Category Archives: Q & A

Who is SR Max?

As an industry-leading slip-resistant shoe manufacturer and retailer, it’s our job to serve you and your employees, so that you can serve others.

Part of providing the best service possible includes educating customers on the benefits that we offer.

Take a look at just a few of the services that we offer to our program customers!

What does SR Max offer?

1. Industry-leading slip resistance

The patented MaxTrax® outsole channels away liquids such as oil, grease, and water, and provides more give upon impact which allows for a reinforced grip and a better hold on the ground.

All SR Max® brand shoes are made with our MaxTrax® outsole.

You can also find this patented outsole on certain styles from brands such as Timberland PRO, SKECHERS Work, Reebok, Rockport Works, Sanita, and more!

2. Brands

We offer slip-resistant styles from your favorite brands, including Dr. Martens, Crocs, New Balance, KEEN, and more!

3. 30 Day Satisfaction

This one is pretty self-explanatory, if you don’t like your slip-resistant shoes, send them back!

*** This option is available to certain program levels.

4. 6 Month Warranty

If a pair of defective shoes is less than six months old

(and in our determination shows normal wear), we offer a full refund or credit towards a replacement pair.

5. Retail Shopping

We have 29 walk-in stores spread throughout the east coast, parts of the Midwest, and Hawaii, allowing customers to try on and purchase slip-resistant shoes in a traditional setting.

6. Shoemobiles

Do you want to bring the shoes to your employees? With a shoemobile, you can schedule a time to have one of our trucks stop at your facility,

saving your employees time and providing them with pre-approved styles that you select!

7. Custom Websites

A custom website from SR Max can include a company logo, custom page banners,

and custom verbiage, with multiple tracking, payment order, and reporting tools to choose from!

8. Data Management

Managers have access to customizable corporate sales reports, and can easily access sales history.

9. Marketing Support

Our small (but mighty) team of marketing specialists can assist you with email,

digital, social, PR, tradeshow, print marketing and MORE!

Sound appealing? Click here to contact one of a dedicated Safety Shoe Specialist today!

Do You Need Insoles?

Ah, feet. They’re pretty important to our everyday lives. Besides being the two things that you are constantly walking and standing on, they are also home to all those little piggies your parents used to sing about. So, you need to take care of them! Many industries require a lot of time on your feet. This can cause strains and pains that can cause your brain to drain. Lucky for you, there’s one little trick that could just save your Soul… your inner soul… we’re talking about an INSOLE.

You Might Need An Insole If…

Running

For many people, running is the most common form of foot aches. You are constantly slamming your foot down, and that shock can trickle up your legs leading to shin splints or pressures on your feet. If you find the arches of your feet feeling strained, or your shins are hurting, this may be your feet begging for some fancy new insoles in your shoes.

Standing

Standing all day is one of the leading causes of Plantar Fasciitis. No, this isn’t a spell from Harry Potter, but we’d imagine even the “Boy Who Lived” suffers from foot pain and needs insoles. Plantar Fasciitis is basically a sharp stabbing pain to the soft part of your foot and around your heel. Insoles can help you relieve the stress and pressure of everyday life, sort of like a foot psychiatrist!

Walking Technique

Everyone is unique, and that’s great! Some people just walk “better” than others. If you find that when you walk your feet tend to roll either outward or inward, you will find that this could lead to instability and severe foot pain. If your foot rolls inward that is called “over-pronation” and the opposite is “supination”. These two terms affect many people and, lucky for you, it’s fairly easy to fix with the appropriate insole!

What Kind of Insole Should I Get?

Now that’s the fun part of getting insoles, everyone is unique and has their own foot shape. There is no one answer to this question because you can get insoles for a plethora of reasons. You can get insoles that are designed to keep your feet comfortable, add relief, increase protection, and there are even different insoles for what type of shoe you are wearing.

Think insoles may be the answer to your foot problems? Seek professional help because getting an insole that does not fit your foot could cause even more trauma. On the bright side, insoles fit in ALL of our amazing slip resistant shoes! On that note, SR Max^&#174 offers two amazing styles of Insoles, let’s talk about them:

PAM

PAM: Personal Anti-fatigue Mat. This unique style of insole is one that we think will help you perform your job to your greatest potential. This dual Layer, 100% memory foam insole offers maximum shock absorption to help relieve pressure on your feet. The memory foam technology incorporated in this insole compresses for safe clearance in steel toe footwear.

