It still amazes me when co-workers come to work unprepared to do their jobs. When a new server joins our team, they spend many days training with some of us on our different shifts. During these “training days” you are shown the strings, the snare and everything else you need. While these new girls are training, they are using our pens and calculators. This is when we insist that they need to bring their own tools. It’s always me who shakes my head when the same person keeps showing up empty-handed, shift after shift.
I’ll give you a list of the top 15 items I think every waitress should have on hand, in a locker, or in a bag at work with a brief explanation of why.
1) handful of thoughts– yes, a handful would be useful. You have to write something for this job. Maybe writing a food order, one or two customers need to sign a credit card, a pen runs out of ink, a customer needs to borrow one to jot down a phone number or message, a pen mysteriously disappears, and of course keep one. handy for the new co-worker who comes to work empty-handed every shift!
two) Calculator– useful for calculating tips between servers in one tab. It is also good to check the calculations twice.
3) Scissors– always useful for something and when they are not around, this is the time when it seems that you need them the most.
4) Headband– the tape is used to match a torn ticket, an out of order sign may be needed to put on the cigarette or lottery machine. How are you supposed to stick the “Kick Me” sign on the back of… just kidding!
5) felt marker– I use my marker a couple of times a week to lend it to a dancer to sign her posters. It is used to mark names on booking signs and sign t-shirts for stag parties.
6) Aspirin– to get rid of headaches so you can get through the rest of your shift without pain.
7) Turns– for stomach aches.
8) chewing gum or mints– Good to have on hand after eating stinky food like garlic or onion. If you have a cold, it helps reduce bad breath. If you tend to chew gum like a cow, stay away from it and have a mint instead.
9) Lipstick or lip balm– You know why.
10) extra black skirt– in the event of an accident, such as a spill or a broken zipper.
eleven) extra top– in most cases, an accident like a spill or something like hot sauce.
12) Sweatshirt– especially useful in the winter months. Put on a sweater and don’t fiddle with the temperature gauge on the bar. Keep it for the comfort of the clients in the room and not for yourself.
13) additional footwear– a sole breaks or a zipper breaks on the boots. Sometimes a change in footwear is a welcome change to relieve pressure points so you can finish those last two hours of a shift in some comfort.
14) tampons– Yes, I did.
fifteen) “Serving It Right” Card– keep it in your bag at all times and even a photocopy of it at work. This card is required for any server serving alcohol to customers in BC, Canada. Find out what the alcohol law rules are in your area.
This list is just a start. Over time, you will add items that you feel are necessary in your work. By being organized and ready to tackle any shift, you’ll feel in control and look professional. In the end, you will be handsomely rewarded if you tip well!