General Discussion

KurtNYC

(14,549 posts)

104. If you don't like dealing with people you perceive as rude then you should be glad

Mon Nov 3, 2014, 09:10 AM

Nov 2014

YOU aren't the one behind the counter because that is what the job entails. People are hungry and tired and "the customer is never wrong." You put one little slice of tomato on a taco that asked for 'no tomato' and you may be responsible for a coronary. Some people feel entitled to treat fast food workers like over the smallest things.

Next to having food thrown at you, being screamed at, having drinks thrown back at you through the drive thru window, being robbed, being threatened, anonymous phone threats (because the order was wrong), having customers throw their extra food and wrappers on the floor on purpose, and being forced to work off the clock after 8 hours (so they don't have to pay overtime), "That's OK" doesn't even register.

Water off a duck. You can't hang on to these things. Lower expectations might help -- that is a human being behind the counter. Working there for the money and because they scheduled him to work at that time. If he got your order right and gave you the right change then 95% of his job was done correctly. He could finish the transaction with 'thank you' no matter how he feels but that's a training issue. Personally I prefer that people keep it real rather than give me a canned "have a nice day" or "thank you" or anything they aren't feeling.

The perceived rudeness of cashiers comes nowhere close to the rudeness of some customers (or non-customers):

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In the fast food place this evening... [View all] MineralMan Nov 2014 OP

Probably the owner's kid. He'll be assistant manager in a month. Ken Burch Nov 2014 #1

No. I know the owner. She has no kids that age. MineralMan Nov 2014 #8

Since you know the owner, why not suggest some training to her. Live and Learn Nov 2014 #130

She provides that training. The people who work there MineralMan Nov 2014 #136

Do you think his level of service deserves $15 an hour? NightWatcher Nov 2014 #2

My first job paid $1.25. MineralMan Nov 2014 #9

my first job was thinning pears in orchards in southern oregon. roguevalley Nov 2014 #159

That job deserves $15 per hour, but if he can't provide good customer service then... stillwaiting Nov 2014 #54

^^^This!^^^ eom BlueCaliDem Nov 2014 #76

Maybe if he weren't paid a crappy wage, he wouldn't have a crappy attitude bhikkhu Nov 2014 #61

BINGO! B Calm Nov 2014 #155

That too. n/t nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #169

I've always come at it from the opposite direction. Aristus Nov 2014 #123

Socialism means labor is voluntary, right? FrodosPet Nov 2014 #194

And the 600% profit is enjoyed by someone who doesn't care about either of you orpupilofnature57 Nov 2014 #3

yep Kali Nov 2014 #4

nailed it nt steve2470 Nov 2014 #7

The difference is YarnAddict Nov 2014 #44

ME ME ME ForgoTheConsequence Nov 2014 #63

Being polite and civil in your daily interactions, whether as patron or customer service KittyWampus Nov 2014 #73

Sweet reply joeglow3 Nov 2014 #126

Thanks Dear Abby. ForgoTheConsequence Nov 2014 #154

When you are a paying customer, why yes, yes it is. Ikonoklast Nov 2014 #148

I had an elite passenger ask me when I worked as an agent, why airlines oversold flights. justice1 Nov 2014 #70

+100!!! orpupilofnature57 Nov 2014 #90

+200 nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #170

Apathy is contagious, isn't it ? orpupilofnature57 Nov 2014 #89

That's why they remain underpaid. n/t Orsino Nov 2014 #128

That is the truth! Rex Nov 2014 #141

+1,000 nt LiberalElite Nov 2014 #171

my $0.02 steve2470 Nov 2014 #5

I've done that job, and for $1.25 per hour. MineralMan Nov 2014 #11

yea, it's just another generation, MineralMan steve2470 Nov 2014 #14

It stood out to Mineral Man, however, because it was not the norm, KMOD Nov 2014 #29

My experience with Taco Bell and other places like that is, they are lucky... steve2470 Nov 2014 #40

I'd prefer a "you're" welcome", but I'm also ok with "no problem". "That's OK" is just a bit KMOD Nov 2014 #42

It is strange but there are a lot of new responses to "thank you" I've noticed laundry_queen Nov 2014 #57

I agree, language does indeed change over time, KMOD Nov 2014 #62

I have to say, I've gotten out of a lot of those habits myself. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #96

It's funny you mentioned that. My husband and I traded off the handing out candy duty, deurbano Nov 2014 #164

"No problem" is the absolute worst taught_me_patience Nov 2014 #132

Are you Garrison Keillor? He did a vignette on how he hated "No problem." nt raccoon Nov 2014 #168