THOTIC

Megacomfort is the first word we use to describe this insole. It offers 3 in 1 comfort orthotic technology to help alleviate those strains you feel on your feet during work. If you have particularly poor arch support, this insole will help you out immensely, which comes with two additional orthotic arch supports allowing you to customize the fit directly to you.

You can check out our two insole products here, and enjoy the start of your new (foot pain-free) life!

Top 10 Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit

We’ve all made the regrettable decision to purchase shoes that pinch, rub, leave blisters, or are just too darn tight. Not only are these beautiful, ill-fitting monstrosities uncomfortable, they can really do a number on your feet as well.

How can you avoid them though? Follow our helpful tips below as a guide to find the perfect fit for your feet.

Measure your feet or try on shoes toward the end of the day when your feet are their largest.

We know gravity and physics aren’t easy concepts for everyone, so we’ll just cut to the chase. Your feet actually get bigger as the days goes on – as you walk and stand through the day, your feet expand under your weight.

When trying on shoes, make sure there is up to ½” of space left between the end of your big toe (or longest toe) and the end of the shoe.

Remember that tip about trying on your shoes at the end of the day? This is why… well, this is part of the reason why. The other half of the reason is due to the fact that when we walk, our toes create a slight back-and-forth motion. In order to protect your toes while they are in motion and make sure that you have enough room, you are going to want that half-inch space between your longest toe and the shoe, just trust us on this one.

Ensure that the toe box of the shoe is wide and roomy enough for your toes.

If your toes feel like they are being squeezed by a boa constrictor, then there’s a good chance that your shoes are too tight. On the plus side though, you’re probably not about to become the main course for a reptile today. Make sure that you have plenty of “wiggle room”, and that your feet are able to spread out comfortably. Don’t get shoes that cause you to have your toes overlap. You never know, they might get stuck like that!

Always shop for shoes depending on how well they fit your feet, not based on the shoe size.

Alright, ladies and gents. It’s time to get real about this issue. We have to stop the stigma that certain shoe sizes mean certain things. Smaller shoe sizes won’t make you any more “dainty”, and larger shoe sizes are not the best way to assert “dominance”. Be yourself, and get a pair of shoes that actually fit you properly. And for those of you out there that like to shop without trying on your clothing and attire, be warned: not all brands are created identically. What one brand deems to be a Women’s 8.5, could be another brand’s size 9.

Make sure there is enough room for the ball of your foot – it should fit comfortably at the widest part of your shoe.

The proper fit happens when the widest point of your foot (the ball) is located exactly in the widest part of the shoe. When that happens, the arch of your foot fits precisely with the arch of the shoe, giving you maximum support. In the SR Max^® world, we like to refer to this area as the slip-resistant sweet spot.

Your heel should not slip up and down inside the shoe as you walk, they should be stable with minimal slippage as you move.

If your heel slips when you walk, this is either a sign of a shoe that is too large or a shoe that is simply not designed to fit the specific needs of your foot.

Don’t buy shoes that are too small, hoping that they’ll stretch out.

Let’s use some common sense with this one, guys. You can’t shove a larger object into a smaller one and expect it to fit. Now we get it, there are articles out there that tell you that you can make your shoes larger by sticking them in the freezer with water. But we all know there’s only so much stretching that can occur here. Stick to the basics and just spare yourself the “cold feet” and get a pair of shoes that don’t require much effort to wear!

Spend time walking in the shoes to make sure the fit is correct and comfortable.

It’s true, some things in life require a test drive before purchase. Shoes should definitely be one of those items. While in the store (or even at home, if you ordered online) take some time to walk around on a carpeted, clean surface to get a feel for how the shoes will fit. Trust us, this will help you if you ever need to return them.

Choose a pair of shoes that accommodate your arch type (ex. for flat feet, find a pair of shoes with extra arch support).

Some of us have high arches, some of us have falling arches, and some of us have flat feet. Make sure that you are choosing a pair that fit your arch type. Several brands will even call out this specific feature in order to help you make a more informed decision, while other brands are known to provide a certain level of arch support. When all else fails, don’t be afraid to try on different styles, brands, and sizes to figure out what suits you best.

Make sure the shoes you get will keep your feet comfortable if you have to stand or walk for long periods of time.

When your job has you on your feet all day, you will need to make sure that your slip resistant work shoes are up for the task. You need shoes that will provide you with enough support and cushioning in all the right places (especially your arches) to prevent you from having general foot pain and even blisters.

