One of the most important aspects of a waiter's job is making order suggestions for customers. This is a crucial aspect of customer service and can make the difference between a satisfied customer who returns and an unhappy customer who never comes back. In this chapter of our e-book course, we will discuss in detail how to make order suggestions to customers effectively and professionally.
Firstly, it is essential to know the menu like the back of your hand. You must be familiar with all the dishes, their descriptions, ingredients and prices. This will allow you to make appropriate suggestions based on the customer's preferences and also answer any questions they may have about the menu.
Additionally, you should be aware of common food allergies and know which menu items contain these allergens. This will allow you to make safe suggestions for customers with food allergies and also inform them of any potential risks.
When it comes to making suggestions, the direct approach usually works best. Instead of asking the customer what they want to order, you can ask, "May I suggest our daily special? It's a delicious seafood lasagna that has been very popular." This is more likely to result in a sale than a more passive approach.
However, it is important to be sensitive to the customer's needs and desires. If they seem indecisive or confused, you can offer help and make suggestions. But if they seem to know exactly what they want, it's best not to interrupt them with unsolicited suggestions.
In addition, it is a good idea to make suggestions that complement the customer's request. For example, if they order a meat dish, you might suggest a red wine that pairs well with meat. Or if they ask for a vegetarian dish, you can suggest a white wine which often pairs well with vegetarian dishes.
Another useful strategy is to suggest higher priced items to increase total sales. However, this must be done carefully so it doesn't look like you're just trying to get the customer to spend more money. Suggestions should be based on the quality and value of the item, not just the price.
Finally, remember that the way you present your suggestions is just as important as the content of your suggestions. You must be courteous, professional and enthusiastic. Your body language and tone of voice are also important. You should appear confident and enthusiastic, but not aggressive or pushy.
In short, making order suggestions for customers is an essential skill for any waiter. Requires menu knowledge, sensitivity to customer needs, sales skills and a professional presentation. With practice and experience, you can become very good at this and significantly increase your income through tips and increased sales.
We hope this chapter has given you a good insight into how to make ordering suggestions to customers. In the next chapter, we'll discuss another important skill for waiters: how to handle customer complaints. Stay tuned!
