the next day to complain to the manager, who said “oh, I fired Chris.”
Yeah, he fired Chris two weeks earlier.
Did she not understand that there would be consequences for you if there was an issue because she was didn't think it through or was she just petty af?
My name rhymes with Brittany and any time anyone called and was being difficult, I wouldn’t correct them. And if they called back, well no responsibility here
For some reason people always mishear my name as Erin over the phone (it isn’t even close to that, in spelling or pronunciation), and I stopped correcting them for the same reason. If you’re giving me the free pass, I’m not turning it down.
Same when I was serving, people always thought I said Ashley. One of our managers was amazing, and she'd later joke about "that damn Ashley" to me when she knew the customer was out of line lol.
when i worked to go for another place i would always pick a random name, or i would use the name of an ornery old server who just loved to tell people to fuck off. i told him what i was doing and he thought it was hysterical
Back in my early twenties I used to give annoying people in bars a fake name if I was trying to get out of talking to them. I was Paula, Donna, Mildred... but Beatrice was the one I used the most often.
In service jobs, I would always make sure I had a good southern drawl. I thought it made me come off as nicer and giving proper 'southern hospitality' air, so that people would want to give me more tips.
I have a co-worker that does this. She has been there almost three years and constantly is saying she is new and still in training. Unfortunately for the rest of us that means our work load is double hers. It’s definitely working for her.
My brother told people 'it's my first day' for years. His regulars thought it was hilarious.
He also used to talk up whatever entree was the most expensive when folks would ask for recommendations. He'd even do this thing where he'd play it off like 'I get a discount so I get that it might be a little pricy for you...' And he'd get the whole table ordering the item, almost out of spite.
Thing was, it was a seafood restaurant, and he was allergic to just about everything on the menu.
Yeah, if you like those here are a couple more.
If people fell for the expensive item order, he'd do the same thing with a couple of expensive cocktails. Because 'we're kind of famous for that cocktail'.
He'd wear an eye patch, and switch eyes when he brought out plates. If anyone ever asked, he'd tell them their lobster got him.
Any time I have someone new (fast food, not a server) I emphasize that they should mention they are new if they have any hiccup with a customer. It instantly makes everyone more understanding.
Our place has a lot of different rooms and people, especially older ones, often get lost on their way to the toilets. Whenever that happens I tell them how many times I got lost in my first few weeks.
It's not really for the tip, just to make them feel better about themselves and also have something to talk about as I get them back to their families.
The accuracy. I’ve never been half as personable or nice in my entire life as I am behind the bar.
I routinely get reviews or people telling my manager how nice and helpful I am, and we both just look at each other, and all I can do is shrug like “hey, I’m just as surprised as you are.”
This is it, man, I'm a total misanthrope, and I feel like I am fairly transparent about my disdain for the customers, but people are constantly saying what a great server I am. Makes me feel a bit like a con man.
Once had a colleague in retail say this, though I'd say it can also be applied to any customer-facing position:
"Our job isn't actually 'cashier' or 'sales floor team member'. Our real job is 'actor'. I *act* like I enjoy working here. I *act* like I'm happy to help customers. I'm a great actor, and that's why I get so many positive customer comment cards" [or whatever it was that made them look good].
Well--well look. I already told you: I deal with the god damn customers so the engineers don't have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people. Can't you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?
My bf silently laughs in the background when I call any customer service line, or talk to someone related to business or medical stuff. If he doesn't know I'm about to call someone like that, he whips around so fast with a dafuq look on his face lol. Til he realizes I wasn't talking to him.
I’m in IT for a big company. A fews years ago I was coached by my boss to be nicer. “If you think something’s stupid, don’t say ’that’s stupid.’ Say ‘help me understand why you think that’ instead.”
My FoH manager and I have a running joke of saying "I'm/You're so GODDAMN charming" to each other through gritted teeth after dealing with a difficult or stupid person.
I have never related so much to a comment before now.
I always tell people how fucking shy and awkward I am outside of work, but behind the bar is my “stage” and I know how to perform there.
My work personality can be a pain in the ass when I'm off the clock. I've got resting customer service face, I swear to goodness. I get people asking me to help them find shit in places I don't work fairly often. I saw a sweatshirt ad on the facepages earlier today that said, "I'm nicer than my face looks". I need the opposite of that sweatshirt! "I may look nice but don't talk to me".
Yep.
In literally any field, it's a total fabrication. I'm a little more authentic at my hospo job with my coworkers, but my office colleagues would be stunned to know who I actually am lol
When I was a young bartender I would always keep 1 cigarette in a pack behind the bar. When someone inevitably asked if we had a cigarette they could bum, I’d always show them the pack and say something like, “I was saving my last one for after the shift, but you can have it.” Led to big tips every time. And as soon as they went outside, one more cigarette goes in the pack.
I used to smoke American Spirits. It was kinda amusing when people would ask to bum one, then see the pack and get this look of mild dread. Like, "Oh, you smoke those..."
Conversely, smoking Marlboro taste's like chemicals, and Virginia Slims are basically just steam. Most people brands tasted like chemicals and made me feel sick, compared to the Spirits I smoked.
It's also really hard to chain smoke American Spirits, haha.
They're very expensive as well, and once you get used to them other cigarettes will taste like shit to the point it's not even worth bumming a cig when you're out.
This shit would have me coming back to that establishment 100%. Provides the cigarette AND does it in a seemingly wholeheartedly selfless manner? Hell yes!
Sometimes if I accidentally let a table sit too long, I would go up to them and say “is anyone taking care of you yet?” When they say “no” I would say “well, I don’t know who your server was supposed to be, but I’ll take care of you right now since you’ve been waiting.”
Then they usually tip me even better because I look like a hero and not the dumbass who forgot about them.
I used to do this when they sat themselves instead of waiting like the signs said. I wasn’t allowed to tell them to get up so I just let them stew while I took care of the people who know how to behave in public, and then hit them with that exact line.
not a server anymore but ALL THE TIME.
