Business cards for waiters?

I went to the Olive Garden this evening with my parents and the waitress left the pictured card. It reads:

"It was my pleasure serving you today"

I think this is a great piece of marketing for the waitstaff. It gives them a tool to help build a personal relationship with clientele. It can help serve as a reminder for guests returning on a regular basis as to who their favorite server was.

The card also facilitates a more professional and personal relationship with the guest, which may result in bigger tips :D and regular guests.

It was brought to my attention that some diners may see these cards as insincere. They may also begin to question the cost of these cards and how it has been rolled into the menu prices. I think the relative cost per guest experience is negligible and that the expense is worthwhile. Even if the effect these cards have is on an unconscious level they are sure to enrich the service experience and at least for the time being serve to differentiate Olive Garden in the marketplace.

This would be an easy tactic to adapt to your organization. Even small businesses can use this strategy to help encourage a higher touch at the customer contact level. I have used OvernightPrints.com in the past to get business cards. For a relatively low cost you could purchase contact cards for your frontline staff to help encourage customers you already have to return, which may have more of a relative impact than advertising to potential customers who may never come in.

DC