Frequently Asked Questions
From Servers
Q. I’m a bartender, server or chef. How do I make a profile?
A. First you log into the website. Then click “register”. Fill out all the required information. Then, log back in and create your profile. You can even upload a photo here if you want!
Q. What kind of information do I put in my profile?
A. In the “additional comments” section of the profile page, be sure to include any credentials held (degrees held in the field, culinary training, ABC or server card etc) and any specific industry experiences you have had.
Q. Can I upload my resume?
A. No, you can’t upload your entire resume, but please be sure to include any specific industry experiences in the “additional comments” section.
Q. Can I upload a photo of myself?
A. Yes
Q. Can I include my personal contact information (address, telephone number or email address) in the “additional comments” section?
A. No, the hosts will be able to contact you through the website. If you include personal contact information, you will be asked to remove it.
Q. How will I know if someone wants to hire me?
A. You will receive an email inquiring about your availability for a specific event/party that a host has registered. Once a host chooses their servers from among those who responded that they were available, you will receive another email telling you that you have been hired and that the host will be contacting you shortly by phone or email.
Q. What if a host inquires about a date that I am not available?
A. Just click “decline” in the message that you received. The host will be notified that you have declined.
Q. How does Our Silver Platter’s feedback system work?
A. It is a feedback system for both server and host to use. After the party/event is over, both the server and host are encouraged to log back into the site and click “evaluate”.
Here they are able to rate the experience. Positive feedback for servers will tell future hosts that they arrived on time and did a good job. Positive feedback for hosts will tell future servers that this host paid as agreed and provided a positive work environment.
Q. What if I want to get jobs as either a server or a bartender or a cook?
A. You can register up to three times ( once as a cook, once as a bartender and once as a server).
Q. I am a server, bartender or cook and I have not received any inquiries from hosts yet. Can I search my local zip code radius to see if there are any hosts in my area that might need me?
A. Sure. Just log into the system and click on the part that says” servers looking for employers” and put in the zip code radius that you are willing to travel. Once you do that, a list of local parties will pop up. Click on any that interest you and an email will be sent to the host telling them that you have offered your services for their event. The host will be instructed to look at your profile on the site and to click “inquire” if they need to contact you.
For Party/Event Hosts
Q. I am thinking about using Our Silver Platter for an upcoming party. How can I check out the service?
A. Just go to www.oursilverplatter.com and click “search”. Enter the type of service you are looking for (bartender, server or cook) and the zip code radius of the party location and you will see a list with limited information about registered users near your zip code.
Q. Do I have to pay anything to see this initial list?
A. No
Q. If I decide to use Our Silver Platter for my party, how do I sign up?
10:01Add toAdded to queue Click here to see a how to video!
A. Once you decide to use the service, just go to www.oursilverplatter.com and click “register”. You will register as a party/event host. Login in with your user name and password. Fill out the required information on the registration page and then click the “post a job” button. You will then be asked to give the details about the party you are hosting (date, type of party, city/state of party). There will also be a section where you can type a few sentences about what you are looking for at this event. For example, if you want a bartender who can make a specific type of drink or if you are hosting a black tie event and require servers to wear a specific type of uniform etc. It is important to be as specific as possible here as this information is sent to the potential servers.
Q. Do I have to pay anything to register my party and see who is available?
A. No
Q. How will I know who is available?
A. After you finish registering your party/event you will get a list of those registered servers who match your request and live in your zip code radius. You will be able to hover over each user name listed and read their profile. If you would like to inquire about availability of anyone on the list, just click the “inquire” button next to their name. This action will send them an email containing the information you gave about your specific party. The servers can then either accept or decline your offer. Within a day or so (or however long you decide to wait after making inquiries), you should have a list of servers whom you have decided meet your requirements and are available on the day of your party.
Q. What happens after I choose a server ?
A. You will receive the contact information for the chosen server(s). You should contact them as soon as possible to give them directions to your event and to discuss any specific details about the event. The server(s) will be waiting to hear from you.
Q. Can I tip the servers?
A. Yes. It is always appreciated, but not required.
Q. How do I know how much each server charges?
A. You can see this information on their profile. Each person is different. When you register a party, you will be asked to tell how much you are willing to pay per hour for the service you are requesting. That way, both the server and the host are aware of the other’s requirements before offering or accepting any job.
Q. How many bartenders or servers or cooks will I need?
A. It depends on the size of your event. Usually one server per twelve guests works well. One bartender per twenty five guests is standard. It all depends on the complexity of the tasks presented to the servers and bartenders.
Q. Can I advertise on the Our Silver Platter website?
A. Sure, give us an email at info@oursilverplatter.com to discuss.
Q. Does Our Silver Platter rent linens or glasses etc.?
A. No, not at this time, but please check out the following excellent party planning websites:
www.theknot.com
www.partyspot.com
www.partypop.com
These websites can direct you to fantastic resources in your local area for all of your party planning needs.
Q: I want to host a party and have searched for bartenders/servers/food prep help in my area but I didn't find anyone. What do I do now?
A. Just email the Our Silver Platter team and we will try to recruit staff just for you!
Q: Help! I forgot my username and/or password. How can I find it?
A: If you forgot only your password, just enter the username and hit the "Lost Password" key. Your password will be emailed to you. If you lost BOTH your usename and password, you will have to do a "search" for yourself. To do this, just go to the site and click the "search" button. When prompted, enter the kind of service you offer and your zip code. A list of servers will pop up on the screen. Hopefully, you can identify your username from the list. Once you have your username, follow the above instructions to find the lost password.
Q. I have changed my mind. Can I delete my account?
A. Sure. Just go to the website and login using your username and password. Then, hit the "settings" key. You will need to scroll down a bit under the part where you can change your password to find the button to delete your account. Once you have deleted your account, you will no longer receive automatic notifications from us.
