Working as a server is a demanding job. They must multitask under pressure while staying friendly. A server interacts with dozens of customers, and most blend together. However, certain patrons stand out for their exceptional behavior. Some customers leave a lasting, negative impression, making waitstaff remember you forever.
1. Leaving a Fake Big Tip
Getting a server’s hopes up only to dash them is cruel. Some customers write a massive tip on the credit card slip. They then scratch it out and write a tiny amount or nothing. This “joke” is not funny; it’s a demoralizing prank. This action is one of the quickest ways to become infamous among staff.
2. Making an Unbelievable Mess
Kids can be messy, and spills happen. However, some customers allow their tables to become a disaster zone. We’re talking about food smeared on walls or sugar packets dumped everywhere. A mess that requires a deep clean ensures that waitstaff will remember you with dread. This behavior goes far beyond the norm.
3. Trying to Scam a Free Meal
Some patrons try every trick to get a free meal. They might plant a hair in their food. They may complain about a good dish after eating most of it. These scams are insulting to the kitchen and the server. A scammer’s face is one that waitstaff remember you forever and will warn others about.
4. Being Excessively Demanding and Impatient
Good servers happily accommodate requests, but some customers take it to an extreme. They snap their fingers for attention. They send food back for trivial reasons. They demand constant refills before their glass is half-empty. This high-maintenance behavior drains a server’s time and energy.
5. Hitting on the Server Relentlessly
A server’s job requires them to be polite. Some customers mistake this for a romantic invitation. Relentlessly flirting or asking for a personal number is inappropriate. This puts the server in an awkward and uncomfortable position. This creepy behavior is harassment, not charm.
6. Camping at a Table for Hours
“Campers” are customers who occupy a table long after they’ve finished. This is especially bad during peak hours. A server’s income depends on turning tables. When a table is occupied for an entire shift, the server loses significant income. This selfish move is something servers won’t forget.
7. Complaining to a Manager to Get a Server in Trouble
A customer can resolve most issues directly with a server. However, some customers bypass the server and go straight to a manager. They often use an exaggerated or false complaint. This can have serious consequences for the server’s job. It is a vindictive action that a server will remember.
8. Treating the Server Like They Are Invisible
Perhaps the most dehumanizing behavior is treating a server like a non-person. This includes refusing to make eye contact. It also includes talking on the phone while ordering. This dismissal is profoundly disrespectful. In a job based on interaction, this makes waitstaff remember you forever.
The Final Bill of Behavior
A server might not remember every customer’s face. But they remember the ones who treat them with disrespect. Your behavior in a restaurant says a lot about your character. Being a difficult or cruel customer guarantees you a permanent spot in a server’s memory. You become a cautionary tale for new employees.
If you’ve worked in the service industry, what’s a customer behavior you’ll never forget? Share your story in the comments.
Read More:
12 Harmless Things You Do That Your Waiter Absolutely Hates
6 Things You Should Never Say to a Waitress (If You Want a Good Dining Experience)
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