Tag: las vegas

Upselling to Increase Profits and Net Better Tips

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

Upselling_BarWorkers in the hospitality industry often depend on tip money for the majority of their income. Looking for ways to increase your earnings? When coupled with great customer service, a higher tab almost always equates to a higher tip, and what service professional doesn’t want to increase bar sales, and in turn, their own tips? There are several ways to net bigger tips, wow your guests, and impress your manager by netting bigger sales. Nightclub & Bar recently released an article titled, “5 Tips in Training Your Staff to Upsell,” and we here at TAM® of Nevada wholeheartedly agree with their suggestions. You can read the full article here, and check out a few more suggestions for TAM® Card holders that we’d add to the list:

  1. When done correctly, upselling is one of the most effective ways to increase your earnings potential. For example, if a mixed drink comes in a standard size or large size, it would be acceptable to ask your guest if they’d like to order the larger size. Just remember to keep an eye on any patrons so they aren’t over served. A larger drink will contain more alcohol than a standard serving size. Similarly, try and promote your top shelf liquors. If a patron asks for a mixed drink, ask them if they’d like to select the premium option. A simple suggestion such as, “Would you like your drink with Grey Goose?” is an easy way to upsell your offerings without being pushy.
  2. Suggest premium beverages or signature drinks over well drinks to increase sales. A patron can get a well drink anywhere, suggesting one of your establishment’s popular signature cocktails can instantly boost the bar tab, and your customer gets to try something new and exciting.
  3. Drink sales aren’t the only item to focus on; you can also upsell food items on you menu. Try offering your bar patrons an appetizer or entrée to go with their drinks. A simple, “Would you like to try some buffalo wings to go with your beer?” is always a good tactic.

Providing excellent customer service in addition to responsible beverage service is one of the most important duties of a bartender or server. What other tips about suggestive selling and upselling would you add to the list?

Resources

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Are You New to Nevada? You Must Complete a Nevada-Specific Alcohol Awareness Class

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

TAM CardAre you new in town and hoping your out-of-state alcohol awareness card is valid for your new job in Las Vegas? Don’t put yourself or your employer at risk, alcohol education cards from out-of-state won’t transfer in Nevada. Industry professionals should complete alcohol awareness training with TAM® of Nevada to meet local requirements.

Workers are drawn to this great state for its booming entertainment and nightlife industry, and all of the hospitality jobs that come along with the action. We often receive inquiries from out-of-state students asking if their alcohol education cards and education are transferable in Nevada. Why repeat training if it’s unnecessary? Unfortunately, liquor laws are specific to the states, counties and municipalities, so no, alcohol licenses are not transferable. You will need to take another alcohol awareness course here in Nevada before you begin your career.

All individuals hoping to work in the beverage sales and service industry in Nevada must complete an alcohol training program that has been approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. Furthermore, check with your employer, in many cases an official TAM® brand card is required. TAM® of Nevada is an approved provider, and the only official provider of TAM® Cards in the state of Nevada.

Individuals that need to obtain their TAM® Card can complete their training online or in a traditional classroom environment with our certified instructors. Additionally, we now offer open lab time on Tuesdays for students who would like to complete their alcohol awareness training online, but do not have access to a computer. Students are welcome to visit our training center and use our computer lab to complete their training on Tuesdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Likewise, classroom-based training is available at several convenient times throughout the week, including Spanish classes on Tuesday evenings. Check out our alcohol awareness class schedule to find a class that is convenient for you!

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Alcoholic Beverage Service at Special Events – Are You Following the Law?

Published on by TAM of Nevada2 Comments

iStock_000010753481XSmallContrary to popular belief, Alcohol Awareness Cards ARE required for anyone selling or serving alcoholic beverages for any length of time, including special one-time events and the TAM® Card is the one you should have. We often receive calls asking if TAM Cards are needed for individuals who will be working to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for festivals, special weekend events, and similar situations. Even if you will only be working in this type of position for a short period of time, an Alcohol Awareness Card is still mandatory.

