Mel Robbins suggests that women often have the primary influence over the amount of tip a server receives.
Mel Robbins, a bestselling author and podcast host, argues that the secret to earning large tips as a server is understanding who holds the influence over the person paying. Robbins recalled advice from a mentor-boss at the Red Rooster Tavern who taught her that while men often pay the bill, women frequently provide the final judgment on the service and suggest the tip amount. Robbins suggests that servers should focus on providing fabulous care to the women at the table to secure better gratuities. However, hospitality experts like Robert Mahon and Lisa Burdette caution against ignoring the men entirely. Mahon noted that while women often have the final judgment, focusing solely on them is considered bad hospitality. Experts agree that skilled servers should read the entire table to ensure every guest feels well-looked-after. Research also supports the idea that small interpersonal interactions, such as complimenting diners, can significantly increase the amount of tips received.