What gives people the right to expect good service when they approach servers rudely?

Question

It's been awhile since I've worked in the food industry but one thing that really bothered me was peoples manners or lack there-of.

Many people recently have been questioning the quality of service and the situation of tipping. Has any one ever thought that the poor service they may have recieved could be the direct reflection of how they approached the server him/herself?

Many times in my years of food service I had smiled at the people approaching the counter, said hello and asked how I could help them. They inturn wouldn't look at me, wouldn't say hello but demanded I give them what they want. They would throw their money at me, sometimes it slipping off the other side of the counter, no apologies. They then grab their food and take off, no thank yous.

Is this kind of behaviour deserving of good service?

I did my job, got them what they wanted but I honestly didn't go above and beyond like I would have for someone who treated me like a human being.

Let me add that I never responded by being rude back. I just didn't go out of my way to do anything special for them.

I'm not talking about tips. I'm just asking about the quality of service being reflected by the customers themselves.

I never expected to be tipped for what I did. My "tip cup" was always out of sight. When someone did tip me it was a plus and showed they appreciated my service but I never ever expected one. I know some people do expect it though and it's not appropriate.

Answer 1

Well said...I hate seeing people being rude to cashiers at Walmart, grocery stores, gas stations too. I know a lot of cashiers are not the friendliest and I always think "how much crap have they taken today?" It's hard to keep up a cheerful attitude when it gets shot down repeatedly. What gives people the idea it's ok to yell at the cashier because gas prices have gone up again? As if they are responsible for that. When I was a server, I had several regular customers that really didn't tip that great but they were nice to me and that made it a pleasure to wait on them.

Answer 2

The thing about the service industry is that you're either cut out for it or you're not. I'm one of those that just cannot stand serving people with no manners. Maybe I have a bigger ego or perhaps I am not positive enough with my social skills. I've seen such excellent front line staff that take the worst and smile...much respect to them. No matter what, the paying customer complains about rude service and the staff gets the blame, doesn't work the other way. Sucks I know.

Answer 3

I agree that customers can be rude. But, as sad as it is to say, being in the "service industry" one should expect people to bring their troubles and their attitude to you. You get paid to service them in your line of work. If it gets too bad, management should ask the patrons to leave, but that is rare.

On the other hand those in the service industry have come to expect tips for just doing their job. I went to a Starbuck's coffee shop and the cashier had a tip jar wanting tips! For doing his job?? Give me a break!

My rule of thumb is that I tip 15% for good or normal service. For great service I have tipped up to 25%. For really poor service I have tipped a penny.

But, unfortunately, people on both sides will always be rude.

TX Guy

Answer 4

I worked in customer service for 5 and a half years, and it made me pretty much hate the entire human race.

I can't understand it, either. The stores I shop in are filled with people quietly browsing, making purchases when they're finished and getting on with their lives. The store I worked at was filled with people who refused to do anything for themselves, b*tched about the stupidest things, and blamed me for everything under the sun.

Go figure.

Answer 5

I understand what you mean. I work with the public, too (in a public library). People are rude to us all the time. We try to be as nice as possible. Some people are just plain mean and unhappy. If they don't get what they want, they want to complain to the Director. She stands up for us, thank goodness!

Our philosophy is to treat people the way we want to be treated. Sometimes we try to be as nice as possible and hopefully, they will go away.

It's a shame, isn't it? A little kindness goes a long way. We say the magic words, "Please" and "Thank you" help us out a lot!

Answer 6

I also work in the service industry and I am shocked by how rude people can be at times.I work in a upscale restuarant and have come to realize people with money are much ruder and tip considerably less than the "average joe".What would it hurt to say PLEASE and THANK YOU a little more often?

Answer 7

I agree with u that is so true.
I'm one of the people u are talking about the only time i act like that is when i know my sever is gay i know i shouldn't act like that but i do.
i usually wouldn't tip worth a damn until my husband became a server and i know that's how they make there money so i do tip better and working on this **** thing.

Answer 8

i agree. i say always be kind to customers, but if they begin to be rude, just try not to take it personally even though i know its soooo hard!
good luck , i know what youre going thru.