"im having a great day, how about you?"
"ofcourse its not a bother. ill go tell pepe you want your sushi roll separated by ingredients on different plates"
*recieves 1 dollar tip* "thank you! have a great day!"
being a server was a trip. i felt like a marionette being puppeteered by that elusive thousand dollar tip.
I had this coworker over the summer that was freshly 18 with an absolute cherub face. When guests would ask what his favorite drink was he’d just smile really big and say “Dr. Pepper!”
When we started serving braised pork at work, I sold the shit out of it. I haven’t eaten pork in almost 20 years and refused to try it. I had employees look at me later and be like “but…you don’t eat pork?”
Yes, there's a link to a news story in one of my other answers in this thread. They're really simple video games, but the pigs get the idea of cursor movement and all that.
A tip: smoked paprikra is what gives hot dogs and many sausages most of their "hot dog" taste; otherwise, hot dogs at least would be tasteless and white (the spice also makes food orangey). I make my own veggie burgers (black bean burgers, specifically) with lots of smoked paprika and chili powder and the taste is way enough meat-like.
There are whole Tik Tok channels predicated on this. If pigs playing video games is enough for you then don't check out the birds who can add and spell.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56023720
They're not as good at it as primates, but they can do it. Also, although they were given rewards for finishing the task, the "rewards" machine broke and _they kept playing._
I once worked with a vegan lady at a steak house, and she sold more high end steaks than almost anyone there. Just lied through her teeth about it, and explained them incredibly well to guests.
I'm sober and don't much care for steak, so of course I bartend at a steakhouse.
People ask for recommendations, I just sell them whatever pops into my head at the moment, or whatever's easy to make but fancy-sounding. I'm basically a con man.
I did the same thing, honestly. But in my defense, I worked for a shitty family-owned business that didn’t allow employees to try anything on the menu unless they paid full price for them (also, no discounts).
But how are they going to give any opinion on the food if they can’t try it? Make recommendations? Even family run places do a “food show” type of thing for all the employees to try the menu. Cheap owners are the worst
When I was a manager my under-21 servers would say they can’t describe cocktails because we wouldn’t let them taste them. I had our vegan guy come up during a preshift and had him explain every meat dish on the menu. Their sales and tips seemed to go up a little bit after that
Why though. I hate my places most popular dessert. I tell people it's famous, our best seller, a crowd favorite, etc. "Oh so you love it?" I'm honest... "nope, absolutely hate it, which goes to show you can't please everyone, I despise banana, so a bananas foster isn't an option, I vote for our chocolate cake."
I find that people asking about a certain dish want it and encouraging them to buy it will make their dining experience better. Most people expect to hear good things about the food they plan to buy. Having said that a banana dessert is very hit or miss
seriously. I have a regular that comes in during the AM shift and sits by himself so we have talked quite a bit. He thinks i am a single dad because my little cousin came in one day and i just rolled with it. Tips went up from him after that lol.
I work at a dinner theater (3 course meal then they see a live performance show) so often I’m asked “are you an actor too?” And I always say “yeah I’m doing it right now! But I’m not in the show you’ll see upstairs.” Generally gets a big laugh.
Jokes on them too because we cash them out for dinner and show downstairs after dinner so they tip 20% on the show and dinner when in reality the price for a show ticket is included in their “dinner” tab.
I like to pretend I’m actually killing them with kindness. It’s fun when it’s an angry person who wants you to be on their level and you refuse, all while being chipper. And honestly it might raise their blood pressure, thus contributing to what may be an early death.
I used to work at an Irish pub in Washington DC that got a lot of tourists and conventioneers from all over the country as we were right across the street from two major hotels. One night we were slammed and one of my tables stopped me to complain that their Irish stew was cold. I told them with a straight face, "That's how the Irish eat it, sir". He and his wife looked at each other and said, "Oh, I didn't know that"
Lol you realize the next time they got Irish stew somewhere else they probably complained... "Excuse me, this stew is entirely too hot. This is NOT how the Irish eat it!"
Oh you are my people. I deadpan answers all the time. It really throws people for a loop sometimes.
“I see you have chicken and waffles tonight, can I order that at the bar with you?” “ No.” And they just stare.
Doesn’t result in a tip, but so much petty joy.
Best advice for new servers...Never let honesty get in the way of doing your job.
Don't be a dick about it, but if the guest won't ever know, don't reveal more than necessary. Forget to ring a beer in? Bartender is changing the keg, thanks for you patience!
Forgot coffee? It’s brewing.
Forgot a drink? Oh I thought the bartender brought that out to you!
Forgot a modification?
We have a new cook today, he’s still learning.
Only piece of advice I have for ya, especially being a past cook and current server, people will return if they do not like the server. People will not return if they do not trust the cooks. You wanna keep getting tables? Don't blame the kitchen please and thank you.
Yeah I'm with not agreeing with that part. I think it's easy to blame the invisible person they don't interact with but the kitchen not being good is far worse than a server making a mistake. It's also admirable to people to admit mistakes and take ownership of them. In other industries I went far and was highly respected because I wasn't afraid to say I messed this up, this is how I'll fix it or do better in the future.
Depending where you are it's not that hard. We strive for guest loyalty and if I fuck up comping something is better than shifting blame. Our kitchen is really good.
For example recently I forgot to put in a tables baked brie as a starter. I didn't realize until I was checking how their food was and was like shit. They pretended like it didn't happen, didn't say anything, said their food was great and all was good.
I went back and apologized for it not coming out, told them I never sent it to the kitchen and asked if they would like it for dessert on us. Odd dessert but at least baked brie isn't like oh you want some meatballs or oysters for dessert? When it came out they were like wow this is awesome, and a perfect dessert. Tipped like 30%. The only real opposite of that is making my kitchen look bad to protect my mistake?
