The Types of Customers Waitstaff Dislike the Most: Behavior That Drives Us Crazy

Working in the hospitality industry can be incredibly rewarding, especially when customers appreciate the effort and tip generously. However, not all customers are equally appreciative or respectful of the hard work of waitstaff. This article will explore the types of customer behaviors that irritate waitstaff the most, along with a list of specific behaviors that may lead to resentment and poor service.

Understanding the Effects of a Great Tip

Generous tips are always appreciated, but it's important to remember that a great tip shouldn't be taken as a means to demand special treatment. Leaders in the hospitality industry often see tips as a reflection of the quality of service. Good tips can indeed influence a waiter or waitress to prioritize a customer's needs. However, using tips to negotiate or demand particular service can backfire.

Servers and bartenders recognize the value of a meaningful tip and are often portrayed as grateful. However, customers who leverage big tips to demand special treatment or better service could quickly face the consequences. For instance, an early closure request or a delayed bill while enjoying a drink would likely be met with a more unsympathetic response.

A List of Customer Behaviors That Irritate Waitstaff

In this section, we’ll highlight common behaviors that can frustrate waitstaff, affecting both their patience and overall service quality. Such behaviors range from simple yet annoying interruptions to more significant issues that disrupt the smooth operation of the establishment.

Interrupting the Service Process

One of the most frustrating aspects of working in a restaurant is when customers interrupt the service process. Here are some typical annoying behaviors:

Telling staff their names as soon as they sit down

Interrupting the introduction or the order process

Asking for something twice without waiting for an answer or service

Snapping fingers to get attention

Using pet names or nicknames that cause confusion

Interrupting while carrying items or moving between tables

Unhygienic and Inconsiderate Behavior

Customer hygiene and respect for the service environment are of utmost importance. Here are some behaviors that are particularly revolting to waitstaff:

Putting shoes or feet on chairs or tables

Leaving dirty plates on adjacent tables

Ordering or consuming excessively complicated or high-modified dishes

Claiming allergies to be backed by nonexistent conditions

Changing their order midway through the meal

Writing 0 on the tip line or refusing gratuity with a low tip

Unreasonable or Lackadaisical Behavior

Customers demanding attention and service disproportionate to the actual situation can be exasperating because it can lead to delays in catering to the needs of all guests. Some common behaviors in this category include:

Ordering items not listed on the menu

Thinks they know the menu better than the staff and insists on substitutions

Behaving rudely with children

Seating themselves without a reservation

Customizing or changing their order frequently

Clearing the table to signal they're ready but not actually ready

Arriving early or late to their reserved table

Improper Payment and Card Usage

Poor payment habits can be a major source of frustration. Poor practices include:

Leaving linens on seats

Placing a credit card on top of the checkbook

Not pushing the card inside the checkbook when asked

Withholding cash or cards despite holding them up to the server

No-shows for reservations with additional people joining late

Over-reserving tables with only half the group showing up

Not covering the entire bill even when split among different parties

Unhygienic and Messy Habits

There are the hygiene-related behaviors like:

Eating outdoors or near other tables without permission

Leaving money on seats instead of on the table

Not properly using napkins or leaving them in glasses

Taking illegitimate breaks

Or holding bubblegum all the way to the restaurant

Lastly, customers who engage in rude or hostile behavior, leave with such a negative aura, and disrupt the overall atmosphere of the establishment, should be avoided. Such behaviors include making inappropriate or politically-sensitive comments, and being generally disrespectful.

Respect and Fairness in the Service Industry

Each customer has the power to shape their experience and the experience of the waitstaff. By showing respect, understanding, and awareness of the expectations, both the customer and the service provider can have a more enjoyable dining experience. If you're working as a customer, it's important to remember that a little politeness and consideration can go a long way in ensuring the best possible service.