As a server myself, there are certain things that customers do that just make my blood boil. Some of the time, it's really not a big deal or it was accidental, but more times than not it is just someone being unnecessarily difficult.
To help you understand what irritating things I am referring to, I enlisted the help of some fellow servers. It's better that you all hear the opinions of multiple servers, rather than just my own. So here we go!
The question I asked: "What are some things that customers do, or have done, that frustrate you when you are working?"
1. Asking people if you can get them anything else and they say, "A million dollars!"
I mean really, if I had a million dollars do you really think I would be putting up with you and your screaming kids?
2.*Drops off the check
Customer: "Oh I didn't ask for that!" Hahahahah ... So funny.
3. When People order a soda and a water!
To elaborate on this one, it is frustrating because most of the time it will be requested as "Just a water for now." So, once you return with the water you have to make another trip right after that because in the two minutes you were gone, they decided they wanted a soda as well. It's easier to ask the first time. This is how we feel sometimes:
4. "I'd like French dressing on my salad ... French ... with an 'F'."
Thank you for specifying, I really needed your help with understanding the word french.
5. "When the table says, "Oh we want 5 waters and a few big bowls of lemons!"
Honestly, that makes you seem cheap because when you put 6 or 7 of them in 1 water, you are pretty much making your own lemonade without having to pay for it.
6. "Being asked, "Doesn't the kids meal come with a dessert?!"
I'm sorry, but your child doesn't need more sugar at 9 PM ma'am. This also goes for when they ask if it comes with a drink. They don't need any more caffeine!
7. *After asking if they need water and they say no. "Uhm, ma'am! I need more water!"
I literally just asked you, this is my biggest pet peeve.
8. "Oh sorry about the mess!"
*Leaves $2 tip and doesn't do anything to try and help clean it up.
9. Here are two PSA's for parents: The salt shaker is NOT a rattle for your infants and the floor is NOT a bathroom for your child.
Please, take notes.
10. "Oh, we're still waiting on two more!"
Oh really? I didn't notice the extra menus ... at a table with obviously empty seats...
11. When people think a verbal tip is better than an actual tip!
Compliments are nice, but they don't pay my bills!
12. When something is wrong with the food the customer says, "Well there goes your tip!"
NOT COOL. This is the biggest irritation of them all.
Once again, sometimes we get frustrated over things that aren't really a big deal, but things like these 12? Yeah, please do your best to not do them. It would really help us out and make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Your server thanks you.