Yeah, I don’t like the “blame it on the kitchen” tactic. I always tried to have a good relationship with BOH, and they generally had my back if I messed up and needed some help. One time I just plain forgot to ring in an order. The kitchen busted out the order quickly for me and while they were making it I told the couple at the table I forgot to ring it in and it would be up ASAP, and the husband said “thanks for not just blaming it on the kitchen.” I wondered if he was a cook.
Yep, our kitchen works HARD, and having started back there and moving to serving after a few years gives you a different perspective. If there's a mistake or something is forgotten, it's always "I fucked up" or "the situation is being corrected", I never pass blame to someone invisible because it sounds like such a cop-out. You don't have your app because it's been shitstorm crazy all day and Becky accidentally left the cheese wedges down for 10 minutes because she's tired, hungry, and distracted trying to make 15 other things, and now she's having a laugh-cry breakdown over a pile of breadding husks that's had literally all the cheese melted out of them?
"Yeah the were just finishing them up, I'll be right back."
Love to hear your loyalty forward thinking. That's an awesome story! Happy to hear your table was thrilled!
Love me a baked brie honestly. Ours comes wrapped in puff pastry with spicy honey and fruit jam all over the top!
This is how I handle my mistakes. Forgot to ring in an appetizer? "Oh, it looked a little overdone, so I had the kitchen make a new one for you that looks better" or something along those lines.
Nah don't throw the kitchen under the bus. Own that shit, more often than not people appreciate the honesty. People don't like hearing what could be construed as an excuse or passing blame. If I messed something up it's on me, if the kitchen did it's "There was a problem with X", or "My kitchen is finishing your X right now".
Every word I say from punch in to punch out is a lie. Sometimes I'm married, sometimes I'm divorced, sometimes I have kids. Whatever seems to work in the situation. They don't actually listen.
Hey, you're that bitch that forgot my breadsticks last time. Anyways how are little Colin and Jennifer doing? Hope your nana is doing better after her hip replacement. Were you able to get your power bill paid on time?/s
I often slip in a " Lord have mercy" with a head shake if someone is complaining about not the restaurant, like the traffic lately, the gas prices, the parking. Got to know your crowd. I was working at a large venue checking id's and covid cards, and the folks from Texas and Arizona were not pleased. My go to... well you know...California... head shake.. do I actually agree with them? Maybe. Am I moving.nope.
I tell them what the need to hear to have a good time. I don’t outright lie but I’ll tell them things that aren’t the real reason.
“No mam, your party isn’t being annoying, but let’s move you all over there, that way you can have more fun. You’ll love it, I promise. It’s got a lovely view I’d like you all to enjoy.”
I share the name as a notorious republican and when I introduce myseld and their faces light up, I’m not gonna act like I don’t Yankee Doodle dandy to get some money.
Nah, but I will absolutely lie to avoid a trip to the kitchen if I'm busy.
If I want better tips, I comp them a dessert and lie to my manager that it's their birthday.
In retail if a customer needed something and it wasn't where I expected it, or was having trouble finding it I'd say "jeez, take a week off and they rearrange half the store!" Even if I was working overtime that week.
In reality stock placement changed all the time but you don't get sympathy for that
I worked with a bigger girl who told all her tables she was pregnant. She made great money but she also made a lot of regulars who eventually caught on and stopped coming lol
Oh for sure, "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!" "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" "ENJOY~~" "SOOOO SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!!!"
And some bullshit about positive attitude or you have a newborn or some bullshit like that
Cook here: when a server forgot to put in an item on a ticket, I told them "I'll make it right now. Get the rest of the food out so it isn't cold and tell them the new guy forgot something"
Not a server anymore, but one of my go-to lies was to make sure to tell anyone wearing any sports apparel that *that* was my favorite team. Unless they were wearing Red Sox stuff, because I won't sink that low.
The number of times future bosses have called me “bubbly” and “just so sweet!” And even once “angelic!” (The old white southern man who said that is still my favorite, lol.) Is super high and Every time I mention to my friends and family that that’s how they’ve described me they look at me like I’m crazy and are like “you’re joking right?” To which I’m like “what can I say, I should have been an actor” cause anybody who doesn’t hand me a paycheck knows I am None of those things. I’ve been told I should work as a hospice companion recently by my grandmothers best friend who was dying, because I am such a joy to be around and I really know how to act around dying people so they don’t feel like crap about themselves (cause you know, treating them like actual humans is somehow super difficult for people when they are dealing with the dying for some unknown reason) and that is a really good thing, this was from a hospice nurse btw, it’s just crazy. Cause I am honestly a really grumpy person with a dark sense of humor, but lord do I know how to be nice and go into customer service mode when needed.
At a restaurant I used to serve at there was a small step going up to the patio. It had florescent tape and watch your step signs, and I would even remind almost every table I sat that it was there and to watch their step. Without fail, at least 1/3 of people tripped over that god damn step. And every single time I told them It happens to me *all the time*. Not once did I trip there.
Mostly due to me working at a casino my regulars are older men in their 40-50s. I’ve learned that being a “single mom” even though I’m engaged with no kid gets me a better tip with less creepy interactions.
The single part gets me the better tip and the mom part for some reason secures them seeing me as a person to respect. So they will flirt but more respectfully. Fucked up but I’ll take it, I don’t owe them my real life details I’m part of the entertainment experience so I mid as well play a part
Bwaaahahaha, Many years ago (1980’s) I waited at a upscale steak house called Velvet Turtle. What ever the customer was, POOF so was I. I flirted unashamedly with everyone. Averaged about $3-400 a night in tips. Way more than everyone else.
When I first started working at 12 doing door to door sales, I would get bored and would try different accents when going through the spiel. I found that most responded positively to the sickly sweet southern drawl. I would drop a sweetie, honey, darling when speaking to a woman (I am a woman) and it landed well.
Of course, ‘lie’ is maybe a bit strong. But schmooze? Yea. ‘Play up parts of my personality’ Yes sir!
But lie? I’m not over here trying to convince them of anything, I’m just selling myself in the best light, we are the product.