Taking it a step further, new and veteran TAM® Card holders alike should know that ID Checking, even at special events, is a huge responsibility. Room service, banquets, conventions, race tracks, quinceañeras, weddings, festivals, company picnics and celebrations, concession stands, and the list goes on! ID Checking at special events is absolutely imperative – are you following the letter of the law?

A recent news story out of Reno concerns ID checking at a local “wine walk” festival. An alarming 84% of businesses failed alcohol compliance checks during the event (KOLO). A common practice at many festivals and special events, such as this one, is to check for participant ID during event registration. The participant may receive a special arm band, badge, stamp, beverage glass, or other item that identifies them as a registered participant of legal drinking age. However, an event wristband does not relieve servers from verifying a customer is of age.

In the case of the recent Reno wine walk, purchase of a wristband and special wine glass was used to identify participants and allow them to sample wine from a variety of area restaurants. In cases such as this, it would be very easy for one individual of legal drinking age to purchase a wristband, but then give the wristband to an underage drinker. This scenario illustrates why it is important to ALWAYS check identification and should serve as a reminder that just because a participant may have a special event pass, that does not relieve the server from checking for photo ID.

The same holds true for special events such as weddings and other banquet events. Even if a wedding reception is “adults only”, a bartender should follow procedure to card anyone who appears to be 30 years of age or younger. It is better to be safe than sorry, and helps to keep underage guests safe.

For more information on TAM® Card Requirements, refer to our blog post, “Need a TAM® Card for the Busy Summer Season? A Rundown on Requirements.” Remember, remain vigilant, and always practice the Techniques of Alcohol Management in order to provide responsible beverage service. What other advice would you give regarding alcoholic beverage service during special events?

Resources

84% of Businesses Fail Underage Alcohol Compliance Check During Wine Walk – Kolo 8 News Now

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

March Madness is Here. Are You Ready for the Crowds?

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

march mardnessMarch Madness officially kicks off this Thursday and is one of the biggest draws of the year in Las Vegas. Why not make the most of being on center stage to show visitors and locals alike all that Vegas has to offer? Taxi drivers, restaurants, and shops will all be working hard to accommodate the influx of visitors and hotel room prices have skyrocketed for this weekend. Establishments all over town are preparing to face huge crowds of patrons looking for viewing parties, food, drink, quality service, and a good time.

If you’re planning to work during the course of the event, it presents a great opportunity to make extra tip money and wow your guests at the same time. Are you looking for ways to net bigger sales and tips? There are a few things that can set you apart from the competition:

  1. Special events such as March madness are a great opportunity to try special menu items, viewing parties or themed promotions. Why not offer a specially-priced cocktail menu to entice your guests? Your bartenders could create signature team-themed cocktails or sports-themed menu items to get your guests in the celebratory mood and trying something new. Looking for even more inspiration from other local events happening around town? Check out Vegas Chatter’s guide to March Madness celebrations.
  2. Make suggestions to your guests for visiting popular spots in Las Vegas. As a local, you can capitalize on your knowledge of what is going on in and around town and pass on suggestions to your guests on how to fill their time in between games. Guests will appreciate the insider scoop and ability to make recommendations on after-parties, places where locals like the hang out, and off the beaten path sites to visit. You may also want to suggest use of the Las Vegas monorail, trolleys, free trams, and free shuttles. With the huge crowds expected, having a variety of options to get around will be helpful.
  3. Always practice safe alcohol sales and service. The lessons you learn in your TAM® course will help you to serve responsibly. A well-educated server is familiar with alcohol’s effects on the body and can recognize the dangerous signs of over-intoxication. Watch how much you are serving and how often. You can help to cut down on the number of over-intoxicated individuals who ruin the atmosphere for others, or potentially harm themselves. Also, call a cab for any inebriated drivers on your premises. Keeping them off the road helps keep us all safe.

How are you planning to make the most of the March Madness crowds, and what team are YOU rooting for?

Resources

Vegas Chatter’s Guide To March Madness Parties – Vegas Chatter

© 2013 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada