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20 Servers On How Customers Drive Them Insane

Server does not mean servant.

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20 Servers On How Customers Drive Them Insane
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Waiting tables is a job that has its perks: flexible hours, fast cash and usually a lot of it, if you get the right shifts. Yet too often being a server is looked down upon, which is greatly reflected in those customers who sit at our tables and treat us like mere peasants put on this Earth just to cater to them. These types of customers make me question human decency, and wonder if there are any kind and caring people left in the world.

Okay, that’s harsh. Obviously deciding to eat at a restaurant doesn’t make you a bad person, but be honest, when was the last time you really considered the job your server is doing? For servers, it tends to feel as if our customers just don’t get it. For instance, do you realize that your server can have anywhere from two to five tables other than yours? And most of the time at least half of those tables are demanding a lot, if not all, of their attention.

Or did you know that we don't make a paycheck? We get paid just over two dollars an hour, which is usually eaten up by taxes anyway. So that's zero dollar paychecks. We live off of the tips you choose to leave, or choose not to leave. Even then, most servers have to give a portion of our tips out to bartenders and/or hosts. I can already hear the arguments to get a different job or demand your employers pay you more. That's bull, guys. You know what's a lot simpler? If you just chose to adhere to tipping standards in our country and tipped 20 percent.

But beyond tipping (though that's a huge part of it, don't get me wrong), there are things customers do that make our jobs so much harder. And I get it, kind of, most people walk into a restaurant to eat and don't really consider the people around them or waiting on them. If you could, though, it would probably make our jobs a little easier.

So in all of our aggravated server angst, here are 20 ways our customers drive us absolutely insane. Please, feel free to take notes.

1. “When they can’t look up from phones/tablets to order.” -TJ

2. “Arguing that something is on the menu when not only is it not, but it’s never been on the menu.” -Kyle

3. “Tell me you’re ready to order, then take ten minutes to tell me, while I’m being double sat.” -Jen P.

4. “Answer ‘how are you doing today?’ with a drink order.” -England

5. “Shaking their cup at me when they need a refill.” -Shelby

6. “‘I didn’t know (item ordered) came with this on it.’ Oh I’m sorry, I thought you would have read the description under what you ordered.” -Michaela

7. “When we do check backs on their food and they ignore us.” -Boyd

8. “Ask for napkins. You bring napkins. Then ask for a refill. You bring a refill. Then ask for extra ketchup, ranch, whatever. Then you bring that. They just keep running you like it’s a game.” -Darla

9. "There is a customer at my current job that grabs my arm by the elbow every time he speaks to me. I refuse to wait on this customer, you need to respect other people's personal space.” -Kristina

10. “Leaving fake twenty dollar bills on the table with Bible verses on them.” -Adrianna

11. "Trying to ask me for things or ask questions when I'm clearly taking another table's order.” -Anna

12. "When they let their kids play with the sugar packs and they go freaking everywhere and don't pick them up.” -Michelle H.

13. “When a compliment is the tip. 'Honey you did such a great job and the food was AMAZING!' but the tip doesn't reflect it at all.” -Mandie

14. "Leaving the table a complete disaster area. I KNOW you don't eat like this at home.” -Jen C.

15. "Please don't snap your fingers or whistle at me to get my attention. I am not a dog. And do not bang your glass or beer bottle on the bar to get my attention. Both are excellent ways to get ignored. “ -Marisa

16. "Tip accordingly. Have one drink? A dollar will be fine. Have one drink and sit for 4 hours, you're taking up real estate and I'm upping my rent. Pay up.” -Marisa

17. “When customers treat you like you're a little slow because you're a server.” -Aileen

18. "Bringing in your kids and letting them DESTROY the table, floor, sugar caddie, salt shaker, and being so oblivious not to even offer to help clean the floor. If you offer, I'd refuse the help, but it's the thought. Don't tell me you don't see that.” -Lauren

19. "Just because I'm polite to you DOES NOT MEAN I AM FLIRTING WITH YOU. It's my job to be accommodating, welcoming, and professional. Period. Don't get mad when I don't giggle or want your number. Let me just do my damn job.” -Michelle M.

20. "When you're just delivering food to the table and you say what it is and nobody speaks up to claim it like they all forgot what they literally just ordered 15 minutes ago. And the plate is burning your arms and so you just put it down and that's when someone's like, 'oh yeah me!'” -Kallam


Here’s a recap: 1. "Server" is not synonymous with "servant," and they are still human beings that deserve respect. 2. If you don’t have the money to tip, don’t come out to a restaurant. You’re messing with a server's income when you sit at their table (especially for long periods of time) and don’t tip accordingly. We have bills and families, too. 3. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you have kids. I've seen parents let their children roam the restaurant with a knife before. This is NOT OKAY. 4. Above all else, for the love of all that is holy: Do not touch your server!
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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