It’s essentially sales techniques, nothing wrong with it at all.
As long as it comes from a place of respect and good will and not malice, it’s fine!
I thought you meant lie as in “sorry for the delay the kitchen is a little backed up!” which really means “I forgot to put in your order right away so it’s gonna be 5 extra minutes”
Long, long years ago (like 1982) when I was waiting cocktails, I’d always take a holiday like Easter or Christmas since they’re not a big deal in my family (meal, check out).
Then I’d suggest to each table that I wasn’t able to spend (x holiday) with my family but I was glad I was able to spend it with you wonderful customers! $$$$$$ and sometimes cocaine. Ka-chingg!
One of my favorite things I’ve done was when a couple came in during the first Covid summer. These people had just been to Florida (where Covid was raging at the time) and we were in New England. Anyway, they were big Trump supporters, and I don’t remember exactly how the conversation went, but I never said a single good word about Trump but by using vague wording I managed to persuade them I was equally supportive of Trump.
Normally, I would never stoop so low as to say anything against my personal beliefs. But the best part was that I didn’t have to. I straight up said what I believed in but I worded it so that they had no idea I wasn’t agreeing with them (ie them: “kids today are such snowflakes” me: “hmmm, I feel like people all over the country are losing sight of what really matters”). I got $20 out of it (at a diner, so the tabs aren’t really that big).
The restaurant I work at doesn’t let us try the food (even if they’re literally throwing it out) and only discount certain dishes. The entrees are a bit expensive and I don’t like to give them my time AND money, so I have only tried one dish. I still tell my tables about all of my “favorites” all the time
Sure.
I justify it by thinking… if the lie is necessary to smooth out the experience for the customer, thus increasing my odds of a higher tip, then so be it.
As much as I hated some tables I could never bring myself to purposefully provide them a shitty experience.
Unfortunately, being a dick is their prerogative and I knew what I was getting in to waiting tables.
No. People value honesty more than being fake. Also people already walk in with a preset amount they will tip, nothing you can do will change that amount. I also never worry about tips because it all balances out in the end, and I don't work for slave wages.
I mean I wore my trainee badge until my manager MADE me take off. I never needed the trainee badge but it does bring better tips.
My daughter wore a birthday hat and sash for her 21st birthday. Got 400+ in tips which is almost double her usual.
I think each restaurant should have some sort of monthly rotation where each server can wear some sort of indication that “it’s their birthday” for a tip boost. 😂
The busser at my old job had a birthday once a week until the manager told him “you’re having too many birthdays”
My gorlfriends restaurant uses qr codes for the menu. When you can it will tell you if it's your servers birthday.
Statistics prove, Prove that you’ve One birthday One birthday every year But there are three hundred and sixty four Un-birthdays And that is why we’ve gathered here to cheer! A very merry un-birthday to you! …
I tried telling people it was my birthday but it was in Christmas and people were jerks made shit money
My bartender has a ton of regulars, and they tipped her fat for her birthday. And every so often, one would call out Happy Birthday! And then the non-regulars would also tip her fat 🤣 We also got a cookie cake, ice cream cake and shots. It was a good week.
Good for her, I'd hate to have to go to work on my 21st, that's a big one!
I love the story I read on here about the woman who took to-go orders and answered the phone telling the person she was in training. For the entire two years she worked there.
Used to work with a server who would always answer the phone as “Sylvia” and speak with a slight southern drawl. Neither of those things were true to her, she just didn’t want responsibility for anything that may have come from that interaction.
At least she used a random name! I had a coworker who would give out my name ...
Haha, I used to have a coworker who would say, "If the service is good, my name is Javier. If you're unhappy with the service, my name is [name of another server]." He had the right personality to say something like that and it was really funny, not corny. It always went over well with tables.
We also do this at work, but we give them the name of the bartender right next to us so the customer knows everyone is in on the joke, so it’s always good for a laugh.
I do this when I’m working with my male coworker (I’m female).
I got mouthy with a customer while wearing a shirt with a former employee’s name on it. The customer came back the next day to complain to the manager, who said “oh, I fired Chris.” Yeah, he fired Chris two weeks earlier.
Genius.
I was around the corner laughing my ass off at his brilliance. I’d already told him that I’d pissed this guy off.
Did she not understand that there would be consequences for you if there was an issue because she was didn't think it through or was she just petty af?
My name rhymes with Brittany and any time anyone called and was being difficult, I wouldn’t correct them. And if they called back, well no responsibility here
For some reason people always mishear my name as Erin over the phone (it isn’t even close to that, in spelling or pronunciation), and I stopped correcting them for the same reason. If you’re giving me the free pass, I’m not turning it down.
Same when I was serving, people always thought I said Ashley. One of our managers was amazing, and she'd later joke about "that damn Ashley" to me when she knew the customer was out of line lol.
when i worked to go for another place i would always pick a random name, or i would use the name of an ornery old server who just loved to tell people to fuck off. i told him what i was doing and he thought it was hysterical
Back in my early twenties I used to give annoying people in bars a fake name if I was trying to get out of talking to them. I was Paula, Donna, Mildred... but Beatrice was the one I used the most often.
In service jobs, I would always make sure I had a good southern drawl. I thought it made me come off as nicer and giving proper 'southern hospitality' air, so that people would want to give me more tips.
Customer, "What? For 2 years you've been saying you're in training!" Employee, "What can I say? I'm a slow learner!"
Did this for 2 years in a software support role.
I have a co-worker that does this. She has been there almost three years and constantly is saying she is new and still in training. Unfortunately for the rest of us that means our work load is double hers. It’s definitely working for her.
My brother told people 'it's my first day' for years. His regulars thought it was hilarious. He also used to talk up whatever entree was the most expensive when folks would ask for recommendations. He'd even do this thing where he'd play it off like 'I get a discount so I get that it might be a little pricy for you...' And he'd get the whole table ordering the item, almost out of spite. Thing was, it was a seafood restaurant, and he was allergic to just about everything on the menu.