Easy, right? If you follow the simple tips above, you’ll be sure to find a shoe with the kind of fit you’ve always wanted.
Want to learn more about the comfort technologies that we offer? Check us out at srmax.com today!

The Customer Service Crash Course

Whether you’re a 16-year-old starting your first job as a grocery store cashier or a sales team veteran, a customer service refresher is never a bad thing. Working with the public can be challenging at times. Maybe a customer is just having a bad day, or maybe they do have a legitimate frustration with a part of the process that we could learn from if we are open-minded and ready to listen.

So have a seat because class is in session! Let’s go through the steps to becoming a customer service pro.

You’ll need some patience

In a perfect world, we’d be able to meet all customer needs at all times. Unfortunately, we live in the real world, so customers are going to have frustrations at times.

When these cases arise, all that you can do is remain calm and work with the customer to fix the issue. And if the customer becomes argumentative, never fight back. If you cannot fix the issue for whatever reason, refer the customer to your superior to work something out.

The customer service industry isn’t for everyone. If you don’t take being yelled at or criticized by strangers very well, then this may not be for you. It takes a lot of self-control, patience, and some thick skin to make it through some days. Just remember to try and use positive language, stay cheerful no matter what, and always attempt to satisfy the customer.

A strong work ethic is required

Customer service means long days on your feet or on the phone and a lot of interactions with customers. While you’ll be seeing or talking to dozens of customers throughout the day, their interaction with you is likely their only interaction with the company. Therefore, you need to be constantly on your game and ready to meet a customer’s needs at all times.

You won’t be able to afford any slacking off time. One bad customer experience can lead to a store complaint or a bad review online. So while some days feel longer than others, always remember to keep your work ethic up, stay positive, and be there for every single customer that you come into contact with.

You’d better know what you’re selling

It is ALWAYS your responsibility in any type of customer service field to be knowledgeable about the products that you carry. A lot of customers have questions before they make a purchase, so you should spend some time getting comfortable with the products that you sell.

However, if you really don’t know the answer to a customer’s question, it’s okay to say that you don’t know! Most customers will understand, but you should immediately find someone who does know the answer rather than just leaving the customer to fend for themselves.

And “I don’t know” is not a permanent solution. If this is your go-to answer for all questions, customers will begin to notice and get upset, so remember to keep the customer in mind and learn as much as you can about your particular business.

In conclusion…

The customer service field is all about catering to customer needs and keeping them happy. It requires patience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to being knowledgeable about your particular industry. Customer Service jobs can be a lot of fun if you’re a people person, and most customers can be really enjoyable to interact with.

Class dismissed!

Looking for more helpful tips for your industry? Learn more at www.srmax.com !

Slippery (Resistance) When Wet

Slips and falls can occur almost anywhere at any time. Didn’t see that grease spot on the kitchen floor? There’s a slip and fall right into the refrigerator. Missed that patch of black ice while walking into work in the middle of January? Now you’re laying on the sidewalk with a freshly sprained ankle.

If you work in slick and slippery environments, you may find that meetings between you and the ground are becoming more and more common due to slips and falls. Not wanting to hurt yourself and miss any time from work, it’s important to know just how to handle slippery conditions. Here are some of our tips.

Take slooooow steps (and learn how to do the shuffle)

There’s no need to rush over slippery spots. Take slow, small steps whenever you need to walk across potential slip hazards. Slowing your steps down also means that you can use your feet as “probes” to detect just how slippery the surface in front of you is.

Always watch where you’re stepping before you actually take a step. If you’re walking slowly, your reaction time will be more responsive to changes in traction. If stepping is too dangerous, do the shuffle! Keep your feet on the ground (at least one foot apart) and just glide and dance your way across that spill. We wouldn’t recommend practicing your ice dance routine, though.

Bend your knees, and walk flat-footed

Life is all about balance, right? Well, the same is true for walking over slippery surfaces. You’re going to want to make sure that you are as centered and balanced as possible. While walking, slightly bend your knees and try to walk flat-footed as much as you can. This keeps your center of gravity over your feet to maintain that perfect balance. To help with this, point your feet slightly outward.

Remember, none of this has to be too drastic. We don’t want you squatting down like a crab and walking sideways with your feet pointed out. Just get your feet directly underneath you and keep them flat while taking (slow) steps.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane…balance beams!

