Realized I was the reason my tips were low for 6 months

Been serving at a diner off Route 9 for about a year. Always wondered why my tips averaged 12% while the other servers got 18-20%. Thought it was just bad luck. Then one slow Tuesday, I overheard a regular say to my coworker "I like her, she doesn't hover." That's when it clicked. I was being too casual, hanging around tables chatting instead of reading the room. Some people want fast service and silence, not a buddy. Switched to a quick check-in and step back method and my tips jumped to 17% last week. Anyone else figure out they were doing something simple wrong that cost them money?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_jamie9d ago

Wait, are you sure the chatting is the problem and not something else... I used to work at a place where the top server was super friendly and chatty with everyone and she pulled 25% tips easy. Maybe you were just picking the wrong tables to chat with, like people who are in a hurry or on a date. Or maybe your pace was off, like you were hanging around during the meal instead of just at the start and end. I feel like being friendly never hurt my tips, it's more about reading the customer's mood than cutting out all conversation.

faithwalker9d ago

No I used to be the exact opposite actually. I was all about being super friendly and thought chatting people up was the only way to get good tips. But then I started noticing that the quiet, efficient server at my old place was pulling way more than me and she barely said two words. That regular's comment about not hovering is what really opened my eyes... like maybe people don't want me to be their friend, they just want their coffee refilled and their check dropped fast. I still smile and ask how their day is but now I dip out instead of lingering and wait for them to signal if they want more conversation. It honestly feels less awkward too because I'm not forcing small talk on someone who's clearly trying to eat their lunch.