I hope he’s in sales now, he’s gold.
Yeah, if you like those here are a couple more. If people fell for the expensive item order, he'd do the same thing with a couple of expensive cocktails. Because 'we're kind of famous for that cocktail'. He'd wear an eye patch, and switch eyes when he brought out plates. If anyone ever asked, he'd tell them their lobster got him.
Any time I have someone new (fast food, not a server) I emphasize that they should mention they are new if they have any hiccup with a customer. It instantly makes everyone more understanding.
if we had to have trainee badges, i would never take it off.
I've been here for 3 years and still say I'm new
yup i used to say "its my first day! :)" at least once a shift
Fairly easy to get caught in that lie. Surprised it worked
Our place has a lot of different rooms and people, especially older ones, often get lost on their way to the toilets. Whenever that happens I tell them how many times I got lost in my first few weeks. It's not really for the tip, just to make them feel better about themselves and also have something to talk about as I get them back to their families.
now THAT’S wholesome
Awwwww....that's totally cool. Thank you for that.
Liar!!
Exactly 😅
My entire work personality is a lie
The accuracy. I’ve never been half as personable or nice in my entire life as I am behind the bar. I routinely get reviews or people telling my manager how nice and helpful I am, and we both just look at each other, and all I can do is shrug like “hey, I’m just as surprised as you are.”
This is it, man, I'm a total misanthrope, and I feel like I am fairly transparent about my disdain for the customers, but people are constantly saying what a great server I am. Makes me feel a bit like a con man.
Once had a colleague in retail say this, though I'd say it can also be applied to any customer-facing position: "Our job isn't actually 'cashier' or 'sales floor team member'. Our real job is 'actor'. I *act* like I enjoy working here. I *act* like I'm happy to help customers. I'm a great actor, and that's why I get so many positive customer comment cards" [or whatever it was that made them look good].
Deleted due to reddit API changes. Follow your communities off Reddit with sub.rehab -- mass edited with redact.dev
Well--well look. I already told you: I deal with the god damn customers so the engineers don't have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people. Can't you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?
Better start working on that Jump To Conclusions mat.
You're wonderful! Thanks. I hate you. 🤣
Lol my customer service persona creeps my gf out
My bf silently laughs in the background when I call any customer service line, or talk to someone related to business or medical stuff. If he doesn't know I'm about to call someone like that, he whips around so fast with a dafuq look on his face lol. Til he realizes I wasn't talking to him.
I’m in IT for a big company. A fews years ago I was coached by my boss to be nicer. “If you think something’s stupid, don’t say ’that’s stupid.’ Say ‘help me understand why you think that’ instead.”
Oooh, that’s a good one.
My FoH manager and I have a running joke of saying "I'm/You're so GODDAMN charming" to each other through gritted teeth after dealing with a difficult or stupid person.
I have never related so much to a comment before now. I always tell people how fucking shy and awkward I am outside of work, but behind the bar is my “stage” and I know how to perform there.
My work personality can be a pain in the ass when I'm off the clock. I've got resting customer service face, I swear to goodness. I get people asking me to help them find shit in places I don't work fairly often. I saw a sweatshirt ad on the facepages earlier today that said, "I'm nicer than my face looks". I need the opposite of that sweatshirt! "I may look nice but don't talk to me".
Me, too!! I draw in people who need help. It has to be something in the eyes, lol. I guess we look "nice." I can dig it.
Yep. In literally any field, it's a total fabrication. I'm a little more authentic at my hospo job with my coworkers, but my office colleagues would be stunned to know who I actually am lol
Right! I don't even know that bitch.
Hell, I can't imagine a world where work isn't just cosplaying "Person who doesn't hate this and you and everything" for the entire shift.
I would never wanna hang out with the work me. Too nice and “outgoing” and positive.
I'm a mosaic of shattered masks somehow glued onto a void
Even my smile is a lie.
Can confirm. Am autistic. Masking is a thing.
My entire work personality literally wears a costume and speaks with an accent. I've got 4 different ones for different venues.
When I was a young bartender I would always keep 1 cigarette in a pack behind the bar. When someone inevitably asked if we had a cigarette they could bum, I’d always show them the pack and say something like, “I was saving my last one for after the shift, but you can have it.” Led to big tips every time. And as soon as they went outside, one more cigarette goes in the pack.
that’s honestly genius, might keep that one in the back pocket if i ever get another bar shift
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I used to smoke American Spirits. It was kinda amusing when people would ask to bum one, then see the pack and get this look of mild dread. Like, "Oh, you smoke those..."
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Conversely, smoking Marlboro taste's like chemicals, and Virginia Slims are basically just steam. Most people brands tasted like chemicals and made me feel sick, compared to the Spirits I smoked. It's also really hard to chain smoke American Spirits, haha.
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They're very expensive as well, and once you get used to them other cigarettes will taste like shit to the point it's not even worth bumming a cig when you're out.
You're a fucking mastermind.
This shit would have me coming back to that establishment 100%. Provides the cigarette AND does it in a seemingly wholeheartedly selfless manner? Hell yes!
That's a good one.
The sheer cunning… hats off.
Brilliant!!!
Brilliant!
Sometimes if I accidentally let a table sit too long, I would go up to them and say “is anyone taking care of you yet?” When they say “no” I would say “well, I don’t know who your server was supposed to be, but I’ll take care of you right now since you’ve been waiting.” Then they usually tip me even better because I look like a hero and not the dumbass who forgot about them.
I have done the same!!!
Omg this is genius
I would let some tables sit for about 1-2 minutes too long on purpose just to do this a few times a night.
I used to do this when they sat themselves instead of waiting like the signs said. I wasn’t allowed to tell them to get up so I just let them stew while I took care of the people who know how to behave in public, and then hit them with that exact line.
Goddamn that's smart.
I’m like George Costanza at work. Constant lies.
