The more times that I am able to test my different methods the more accurate my results will be. This time I noted gender, age and other features.
During my lunch shift on September 12th I did random “name dropping” while returning the bill.
- Table #26 was an older lady and her two sons who decided to eat at The Bistro for lunch. The lady ordered wine to begin. They also had soup for appetizers. Each of them ordered an entree. They split a dessert at the end of dinner. One of her sons paid the tab. I thanked him using his name! Bill total $52.96; tip $10; percent = 19%
- Table #17 was another older lady with her son. She ordered a soda to drink, and soup and a salad. He ordered tea to drink and a side salad and a chicken entree. He also finished the dinner with coffee. I can say that compared to other customers, this man was rude and not very nice. Bill total $39.83; tip $8; percent = 20%
- Table #26 was seated a second time. This table consisted of one of The Bistro’s loyal customers. They come to eat with us almost every Saturday. When I greeted the table, I already new what the man was going to order to drink, and asked if he would like his normal Sam Adams? Of course he did, and he acted surprised that I remembered! He ordered a sandwich for his meal. His wife had an ice tea and our lunch sandwich special! Bill total $26.04; tip $6; percent = 23%.
The last table that I noted I received the biggest tip percentage of the three. Was it because they were loyals and I remembered their previous drink preferences? Was it because I thanked them with their name? Or was it a combination of both? The latter question is what I think it was. But both have to do with knowing the customer personally or at least remembering them; therefore making them feel appreciated.
Tip average = 20.7%… I think I’m going to start remembering people, their orders, and their names!