Remember when you were a kid on the playground walking along the balance beams? You didn’t keep your hands close to your sides to keep yourself balanced. You extended them straight out to your sides!

Now, do the same thing when walking across a slippery surface. Keep your arms extended to the sides to maintain your balance. And if you haven’t read a single word yet, remember this tip: Never keep your hands in your pockets. Not only will your balance be poor, but if you do slip, you won’t have your arms out to protect yourself. Hello, missing teeth.

Handrails are there for a reason

Those cute little handrails next to steps aren’t just there for decoration. They might be the one thing that keeps you from slipping and falling, so use them! If the stairs are slippery, use any railings that you can find to keep yourself balanced and upright.

If there aren’t any railings insight, try to use a wall, counter, or other surfaces nearby to grab onto while walking across the slippery surface. If all else, fails, take the balance beam approach we mentioned earlier.

Are slips common at your job? Then wear the proper footwear!

If you work in an environment where slips are a regular occurrence, then it’s important for you to have on a pair of slip-resistant shoes at all times. Interested in checking out some of our own styles? Feel free to browse through them at https://www.srmax.com/

Five Steps for Launching a Successful Corporate Shoe Program

If you’re thinking about starting a corporate shoe program for your company, you’re smarter than people think. A corporate shoe program is a great way to keep employees safe and happy.

These programs allow employees to pick the style and color of their pair of slip-resistant shoes, and they prevent accidents from happening in the workplace. That means a reduction in the volume of workers compensation claims, and fewer lost days from work due to an accident.

That’s a whole lot of winning right there! Now that you understand why these programs are so great, here’s five steps to get a corporate shoe program started for your company:

1. There’s a form to fill out

You’ll need to fill out our (very simple) ‘Start a Program’ form found here. After we receive your form, an SR Max® representative will contact you within two days to complete the account set-up process. If we need any additional information like banking or credit references, we’ll get that from you at this time.

We’ll also set up the process for your associates to order directly or through a coordinator at your office. We want to make this as easy as possible for you. The only stress should be on your feet, and even that will be gone after your new slip-resistant shoes arrive!

2. Give us the ‘deets’

We’ll need to know the specific needs of your shoe program. For example: does your company or industry require slip-resistant shoes? Or are you just doing this because you’re super smart? Do you want only slip-resistant shoes made available to employees? Which of our many colors and styles would you like to make available to your employees?

Now is also the time to tell us about the job duties your employees perform daily. We can recommend the shoes that make the best fit for your company.

3. Configure your payroll deduction

Typically for payroll deduction orders, you’ll need the employees:

First and last name
Employee ID
Store location or department
Style number
Size and width of the shoe that they wish to purchase

Orders can come through your management team or directly from your associates. That decision is entirely up to you. Orders may be placed online at www.srmax.com using your SR Max® account number, or they may be called into SR Max® toll-free at (877) 776-2933.

If you do decide that you want all orders to go through your management team, SR Max® can provide order forms for your associates to fill out and submit to management.

**4. This program isn’t just for you**

No one creates a corporate shoe program for only one person. That would be weird. So let people know about your new program! Our team at SR Max® can help create break room posters, catalogs, and online ordering options so that you can spread the word.

Here’s a helpful tip: include information about your corporate shoe program in any new hire packet. You alone are not a corporation, so make sure that your corporate shoe program is successful by letting your company know about it.

5. Kick back and wait for the shoes

Unfortunately, we don’t have the technology to beam your shoes to you instantly. However, once your employees’ order has been processed, the shoes will ship out to your facility manager or associate. For online orders, you will receive an automated summary of the order, as well as an e-mailed shipping confirmation from UPS once the shoes are on their way.

Congratulations! You’ve created a successful shoe program. Enjoy the safety and style that your employees will now have while you save the company money with the payroll deduction plan.

Are you ready to start a program with us, or want more information? Check us out at www.srmax.com to learn more!

Helpful Tips for CNA’s

Nursing assistants are crucial parts of the overall nursing team, and their job is incredibly important. You’re on your feet nearly all day caring for residents and patients in a nursing home, and many of them can consume most of your time and attention.

In a job as important and challenging as this one, we’re sure that you’ll take all of the tips you can get. Here’s a few from the people who want to take care of your feet:

Obviously…Take care of your feet!