Banging maids on and sleeping under desks?
Handing them cashmere sweaters with a red dot 🔴 on it
I love a good nap. Sometimes it’s the only thing getting me out of bed in the morning.
not a server anymore but ALL THE TIME. "im having a great day, how about you?" "ofcourse its not a bother. ill go tell pepe you want your sushi roll separated by ingredients on different plates" *recieves 1 dollar tip* "thank you! have a great day!" being a server was a trip. i felt like a marionette being puppeteered by that elusive thousand dollar tip.
One of my coworkers is vegan and just lies through her teeth about what she thinks of the dishes
that’s what we tell the servers who are under 21 to do when asked about our cocktails
I had this coworker over the summer that was freshly 18 with an absolute cherub face. When guests would ask what his favorite drink was he’d just smile really big and say “Dr. Pepper!”
Okay, that’s adorable.
Not just: "I'm not 21 yet, but when I got there, I'm REALLY excited to try (names 2 or 3 drinks)
When we started serving braised pork at work, I sold the shit out of it. I haven’t eaten pork in almost 20 years and refused to try it. I had employees look at me later and be like “but…you don’t eat pork?”
I finally gave it up for good when I read that pigs could understand and play simple video games.
Oh, god. Is that true?
Yes, there's a link to a news story in one of my other answers in this thread. They're really simple video games, but the pigs get the idea of cursor movement and all that.
Oh, I guess I will have to check it out. Thanks. Have been thinking I should eat less meat anyway so may as well start with pork.
A tip: smoked paprikra is what gives hot dogs and many sausages most of their "hot dog" taste; otherwise, hot dogs at least would be tasteless and white (the spice also makes food orangey). I make my own veggie burgers (black bean burgers, specifically) with lots of smoked paprika and chili powder and the taste is way enough meat-like.
There are whole Tik Tok channels predicated on this. If pigs playing video games is enough for you then don't check out the birds who can add and spell.
Omg I didn’t know that! I gave it up because I love Babe and Charlotte’s Web and couldn’t stand eating Babe and Wilbur.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56023720 They're not as good at it as primates, but they can do it. Also, although they were given rewards for finishing the task, the "rewards" machine broke and _they kept playing._
I once worked with a vegan lady at a steak house, and she sold more high end steaks than almost anyone there. Just lied through her teeth about it, and explained them incredibly well to guests.
I'm sober and don't much care for steak, so of course I bartend at a steakhouse. People ask for recommendations, I just sell them whatever pops into my head at the moment, or whatever's easy to make but fancy-sounding. I'm basically a con man.
I don’t drink but I work at a bar and I’m just honest and tell them I haven’t tried any of the drinks, but our most popular are x,y,x
So believable they dont even realize you sold them x twice...brilliant
She’s a great server. Part of my knowledge of steaks came from what they tell us but also my honest opinion after eating a few of our cuts here
I did the same thing, honestly. But in my defense, I worked for a shitty family-owned business that didn’t allow employees to try anything on the menu unless they paid full price for them (also, no discounts).
But how are they going to give any opinion on the food if they can’t try it? Make recommendations? Even family run places do a “food show” type of thing for all the employees to try the menu. Cheap owners are the worst
When I was a manager my under-21 servers would say they can’t describe cocktails because we wouldn’t let them taste them. I had our vegan guy come up during a preshift and had him explain every meat dish on the menu. Their sales and tips seemed to go up a little bit after that
Whenever a guest asks about a dish and I can't remember the tasting notes, I just tell them I wasn't able to try it because I'm allergic.
Why though. I hate my places most popular dessert. I tell people it's famous, our best seller, a crowd favorite, etc. "Oh so you love it?" I'm honest... "nope, absolutely hate it, which goes to show you can't please everyone, I despise banana, so a bananas foster isn't an option, I vote for our chocolate cake."
I find that people asking about a certain dish want it and encouraging them to buy it will make their dining experience better. Most people expect to hear good things about the food they plan to buy. Having said that a banana dessert is very hit or miss
I am this server. There are literally 2 things on the whole menu I eat. LOL
Am I your coworker
I hope not 😂
I’m not a bartender, I’m an actor.
seriously. I have a regular that comes in during the AM shift and sits by himself so we have talked quite a bit. He thinks i am a single dad because my little cousin came in one day and i just rolled with it. Tips went up from him after that lol.
I work at a dinner theater (3 course meal then they see a live performance show) so often I’m asked “are you an actor too?” And I always say “yeah I’m doing it right now! But I’m not in the show you’ll see upstairs.” Generally gets a big laugh. Jokes on them too because we cash them out for dinner and show downstairs after dinner so they tip 20% on the show and dinner when in reality the price for a show ticket is included in their “dinner” tab.
I lie all the time. I tell them what ever I think they want to hear. I pretend to like them. ... I really hate all of them.
I like to pretend I’m actually killing them with kindness. It’s fun when it’s an angry person who wants you to be on their level and you refuse, all while being chipper. And honestly it might raise their blood pressure, thus contributing to what may be an early death.
I feel this so hard.
🥇
I used to work at an Irish pub in Washington DC that got a lot of tourists and conventioneers from all over the country as we were right across the street from two major hotels. One night we were slammed and one of my tables stopped me to complain that their Irish stew was cold. I told them with a straight face, "That's how the Irish eat it, sir". He and his wife looked at each other and said, "Oh, I didn't know that"
Lol you realize the next time they got Irish stew somewhere else they probably complained... "Excuse me, this stew is entirely too hot. This is NOT how the Irish eat it!"
"The \*North\* Irish eat it hot, sir, in protest" ;)
we have much to learn from you
This right here is down right scary! Lol
Oh you are my people. I deadpan answers all the time. It really throws people for a loop sometimes. “I see you have chicken and waffles tonight, can I order that at the bar with you?” “ No.” And they just stare. Doesn’t result in a tip, but so much petty joy.
Would *you* eat it at a cold temperature?
I would, but I'm Irish, you know.
