Message 14313 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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Hey Ryan.  My name is Brigette and I've been in the business for 17 years.  I 
started out bartending and (like u) I was thrown to the wolves. The only 
difference was that I had no training or school at all.  Not to mention my 1st 
customer took off his wooden leg and told me to fill it up.  I did, with Bud 
draft and charged him 3x the price.  The owner was very happy.  Every since 
that day I've always started off as a bartender and ended up a manager.  Right 
now, I'm a General Manager of Operations for 3 going on 4 local clubs (1/2 of 
which are gentlemens clubs).  I've been on both ends, mgmt and staff.  Here's 
my advice to you.

1.  If your manager is telling you that she pays for the extra booze at the 
end of the night I guarntee you she's lieing.  She's just nervous cuz she 
don't know ya and is worried you might report her to HER BOSS!! Overpouring is 
wrong and cost the business money and essentially you your job and reputation. 
 Reputation is VERY important in bartending.  Customers will always bitch and 
say the drink isn't strong enough.  Some, right before they hit the floor!lol
However, to keep your kudos (and tips) with the regulars and the newbies you 
want to make YOUR regulars, try this.  It's called a long pour.  While your 
bullshitting w/ your customer act as if you're pouring extra.  Pull the bottle 
far away from the glass.  It really does work.  Your not giving any free booze 
it just looks like it.  Image and representation is all it takes.  Practice it 
a few times at home and let me know how it goes for ya. Just 
remember...overpuring is stealing.  A good bartender can make great $$$ and 
still remain honest. I've been doing it for years.
2.  It's a rule at all of my clubs that a double is charged just like that.  
If a single shot is 3.50 then 7.00 is almost expected by the customer.  If 
they bitch about the price (as if u designed it) just refer back to your long 
pour technique and make them believe it ex. "I know it's a stiff price but so 
is the drink, I'll take care of ya!"  It ALWAYS works, it hasn't failed me yet.
3.  Screw bartending school.  Nothing personal but most don't have a clue as 
to what is going on in a club.  If you try to sell someone a 1oz drink they 
might just throw it back at ya.  1 1/2 oz is standard.  Your bar probably even 
has the pourers set up for that amount.  
4.  Get your own gig.  Do something different from the rest. It doesn't have 
to be anything major.  Wave your towel around to the music, throw 5 or 6 
straws in just for shits and giggles!  Basically, anything unique.  And be 
fast.  Speed will always get ya some extra duckies $$$$$$$$$$$!!  Hope it all 
works out for ya. Take care and make $$$$$$$$$$.
Brigette