So we’re a bit biased when it comes to the most important part of the human body. However, for a CNA who spends most of the day on their feet, the foot really is important. Patients aren’t the only injured people in hospitals; employees can slip and hurt themselves as well, so you should take care in making sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Having a pair of slip-resistant shoes is a great preventative measure that you can take. There are plenty of spills inside hospitals or nursing homes, so feeling confident and safe in your work environment is the first step in doing your job well. You also don’t want to come home to throbbing foot pain at the end of each day, so getting comfortable shoes with enough padding and support is necessary as well.

Keep a journal with you, and write until your hand falls off

Not actually…trying to do this job with one hand would be interesting. A CNA will spend the day doing so many tasks and juggling multiple patients. Unless your brain has a portable hard drive stored within it, you’re simply not going to remember everything.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a small notebook to write down what needs to be done for each patient, and any other reminders for yourself or questions for your supervisor.

This notebook can also be used to write down patient tendencies and other information about your day-to-day duties. Just write it all down so it becomes impossible to forget! In addition to kicking forgetfulness to the curb, writing lists can also reduce your level of stress due to the fact that it gives you a chance to collect yourself and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Ask ALL the questions

In this profession, there’s no such thing as “too many questions.” You’re handling the health and well-being of real people. If you don’t know how to do something, it’s a wise idea to ask someone who does rather than winging it on a real live human being.

Learn from your supervisor and observe everything that they do before you attempt it. Ask previous CNA’s what they have done in similar situations too. Learning from those who have been there before is the best way to start gaining experience. And remember: THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS especially when you are in charge of someone else’s care.

Organization = Relaxation

Well, maybe not relaxation… but it will certainly make the daily duties a little less stressful!

A CNA is constantly running around in and out of rooms, taking care of several patients at a time. Even that sentence was a mouthful, so it’s hard to imagine what this job is like without actually doing it. If you don’t stay organized, the job will get the better of you.

Arrive to work a few minutes early and start planning out your day and prioritizing certain tasks. These tasks can be written down in your handy notebook that we talked about earlier. Also, gather all of the supplies that you need for each patient before entering the room to care for them.

Lastly, when you’re taking the vitals for various patients, make sure you document each of them immediately following the tests. This allows the patient records to stay up-to-date and all of the other practitioners can view the records quickly as well. Like we said, this job requires a lot of organization, preparation, and documentation.

Don’t forget about the most important factor in this equation: YOU!

To do this job, you need to take care of yourself. Whether this is by taking care of your feet, hands or anything else, always ensure that your health is the priority. If you’re sick you can’t provide the care that your patients need. Especially if you’re in a nursing home for the elderly, you cannot come to work with any type of bug because these patients are particularly susceptible to illnesses.

While this job is a handful, it is extremely rewarding being able to help so many people each day. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to come home each day and kick your (well-taken care of) feet up on the couch and relax.

For more tips and information about the products we offer, check us out at srmax.com.

Why You Should Take the Time to Get a Shoe Fitting

If you’re over the age of five, you probably know your own shoe size. You may not think that you need help getting your own shoes properly fitted by a professional because it’s common sense, right?

One would think.

But, there’s actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you’re on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes (there’s a history lesson here that this writer knows nothing about). Let’s meet some demons that you’ll need to avoid:

The Piercing Pincher

Picture this: You arrive at work for your first day with your new pair of slip-resistant shoes. You’re feeling confident, safe, and looking great with all of the stylish swagger that your shoes provide.

Flash forward five hours: the toe of your shoe is so tight around your big toe that you’ve lost all feeling in it. Does your big toe even still exist down there? These are the questions you’re asking yourself while praying that the minute hand on the clock ticks faster to your next break.

This horrible scenario could have all been avoided if you had been fitted by a professional. They would know exactly where your big toe should be within the shoe while standing, and they’d feel it and double check with you before you ever leave the store or shoemobile. Next time, do this and don’t end up questioning whether your big toe is still there during your first day in your new shoes.

The Stinging Slipper

“But they felt ok when I tried them on in the store!” Those are the famous last words of someone who tried on shoes and didn’t bother to test them out by walking around the store on a carpeted surface before buying them.

Imagine: You’re walking into work with your new pair of shoes on and notice that they’re a bit big and slip when you walk. Oh well; you’re late for work and need to get inside to start your shift.

Flash forward three hours: the dinner rush is in full swing and your new shoe demons have created two or three blisters across your feet the size of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot! If one more customer asks you to walk the entirety of the restaurant for an extra napkin, you’re going to place the shoes in the parking lot and run them over and over until they become a part of the pavement.

