Is it just me or are other servers annoyed by customers on cell phones?

Question

Maybe my patience is thin but when i approach a table of customers to greet them and get orders and I am ignored by them because they are on the cell phone ..............well...........I walk away. I have this problem daily. I have decided that people can sit there until they end there calls before i approach because up til now my attempts are pointless.......is this wrong? Am I the rude person or is the customer?

Answer 1

Being in the customer service industry and serving for close to 8 years, I have intercountered this A LOT. I work in a KS county, where everyone who lives there thinks they are better than everyone else...and its a very wealthy part of town...Anyway, usually what I do is give them their space, and lay a bev nap on the table, to show other servers and managers that I have made an attempt to go greet the table, etc. Also, the bev nap with no drink on it, flags me telling me that after they are off the phone...I will deal with what they need, etc. Your definitely not rude, its just a part of the serving industry that you will have to grow acustom to.

Answer 2

Hi Paula W, I understand your feelings, and I can tell you it is natural to feel that way. The life of an attendant is a busy one, there's just a lot of things to do. It's a wonder that you people can even keep your cool despite the stress. However, with regards to your question, sometimes it is not actually the fault of your customers, especially when they are the receiver of a call. If you get a call, you simply must answer it.

With this in mind, there are two ways to tactfully solve the problem:

1. If the person is with somebody else, politely tell the 2nd person who is not on the phone that you will be back to serve them once they're ready.
2. Suggest to your manager to provide you with little Post-It Notes with the message "I'LL BE BACK WHEN YOU'RE READY, THANKS." If you encounter a lone customer, and he is on the phone, simply stick this note on the table in front of him/her, and he/she should get the message.

Answer 3

I'm a customer and I don't think you are rude. They are being rude for holding you up, you have a job to do. If they have to talk on their cell phone they should do it after they order and get their food. I think you are right in walking away. I also think they are especially rude, it's a pet peeve, if they hold up a finger to make you wait until they're finished. Who the hell do they think they are anyway, that their time is more valuable than yours? Sorry :o( told you it was a pet peeve!

Answer 4

You're not being rude; they are. And I don't blame you one bit for being annoyed. When did a phone call become more important that a live person standing right in front of you??
What really drives me crazy are the ones who think they have to shout into the phone. Sometimes I want so badly to tell them to BE QUIET!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Very rude of them! I waitressed for 9+ years. We're busy, and only have a few minutes to get to them between coffee refills, bar drinks, the kitchen buzzing us for meals. We are not at their beck and call which they seem to think we are. They should show some consideration that we are working and they AREN'T. The call can wait 5 minutes.

Answer 7

No, it's not just you. I understand that some calls need to be answered, but they better not get pissed at me when I go take care of another customer until they finish their call.