5. Take a tip from restaurants

Why do we tip waiters, hairdressers and taxi drivers but not nurses and shop assistants? According to research in the USA, more than 90 percent of restaurant diners tip their waiter or waitress about 10 percent of the bill. Tips are a large part of the income of waiting staff.

Research shows that, to get tips, some things work and others do not. There are three main factors which can increase tipping.

The first is contact between customer and waiter or waitress. It includes:

• touching the customer politely on the arm

• bending down so your eyes are at the same level as the customer’s

• extra visit to the table to check that everything is OK

• smiling when greeting the customer and being pleasant. Being helpful and warm makes a big difference

• introducing yourself by name. Even things like writing “thank you” or drawing a cartoon on a bill are effective.

The second factor is speed. There are three occasions during the meal when speed is important: bringing the menu and drinks and taking the food order; bringing the food, and bringing the bill. It is important to get the speed right. The trick is to understand what the customer wants. A business lunch may be quick or slow: get the timing right and the tip increases.

The third factor is giving small gifts – a free drink at the start of the meal or a chocolate with the bill.