19 Redditors Confess Things Customers Do That Servers Absolutely Hate
Customers can sometimes be really rude and do things that are completely uncalled for, and these servers are sharing their experiences.
If you've worked in any customer service position, including as a server, then you've probably dealt with some really rude or problematic customers. It's almost inevitable that you will encounter a customer who gives you a hard time because there's really no easy day on the job when you're working in customer service.
There are also a lot of things that customers do on a regular basis that they think are okay, but servers hate when they do these things. Posts like these really help us as people to be better customers to our servers.
Customers sometimes do things that servers hate without even realizing it, so it's always great to educate customers so that our servers have a bit of an easier time on the job. There are a ton of things that might aggravate or upset servers, but we've gathered 19 of the most significant ones that might help you the next time you go out.
We have these 19 things that servers hate that customers do. This can all make us pay a little bit more attention to what we do when we're out being served.
Let's dive into this and hear what the servers have to say.
1. Customers expecting their order to be done instantaneously
"I work at a cafe and had a lady make a call-in order. She told us when to have it ready and didn’t give us a chance to tell her how long it would take.So when she showed up, her order wasn’t ready because we were busy, and she literally made everyone stop what they were doing to pay attention to her complaining and blaming us for her being late. If you’re running late for work, don’t order food!"— Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist
NBC / Via giphy.com2. When they don't tip
"Many diners are unaware that servers often have to tip out, which means they pay a portion of their sales to the kitchen staff and other support roles, not just from their tips. As Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, states, 'Understanding the hidden costs of service can change how we value those who serve us.' If you choose not to tip, servers may end up losing money just to provide you with a meal."
Marvel / Via Disney+3. When they pull the "I know the owner" card
"One time, a customer was throwing a fit because I wouldn’t give her stuff for free, and she threw the 'I know the owner' at me. I smiled at her and said, 'Yes, I know him too, as he’s my boss. I know he wouldn’t be okay with me giving away free product.'"— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
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4. When people don't pick up their to-go orders in time
"It's frustrating when customers arrive late, especially when servers are ready to go home after a long shift. Respecting the time of service staff is crucial for a positive dining experience."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
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5. When they applaud a broken dish
"Clapping when glasses break seems like such a disrespectful act. It not only draws attention to the mistake but also makes the person responsible feel worse," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Happiness Hypothesis."
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6. When they refuse to even tip a penny
"I find it frustrating when customers receive small change and don't consider leaving it as a tip. Every little bit helps, especially in a service industry where tips can make a significant difference," says Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author of "Mating in Captivity." "Once, a customer dropped a quarter into my tip jar after I fumbled his change. It was a reminder of how even small gestures can impact a server's day," she adds.
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7. When customers steal a server's pen
"Not tipping is a jerk move. Taking my pens when I have multiple tables to manage? That's just inconsiderate," says Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher and author of "The Paradox of Choice," who emphasizes the importance of social norms in service interactions on his website, barryschwartz.org.
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8. When they yell at the cashier or server for the kitchen's mistake
"I understand bringing it back if your food is missing something, and I have no problem getting it corrected for you, but if you start throwing shade at me for no reason, then I will be annoyed."—Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher
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9. When customers order to-go, but then sit down and eat it
"It's frustrating when customers leave a mess and still expect to be treated like royalty. Respect for service staff is crucial in creating a positive dining experience."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
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10. When they expect wait staff to wait right next to them
"When you ask someone if they need more time and they say, 'No, I’m ready; don’t go anywhere,' only to take another five minutes to decide, it can be frustrating for servers. They have other tables to attend to, and time is of the essence!"— Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author
CBC / Via media.giphy.com
11. When they make reservations for a huge party but forget to cancel
"Please, please, please call and cancel your reservation if you're not coming! It's not just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly impact a restaurant, especially for larger parties," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and relationship expert at drramani.com. "When people fail to communicate their plans, it creates a ripple effect that can lead to frustration for both staff and other patrons. Restaurants often turn away other customers based on these reservations," she adds. "We set those tables aside for you up to TWO hours in advance and wait another 15–30 minutes for you to show. We could have seated many more people, but instead turned them away just for you to be lazy and not call. We won't judge you if you have to cancel; just let us know!"
NBC / Via giphy.com
12. When customers hang out at the tables after close
"When customers linger after closing, it can create a significant burden for servers who must clean up and prepare for the next day. It's important to be mindful of their time and efforts."— Dr. Sue Johnson, couples therapy pioneer
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13. When people "tip" with praise
"When people express appreciation without backing it up with a tip, it can feel like a hollow compliment. It's important to recognize that actions speak louder than words in service industries."— Dr. Daniel Kahneman, Behavioral Economist
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14. When people get drunk and hit on their servers
"Dealing with overly aggressive patrons can be incredibly draining for servers. It's important to remember that respect and professionalism should be mutual in any social setting," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author. "When someone is more focused on their own desires than on the shared experience, it can create an uncomfortable atmosphere." Hard pass."
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15. When they ask to sit somewhere else or choose their seats
"As a host, it can be frustrating when customers request to change their seating. It's important to trust the host's judgment, as they are trained to manage the flow of the restaurant effectively," says Dr. Alison Gopnik, developmental psychologist and author of "The Gardener and the Carpenter."
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16. When people let their children run wild
"Teaching children proper restaurant etiquette is essential; it sets the foundation for respectful dining experiences."— Dr. Janet Lansbury, parenting expert
TLC / Via media.giphy.com
17. When they give a bad tip
"In my years of working in the service industry, I witnessed a colleague return a poor tip to a customer, believing they needed it more than she did. While it got her in trouble, I admired her courage," shares Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher and author of "Happier," emphasizing the importance of empathy in our interactions. "Acts of kindness, even in the face of adversity, can foster a greater sense of community."
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18. When they demand free add-ons
"During my time in the service industry, I encountered many customers who felt entitled to special treatment. One instance that stands out is when a customer placed a large carryout order and asked for a free drink, claiming the total justified it. I had to explain that the price of their order didn't equate to complimentary items," says Dr. Barry Schwartz, choice researcher at barryschwartz.org. "It's important for customers to understand that tipping is a vital part of a server's income, and feeling entitled can lead to a lack of appreciation for the service provided," he adds.
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19. When customers are just rude
"At the end of the day, servers are individuals striving to earn a living, just like everyone else. It's essential to treat them with respect and kindness."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
NBC / Via giphy.com
If you've been a server or cashier in customer service, then you've probably had experiences like these before. I am definitely taking notes on what these servers said so that I can be a better customer, but a lot of it is common sense things that we should already be doing.
What's one thing you hate that customers do?