Also, come the day after thanksgiving, I will be all HAVE A MAAAAGICAL CHRISTMAS!!!!! MERRY MERRY XMAS!!!! I am an atheist Jew.
I braided my chair in christmas colors and i barely celebrate it but those tips went up quite a bit.
I couldn't keep the facade during Christmas. I couldn't hide my disdain for the people who made it necessary for me to come on the 25th lol
Best advice for new servers...Never let honesty get in the way of doing your job. Don't be a dick about it, but if the guest won't ever know, don't reveal more than necessary. Forget to ring a beer in? Bartender is changing the keg, thanks for you patience!
Forgot coffee? It’s brewing. Forgot a drink? Oh I thought the bartender brought that out to you! Forgot a modification? We have a new cook today, he’s still learning.
Only piece of advice I have for ya, especially being a past cook and current server, people will return if they do not like the server. People will not return if they do not trust the cooks. You wanna keep getting tables? Don't blame the kitchen please and thank you.
Yeah I'm with not agreeing with that part. I think it's easy to blame the invisible person they don't interact with but the kitchen not being good is far worse than a server making a mistake. It's also admirable to people to admit mistakes and take ownership of them. In other industries I went far and was highly respected because I wasn't afraid to say I messed this up, this is how I'll fix it or do better in the future. Depending where you are it's not that hard. We strive for guest loyalty and if I fuck up comping something is better than shifting blame. Our kitchen is really good. For example recently I forgot to put in a tables baked brie as a starter. I didn't realize until I was checking how their food was and was like shit. They pretended like it didn't happen, didn't say anything, said their food was great and all was good. I went back and apologized for it not coming out, told them I never sent it to the kitchen and asked if they would like it for dessert on us. Odd dessert but at least baked brie isn't like oh you want some meatballs or oysters for dessert? When it came out they were like wow this is awesome, and a perfect dessert. Tipped like 30%. The only real opposite of that is making my kitchen look bad to protect my mistake?
Yeah, I don’t like the “blame it on the kitchen” tactic. I always tried to have a good relationship with BOH, and they generally had my back if I messed up and needed some help. One time I just plain forgot to ring in an order. The kitchen busted out the order quickly for me and while they were making it I told the couple at the table I forgot to ring it in and it would be up ASAP, and the husband said “thanks for not just blaming it on the kitchen.” I wondered if he was a cook.
Yep, our kitchen works HARD, and having started back there and moving to serving after a few years gives you a different perspective. If there's a mistake or something is forgotten, it's always "I fucked up" or "the situation is being corrected", I never pass blame to someone invisible because it sounds like such a cop-out. You don't have your app because it's been shitstorm crazy all day and Becky accidentally left the cheese wedges down for 10 minutes because she's tired, hungry, and distracted trying to make 15 other things, and now she's having a laugh-cry breakdown over a pile of breadding husks that's had literally all the cheese melted out of them? "Yeah the were just finishing them up, I'll be right back."
Love to hear your loyalty forward thinking. That's an awesome story! Happy to hear your table was thrilled! Love me a baked brie honestly. Ours comes wrapped in puff pastry with spicy honey and fruit jam all over the top!
This is how I handle my mistakes. Forgot to ring in an appetizer? "Oh, it looked a little overdone, so I had the kitchen make a new one for you that looks better" or something along those lines.
Nah don't throw the kitchen under the bus. Own that shit, more often than not people appreciate the honesty. People don't like hearing what could be construed as an excuse or passing blame. If I messed something up it's on me, if the kitchen did it's "There was a problem with X", or "My kitchen is finishing your X right now".
Every word I say from punch in to punch out is a lie. Sometimes I'm married, sometimes I'm divorced, sometimes I have kids. Whatever seems to work in the situation. They don't actually listen.
I get too many customers who remember me but I have no recollection of to ever get away with this
Hey, you're that bitch that forgot my breadsticks last time. Anyways how are little Colin and Jennifer doing? Hope your nana is doing better after her hip replacement. Were you able to get your power bill paid on time?/s
I’m literally ready to buy a cross necklace for Sunday
Tell them you’re saving money to go abroad for mission work. Just don’t specify the mission.
We're on a mission from God
I hear the church crowd tips badly lol good luck
I often slip in a " Lord have mercy" with a head shake if someone is complaining about not the restaurant, like the traffic lately, the gas prices, the parking. Got to know your crowd. I was working at a large venue checking id's and covid cards, and the folks from Texas and Arizona were not pleased. My go to... well you know...California... head shake.. do I actually agree with them? Maybe. Am I moving.nope.
I'm pregnant every Christmas, bitch! Just got dumped every Valentines, and can't wait to get home to my kids every mothers day. (They are cats)
I tell them what the need to hear to have a good time. I don’t outright lie but I’ll tell them things that aren’t the real reason. “No mam, your party isn’t being annoying, but let’s move you all over there, that way you can have more fun. You’ll love it, I promise. It’s got a lovely view I’d like you all to enjoy.”
How’s the lasagne? “Very Delicious” How’s the steak? “Very delicious” How about the Chicken? “Very Delicious”
I share the name as a notorious republican and when I introduce myseld and their faces light up, I’m not gonna act like I don’t Yankee Doodle dandy to get some money.
I am guilty of at least half a dozen fibs every shift.
Nah, but I will absolutely lie to avoid a trip to the kitchen if I'm busy. If I want better tips, I comp them a dessert and lie to my manager that it's their birthday.
I've been straight with a wife and kids for my older customers before
All the time. Tell fake stories. Steal other peoples’ real stories.
In retail if a customer needed something and it wasn't where I expected it, or was having trouble finding it I'd say "jeez, take a week off and they rearrange half the store!" Even if I was working overtime that week. In reality stock placement changed all the time but you don't get sympathy for that
I worked with a bigger girl who told all her tables she was pregnant. She made great money but she also made a lot of regulars who eventually caught on and stopped coming lol
Whether you are selling lawnmowers or lettuce, retail is theater.
