Tis’ the season of being cheerful, happy and light hearted. For those of us in the industry we know the importance of the holiday season, to impress those hosting company parties and create a memorable experience for all those in attendance. Customers are typically more joyful, pleasant to serve and more likely to add additional gratuity to their checks.
Tips for customer service professionals tend to increase during the holiday season from a national average of 19.47 percent to 24.13 percent. While the cause of holiday tip rates remains a mystery, customers are simply more giving/ generous or that they recognize their servers working are creating memories for them instead of their families, customers do tend to spread the wealth during the holiday season!
Just as important to note, it is not just your staff’s wallets and tip percentages from your consumers generosity during the holiday season. It’s simple to understand that servers respond well when receiving higher gratuity percentages, they tend to give exceptional service and make your customers happier when visiting. This directly correlates to a higher brand recognition, restaurant reviews and a heightened exposure to your current market place.
As the owner/ manager of a restaurant it is important to disclose the proper protocol and tools to guide your staff to make the the most of the season. By alerting your staff that there is a much higher rate that consumers will tip higher, ensure your entire staff is on top of their game and that you continuously encourage your staff to raise their check averages you will be in for a great season.
Teaching your servers, bartenders and all other service personal that the higher the check corresponds to more gratuity is nothing new, but teaching them how to properly up-sell to consumers in a craft all of its own. Our studies show that guests are already tipping five percent higher, if your servers are able to raise their check averages even $20 more thats an additional $5 to $6 in their pockets. This can easily be achieved by adding an expensive entree special, wine feature or pre-fixed menu that traditionally gives the consumers the idea that they are receiving a great deal!
Lastly, pay attention to even the smallest details during the season. Customers are in the generous mood, but you don’t want to discourage them with bad service and mistakes. Continuously watch over your staff, do line checks, make sure uniforms are cleaned and pressed, ensure cocktails are being prepared correctly and most of all manage your staff to execute superior service. The holidays are already in your favor, if everything runs smoothly your guests will leave happy as well as your employees.
Now get out there and wow your guests!