Now, if you had gotten your shoes properly fitted by one of our experts, you would know exactly how long and wide the shoe should be to fit your feet. Our expert would explain to you that the ball of your foot should rest on the widest part of your shoe and would also have you walk around the store in the shoes to ensure that they don’t slip. Next time, do this and don’t end up making your new shoes a part of the pavement outside.

Any questions? Feel free to visit our sizing and fitting page here to read about specific shoe sizes and width letters.

What to Expect when You Visit an SR Max Shoemobile

Just imagine a store full of over 1,200 pairs of our best and stylish slip resistant shoes….on wheels.

While you’re recovering from your mind being blown due to the sheer awesomeness of this concept, let’s walk through what a trip to one of these magical stores looks like. You may have heard of our shoemobiles, or even seen one driving around or parked near your place of work before, but what really goes on inside these shoe stores on wheels?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the best pair of slip resistant shoes that fit your feet perfectly.

Big Wheels keep on turnin’

Our SR Max shoemobiles are available in select locations across the east coast, and they always carry at least 1,200 pairs of shoes. We have shoes in stock from brands like Crocs, Skechers Work, Converse, New Balance, Rockport Works, and others. When you first step foot into the shoemobile, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly SR Max^® employees ready to fit you for your new pair of slip-resistant shoes. You’ll be asked about your work environment and what kind of slip resistant shoe you’re looking for specifically.

Decision time

After this, our slip resistant shoe expert will give you a few options that he or she feels will best fit your needs. You’ll be able to select the brand and color of your shoes, and then our SR Max employee will size you and give you a pair to try on. Once you have the shoes on, our expert will quickly work with you to ensure that the shoes fit your feet perfectly. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare to arrive at an eight-hour shift on your feet with new shoes that pinch or rub your feet the wrong way, so we take great care in this step of the process. We’re not sure what walking on a cloud feels like, but we want you to feel something like that.

Make it official

After you’ve found the perfect pair of slip resistant shoes, you’re set! Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a brand new pair of SR Max slip resistant shoes. You’ll be asked to sign for your shoes and then you’re free to go on your way (not that you weren’t ever free before. Our shoemobiles are not prisons).

It’s as easy as that! Next time you see one of our bright green shoemobiles parked near you, make sure to stop by and check it out. With over 1,200 options, you’re bound to find something that you like!

Want to learn more about SR Max? Check us out online today!

How to Keep Calm When You’re in The Weeds

As a member of a restaurants waitstaff, you are probably all too familiar with the term “In the Weeds”. For those of you that don’t, this term usually refers to a time during a waiter’s shift when they begin to feel stressed by multiple customers demanding their attention.

In an industry that usually relies on tips in order to make ends meet, you can’t afford to let stress impact your ability to serve everyone in a charming, professional manner. Check out these tips on how to manage those extremely busy shifts stress-free and with ease!

Communication is Key

As with most professions, it is important to communicate with fellow employees and customers. This still rings true in the restaurant industry. Even when you are extremely busy, it is important to take the extra few seconds to introduce yourself to your table, take their order, and make sure they feel like you are there for them.

Prioritize

This one might seem less important, but trust us, you are going to want to prioritize your customers based on where they are at in their meal. Make sure to greet customers that have just been seated as quickly as possible. From there you can prioritize customers based on who needs refills, or changes to their order, who just got their food, and who is ready for their check. As a server, it is up to you to figure out the sweet spot between checking in on your customers too much, and not enough.

Come Prepared

The last thing you want to do when you’re in the middle of a busy shift is stop to complete small tasks such as folding silverware or brewing coffee. One easy way to prevent these minor yet important tasks from piling up and affecting your productivity is to simply do as much as possible ahead of time. It not only keeps you focused on your tables, but it will also keep you from rushing, which can potentially lead to poor service for customers.

Most Importantly, keep your cool.

Don’t let the pressure get to you. Break a seemingly endless list of requests and duties down into single tasks that you can check off your mental to-do list. This will not only help you focus, but it will give you small, manageable goals. Breaking the endless list down will make it easier for you to concentrate, stay on task and keep calm, all of which will translate into a positive experience for your customers. Because at the end of the day, happy customers leave better tips!

For more tips like this, and information about our slip-resistant shoes, visit us online at srmax.com