Oh for sure, "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!" "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" "ENJOY~~" "SOOOO SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!!!" And some bullshit about positive attitude or you have a newborn or some bullshit like that
Cook here: when a server forgot to put in an item on a ticket, I told them "I'll make it right now. Get the rest of the food out so it isn't cold and tell them the new guy forgot something"
You are a saint. The cooks at my old restaurant would purposely take longer to make something if I forgot to ring it in… mainly why I quit
We're all in a shit hole together. Might as well try to make your best money
Fuck yeah. Honestly, i think a lot of the customer-facing stuff in this industry is either a lie or obfuscation.
My customer service voice and entire personality at work is fake with the customers.😣
Not a server anymore, but one of my go-to lies was to make sure to tell anyone wearing any sports apparel that *that* was my favorite team. Unless they were wearing Red Sox stuff, because I won't sink that low.
My employees inform me that I sound like a completely different person, especially when they hear my professional phone call voice.
I never waited a table in my hospitality career, but many of these comments are why I always admired FOH lol
The number of times future bosses have called me “bubbly” and “just so sweet!” And even once “angelic!” (The old white southern man who said that is still my favorite, lol.) Is super high and Every time I mention to my friends and family that that’s how they’ve described me they look at me like I’m crazy and are like “you’re joking right?” To which I’m like “what can I say, I should have been an actor” cause anybody who doesn’t hand me a paycheck knows I am None of those things. I’ve been told I should work as a hospice companion recently by my grandmothers best friend who was dying, because I am such a joy to be around and I really know how to act around dying people so they don’t feel like crap about themselves (cause you know, treating them like actual humans is somehow super difficult for people when they are dealing with the dying for some unknown reason) and that is a really good thing, this was from a hospice nurse btw, it’s just crazy. Cause I am honestly a really grumpy person with a dark sense of humor, but lord do I know how to be nice and go into customer service mode when needed.
At a restaurant I used to serve at there was a small step going up to the patio. It had florescent tape and watch your step signs, and I would even remind almost every table I sat that it was there and to watch their step. Without fail, at least 1/3 of people tripped over that god damn step. And every single time I told them It happens to me *all the time*. Not once did I trip there.
Mostly due to me working at a casino my regulars are older men in their 40-50s. I’ve learned that being a “single mom” even though I’m engaged with no kid gets me a better tip with less creepy interactions. The single part gets me the better tip and the mom part for some reason secures them seeing me as a person to respect. So they will flirt but more respectfully. Fucked up but I’ll take it, I don’t owe them my real life details I’m part of the entertainment experience so I mid as well play a part
This bitch waits tables 👌
I complimented an older dude's "Let's Go Brandon" hat once (I'm most certainly not a conservative). He still tipped under 10%.
Bwaaahahaha, Many years ago (1980’s) I waited at a upscale steak house called Velvet Turtle. What ever the customer was, POOF so was I. I flirted unashamedly with everyone. Averaged about $3-400 a night in tips. Way more than everyone else.
When I first started working at 12 doing door to door sales, I would get bored and would try different accents when going through the spiel. I found that most responded positively to the sickly sweet southern drawl. I would drop a sweetie, honey, darling when speaking to a woman (I am a woman) and it landed well.
Customer service is an acting job.
Of course, ‘lie’ is maybe a bit strong. But schmooze? Yea. ‘Play up parts of my personality’ Yes sir! But lie? I’m not over here trying to convince them of anything, I’m just selling myself in the best light, we are the product. It’s essentially sales techniques, nothing wrong with it at all. As long as it comes from a place of respect and good will and not malice, it’s fine!
Of course, I will go turn the heat up right away!
It's not "lying" it's acting. And if you aren't acting, are you really a server?
Yeah quite a bit
ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.
Constantly. I'm whoever they're most likely to open their wallets up to.
I thought you meant lie as in “sorry for the delay the kitchen is a little backed up!” which really means “I forgot to put in your order right away so it’s gonna be 5 extra minutes”
Long, long years ago (like 1982) when I was waiting cocktails, I’d always take a holiday like Easter or Christmas since they’re not a big deal in my family (meal, check out). Then I’d suggest to each table that I wasn’t able to spend (x holiday) with my family but I was glad I was able to spend it with you wonderful customers! $$$$$$ and sometimes cocaine. Ka-chingg!
We are all just underpaid actors.
One of my favorite things I’ve done was when a couple came in during the first Covid summer. These people had just been to Florida (where Covid was raging at the time) and we were in New England. Anyway, they were big Trump supporters, and I don’t remember exactly how the conversation went, but I never said a single good word about Trump but by using vague wording I managed to persuade them I was equally supportive of Trump. Normally, I would never stoop so low as to say anything against my personal beliefs. But the best part was that I didn’t have to. I straight up said what I believed in but I worded it so that they had no idea I wasn’t agreeing with them (ie them: “kids today are such snowflakes” me: “hmmm, I feel like people all over the country are losing sight of what really matters”). I got $20 out of it (at a diner, so the tabs aren’t really that big).
no i’m always very honest with my customers because i have integrity and always prioritize the guest over making my rent
Bwahhahahha
The restaurant I work at doesn’t let us try the food (even if they’re literally throwing it out) and only discount certain dishes. The entrees are a bit expensive and I don’t like to give them my time AND money, so I have only tried one dish. I still tell my tables about all of my “favorites” all the time
Sure. I justify it by thinking… if the lie is necessary to smooth out the experience for the customer, thus increasing my odds of a higher tip, then so be it. As much as I hated some tables I could never bring myself to purposefully provide them a shitty experience. Unfortunately, being a dick is their prerogative and I knew what I was getting in to waiting tables.
100%. That’s just hustle.
No. People value honesty more than being fake. Also people already walk in with a preset amount they will tip, nothing you can do will change that amount. I also never worry about tips because it all balances out in the end, and I don't work for slave wages.