Temperatures rise, tourists increase, and time seems to stand still…
Whether by the sea or in the city center, for those working in a venue, summer can become a real survival test. If you have found yourself talking to inanimate objects at the end of summer shifts and have developed a fear of sunglasses, straw hats, and portable fans, take a deep breath, you can relax.
With our survival manual, facing the “beautiful season” will be like drinking a glass of water. Here are some tips for surviving…
Here are some tips for surviving…
Extreme temperatures
Our first piece of advice is to make sure that the air conditioners are working before summer arrives. We all know how difficult it can be to withstand the heat, so don't procrastinate on this, you might regret it!
Back pain
To best cope with long shifts on your feet and reduce muscle pain in your back and legs, the best solution is to choose comfortable shoes. Opt for snug shoes, with a soft insole and a padded collar that offers ankle support, especially for lateral movements. Other qualities you should look for in your shoes are a flexible, non-slip, and breathable sole.
Crazy requests
Everyone has experienced surreal orders and requests that are difficult to interpret. We can't prevent all this from happening again; the solution we propose is to note them all in a notebook: it will become an endless source of fun anecdotes to share with friends. Some examples?
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“A cappuccino without milk, thank you”
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“Excuse me, could you please remove the seeds from the tomato?”
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“Excuse me, but are these pork scaloppine actually chicken?”
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"A ginging coffee, please"
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"But oh beautiful, are you cutting the lime to make the tachipirigna?"
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“Light cappuccino, warm with lots of soy foam, decaffeinated coffee…”
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“Can you make me a coffee with a drop of milk?”
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“A latte, ma'am?”
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“A coffee with a drop of milk”
Those who don't greet
Rudeness is not unknown to bartenders and patience unfortunately reaches its limit at some point. If you're tired of educating customers, let a sign hanging speak for you…
Some examples could be:
Too many customers
If you have a dehor make sure it is well-furnished, shaded, and ventilated. Don't forget to treat it to keep the most annoying insects away… the more customers stay outside, the less you'll have to deal with them!
Foreign tourists
Knowing more languages is a must, but there's little to do, sometimes it's not enough… distributing translated menus in multiple languages, with images of the product will help you say goodbye to language barriers and easily manage any order.
Unknown trends
Keeping up with trends is essential to not be unprepared in front of the most updated customers. If you've never heard of Dubai Crêpes or Bubble Tea, then we recommend you get informed right away and take note! Diversifying the offer and introducing novelties in the menu will ensure constant interest in your place.
Awkward colleagues
Probably few things are as irritating as seeing a distracted colleague while dealing with many customers; for this reason the choice of pStaff cannot be random. Working with friendly, flexible, and capable people will not only allow for better service for customers but also a better relationship among colleagues.
Inconveniences
Unexpected holidays, injuries, and breakdowns can compromise the business. Our advice? Always have a plan B: backup staff to ask for support, reliable machinery, and flexible suppliers willing to accommodate you at the first unforeseen event.
Customers who won't leave
How to politely chase away customers who don't realize the place is closing? If folding chairs, cleaning the counter, and turning off the lights don't yield results, why not try with a spray bottle full of water? It works with cats!
When stress becomes excessive remember that you also need a break… if the idea of hiding in a corner for a few minutes tempts you, we won't tell anyone!
