15 Customer Pleasantries That Frustrate Fast-Food Employees

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Being polite is usually a good thing. Well, in the world of fast food, not always. Some of the friendly things we do can end up causing more trouble than we realize. Join us as we divulge 15 acts of kindness that quick-service workers would want us to skip.

Indecisive Orderer

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When you step up to order without knowing what you want, you may be thoughtful by not rushing. However, this hesitancy can lead to longer lines and increased stress for the staff and those waiting behind you. Instead, use your time to decide on your order.

Over-Apologizing

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While frequent apologies for minor delays or indecisions may be kind, they can actually delay transactions and create an awkward atmosphere. While it’s fine to apologize for genuine mistakes, try to keep the interaction straightforward and positive.

Trash Sorting Heroics

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Ideally, it is commendable to sort your waste and recyclables, but an incorrect assortment can create more work for the employees who have to re-sort it later. Caring for the environment is essential, but always follow the place’s sorting guidelines.

Complicated Custom Orders

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Though personalizing your meal is part of the fast-food experience, overly complex orders can disrupt the kitchen’s rhythm, especially during peak times. To help maintain the momentum, consider limiting the number of customizations you request or choosing menu items that require minimal alterations.

Turning Down the Receipt

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Graciously declining a bill every time might seem thoughtful, but it’s an extra step in the transaction process that the crew is trained to complete regardless. Taking the invoice can make things quicker, and you can always recycle it if you don’t need it.

Too Much Praise

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Giving the team compliments can brighten their day, but overdoing it can put unnecessary pressure on them to maintain an exceptionally high standard of hospitality, especially during busy times. It’s best to offer genuine praise for outstanding assistance without going overboard.

The Door-Holding Dilemma

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Keeping the door open for others is a courteous gesture, but in busy quick-bites places, it can cause crowding and confusion about the ordering queue. Use your judgment when it’s clear your generous action won’t disrupt the flow.

Excessive Expressions of Gratitude

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Showing appreciation is lovely, but repeating “thank you” after every interaction within a single transaction can extend the time it takes to complete. A sincere acknowledgment at the end conveys your admiration and keeps the line moving smoothly.

Offering to Clean Up

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While taking the initiative to clean up after yourself is appreciated, doing so in a way that disrupts the established cleaning routines can be a hindrance rather than a help. Remember, the personnel have specific methods for cleaning tables and disposing of trash efficiently.

Giving Way Repeatedly

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While offering your spot to others is a noble gesture, doing it often can muddle the queue and interrupt efficiency. Constantly yielding your place can confuse employees and other customers.

Excessive Eye Contact

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Making eye contact is generally considered a sign of engagement and respect, a way to communicate that you’re paying attention. However, too much of it can become overwhelming in a grab-and-go environment, where teams are juggling multiple tasks at once.

The Tip Jar Hover

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Figuring out the right amount to tip while standing at the counter can momentarily put you in the spotlight, resulting in awkwardness. The staff appreciates your generosity, but the hesitation or the act of announcing your tip can make the moment feel uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Waiting to be Acknowledged

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In any grab-and-go set-up, promptness is critical. You may think waiting for a member to invite you to present your request verbally is considerate, but this can slow down service. Meeting your gaze is often the member’s signaling readiness to listen.

Insisting on Not Needing Change

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Opting out of receiving the balance amount in coins is a small way to expedite the exchange, but it can hinder the cash-handling process. Cashiers are trained to give accurate change as part of completing a purchase and refusing it can lead to mistakes or delays.

The Mannerly Exit

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Saying goodbye and expressing your thanks to each employee as you pass can be overwhelming. A simple, general expression of thanks or a nod to the team as you depart strikes the perfect note of gratitude without imposing on the fast-paced nature of their work.

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