Chapter 28: How to handle money and give change correctly
Handling money is a crucial part of a waiter's job. The ability to manage financial transactions efficiently and accurately is critical to ensuring a pleasant dining experience for customers and the profitability of the establishment. This chapter will guide you on how to handle money and give change correctly.
1. Understanding the Importance of Money
As a waiter, you are the link between the customer and the establishment. You are responsible for collecting payment from customers, making change when necessary, and ensuring that all transactions are recorded correctly. An error can result in financial losses for the establishment and can damage its reputation. Therefore, it is essential to understand the importance of handling money correctly.
2. Receiving Payments
When a customer is ready to pay, it is your responsibility to ensure the payment is made correctly. If the customer is paying in cash, count the money in front of the customer to avoid any misunderstanding. If the customer is paying by card, verify that the card belongs to the customer and ask for identification if necessary.
3. Giving Change
Giving change is a skill that requires precision and attention. Here are some tips to help you give change correctly:
- Count the change out loud: When you are giving change, count the money out loud for the customer to hear. This not only ensures you are giving the correct change, but also builds trust with the customer.
- Use the biggest to smallest technique: When giving change, start with the highest denomination bills and go to the lowest denominations. This makes it easier for the customer to understand the change they are receiving.
- Double Check: Always double check your change before giving it to the customer. This can avoid mistakes and misunderstandings.
4. Managing Errors
Mistakes happen. If you make a mistake when giving change, it's important to correct it immediately. If you give too much change, explain the mistake to the customer and ask for the difference. If you give less change, apologize to the customer and give the correct change. Remember, honesty is always the best policy.
5. Keeping Money Safe
As a waiter, you are also responsible for the safety of money. Here are some tips for keeping your money safe:
- Wear an apron with pockets: An apron with pockets is a great way to keep money safe. You can separate your money and change into different pockets to avoid confusion.
- Deposit money regularly: Don't keep too much money with you. Deposit money regularly to avoid losses.
- Never leave money unattended: Never leave money unattended. If you need to step away, ask a co-worker to watch the money.
Handling money is an important skill for any waiter. With practice and attention, you can become efficient at handling money and giving change correctly. Remember, your ability to handle money not only affects the customer experience, but also the profitability of the establishment.
