Ash Trays, Bevnaps & Bigger Bartending Tips

Two bar items I consider "tools" for bigger tips are ashtrays and bevnaps. Today it seems the ashtray is fast becoming extinct, but it's still around at some bars and likely will be for a few more years. Bev naps are something almost every bar has on hand and I think they'll be around for a long time. Both of these items can be useful in getting you better tips.

Let's start with the ashtray. If the bar you are working in permits smoking a good portion of your bar customers will likely be smoking. Smoking is basically messy and even more so for someone who's had a few drinks in a dark room. The ashes are easily dropped beside the ashtray rather than inside and the moisture from the drink glasses or beer bottles kinda makes a mess. The ashtrays also get filled pretty quickly. Actually, an ashtray with more than 2 burnt out cigarettes should be considered full and be emptied.

When you keep an eye on the ashtrays, emptying them after 2 butts, you give the customer a fresh feeling. They also feel you are working hard and paying attention. It's a good thing all around. But don't stop with emptying. Take your bar rag (please make sure it's clean and wrung out good) and do a quick wipe too. Lift the ashtray and wipe under. Do it fast. Don't make the customer inconvenienced. You should be able to empty (or replace) the ashtray, wipe the bar and set the ashtray back without the customer realizing what just happened! Well, maybe not quite that fast but pretty close!

Bevnaps should be used with every drink served. Too many bartenders do not replace the old ones. You should do this with every drink served at the bar. Pay attention to the area the drink is being placed. If it shows signs of stickiness or just rings left by the sweating glass, give it a quick wipe before setting down the new bev nap and beverage. Your customers will truly appreciate it.

These two small efforts, the ashtrays and bevnaps, will increase your tips at the end of the night. Your bar customers need a reason to give you a bigger tip. Compared to serving food there is not much to do as a bartender after the drink has been served. It is very important then that you keep on your toes when your customer needs another drink or anything for that matter. Don't wait for them to ask for a new ashtray or a clean bevnap. If you are not being attentive to these things make a change starting now and watch your tips soar!