Customers who know what they’re doing get served first. It’s that simple. You, the customer, may not think it’s right but we, the people behind the bar, do. A bartender’s time is money and the more people we serve the more money we make. Customers who hold us up with indecisiveness, ADD or a lackadaisical approach mess with our income. If you want better service, step up your game when you step up to the bar.
Have your method of payment ready. If you’re paying cash have it in your hand. A “pro” will have their money out before they even order. If I see a fist with a twenty in it I’ll go there sooner than to one without. If you’re paying by credit card have your ID ready. More bars are now asking for ID with credit cards incase the card is stolen so be prepared.
Know what you want before you get the bartender’s attention. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference that makes.The faster we serve you the faster both of us can move on.And if you’re ordering for a group of people know what they want beforehand. Don’t wait for the bartender to approach and then ask your friends what they want to drink. Also, don’t decide for the bartender that the order is too large for them to remember and break it up. You’d be surprised how many drink orders we can remember at one time. And in case we forget we’ll double check with you.
If you order the round you pay for the round. When we give you a total you are expected to pay that total at that time. Asking how much each drink is and then making us wait while everyone ponies up separately is poor etiquette, time consuming and extremely annoying. If you’re not going to pay for the whole round don’t order it. That includes ordering for strangers waiting behind you. If you’re not buying their drinks don’t include them with yours.
Ask for what you want. Bartenders are not mind readers. If you order a vodka tonic you’re going to get a house vodka tonic. Don’t then look at the drink I place in front of you and say “Oh, I wanted Absolut” like it’s my fault. Telling me after the fact doesn’t undo the drink I just made. Mistakes waste our time and cost money, too. But if you own up to your error most times we’ll let you slide. However, if you demand that I make you another drink I will and I’ll make you pay for both. (*Side note to bartenders- some bars don’t want their bartenders to up sell. Up selling will give high nightly numbers but overall profits will be lower because more money is made on the cheaper liquor.)
Be nice. Sometimes just saying please and thank you goes a long way because we so rarely hear it. Offering to buy us a drink or shot is another way to make friends with the bartender. If we refuse, it’s not personal (we may be on the wagon, it may be too early, we may already be drunk or might not be allowed to drink at all) and we’ll appreciate the gesture. But if we’ve hit a point in the night where we need one and you happen to be the one to offer…you’ll have become our hero.
Tipping. Tipping consistently on each round will get you good service. Big tips will get you great service (see my article ‘Ol’ mighty dollar: A guide to tipping). Big tips will also rectify mistakes. Just like free drinks can make amends with a customer, a big tip will wipe the slate clean with a bartender (unless of course the offense was abusive or sexual harassment…then it’ll just pisss us off more).
When you step up to the bar take into consideration that bartenders are people, too. We make mistakes, we get frustrated and also have our breaking points. Modifying your drink ordering process makes our night easier and your service better. And when we're having fun the customer will absolutely have fun.
My next article: 10 things bartenders hate.
Comments
Turning customers into extraordinary customers, one article at a time. Yet another great article, Kristine!!
Kathleen
SF Bartender Examiner: www.examiner.com/x-6861-SF-Bartender-Examiner
it's been a while since my last bar visit. but i do enjoy your articles. can't wait for this one:
10 things bartenders hate.
keep it coming!
already guessing what 10things might be...
Few things at a bar are more annoying than that person in front of you who has a group of 10 friends...none of which know what they want. Or they order 10 mojitos all with special circumstances. You hit the nail on the head with that one, Kristine!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!