I was in an elevator with Kirby Puckett. Jenoch Nov 2014 #183

The people at my Taco Bell are really friendly. leftyladyfrommo Nov 2014 #120

I'm middle aged (not far from 50) and I really dislike the formal way of addressing people. Arugula Latte Nov 2014 #131

there is a BIG difference between then and now MindPilot Nov 2014 #192

Not being cursed at or insulted is what passes for acceptable customer service for you? NightWatcher Nov 2014 #12

yea it does at a place like that steve2470 Nov 2014 #16

His age isn't an excuse YarnAddict Nov 2014 #48

I have plenty of young people working under me Codeine Nov 2014 #103

He got no rudeness from me. I'm never rude to MineralMan Nov 2014 #13

I am sure you were not, and never are steve2470 Nov 2014 #17

Yeah, but often the 'rude' follows who was just there, that you don't know. freshwest Nov 2014 #47

You just nailed it: disrespect and rudeness. RoverSuswade Nov 2014 #49

so sorry to hear that, truly steve2470 Nov 2014 #55

I work doing surveys for the Census Bureau Le Taz Hot Nov 2014 #100

That seems to be becoming a common replacement for "you're welcome" Fumesucker Nov 2014 #6

yep, I think you're right there nt steve2470 Nov 2014 #10

Yes: "No problem" seems to be Habibi Nov 2014 #15

ha. The "no problem" doesn't bother me, but KMOD Nov 2014 #37

No problem is the absolute worst response and I hate it to death taught_me_patience Nov 2014 #135

Yeah, it rubs me the wrong way for that reason. Habibi Nov 2014 #174

*Your* generation had a bright future ahead MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #18

my son is 18, so this whole issue is near and dear to my heart steve2470 Nov 2014 #20

Our son's a few years younger, MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #25

best wishes to your son ! :) nt steve2470 Nov 2014 #43

And to yours! MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #50

Yup. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #36

Really?? YarnAddict Nov 2014 #51

"maybe their futures suck that much more because they are rude. " ForgoTheConsequence Nov 2014 #64

They'll be roadkill if they keep that attitude customerserviceguy Nov 2014 #38

"entry level jobs"....... daleanime Nov 2014 #137

It's an entry to the workforce customerserviceguy Nov 2014 #165

No worries..... daleanime Nov 2014 #189

That's precisely why they won't be voting Nov. 4th. joshcryer Nov 2014 #46

Hope's a great thing Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #95

If you have three branches of government regulating the jam... joshcryer Nov 2014 #190

That's the straw part. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #193

Generally, you get what you pay for. Brickbat Nov 2014 #19

No, I won't bother the manager or owner. MineralMan Nov 2014 #23

If you want good manners, go to yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #45

Actually, I visit that Taco Bell fairly often. MineralMan Nov 2014 #26

I posted something similar upthread, without seeing this. I agree, I don't think it's the new norm. KMOD Nov 2014 #32

That would NEVER happen at In N Out . vanlassie Nov 2014 #21

Very true. zappaman Nov 2014 #22

"Why Does In-N-Out Pay So Well?" MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #27

YOU CAN GET CHOPPED CHILES??? vanlassie Nov 2014 #58

Discovered it last year! zappaman Nov 2014 #59

Thanks! vanlassie Nov 2014 #60

Let me know what you think! zappaman Nov 2014 #138

Funny thing... Me too! I get one almost every weekend. I'll give it a try. I was just thinking vanlassie Nov 2014 #139

In and Out burger is easily the most overated burger in America Mosby Nov 2014 #166

Oh, there are better burgers zappaman Nov 2014 #167

None of those in MN. MineralMan Nov 2014 #24

Agree with that. Bored, listless teenagers need a leader at their first job. randome Nov 2014 #30

Taco Bell just came out with an app for pre-ordering your tacos. ancianita Nov 2014 #28

Minnesota recently raised the minimum wage. MineralMan Nov 2014 #31

I think you and I lived in a work world, then, that still offered more wide ranging opportunity. ancianita Nov 2014 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Nov 2014 #33

heh. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #41

Not making an excuse for him but scarystuffyo Nov 2014 #34

I wonder how bored and rude that kid would be if he were earning $20 an hour. That's what fast Louisiana1976 Nov 2014 #39

Rate of pay is no excuse YarnAddict Nov 2014 #52

But it sure is for picking your target.... daleanime Nov 2014 #109

At my blood center job we have people dealing with donors that have no customer service skills. brewens Nov 2014 #53

what kind of business do you run? GusBob Nov 2014 #56

He should have warned you that a diet like that JEB Nov 2014 #65

Maybe Emo Kid was at the end of a long shift Warpy Nov 2014 #66

What did he say that was so bad? Reter Nov 2014 #67

I think it was likely his lack of enthusiasm Warpy Nov 2014 #69

I got the "bored," didn't read any "rude." You expected enthusiasm? WinkyDink Nov 2014 #68

Old people are rude to me constantly. Starry Messenger Nov 2014 #71

Guess you had to be there. bigwillq Nov 2014 #72

Hold on... flvegan Nov 2014 #74

Thank you. nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #172

That's OK KMOD Nov 2014 #181

No worries. nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #184

You pay peanuts, you get monkeys Prophet 451 Nov 2014 #75

I seem to recall you've scolded people for posting trivial things in GD before. pa28 Nov 2014 #77

LOL he scolded UglyGreed Nov 2014 #81

Yeah. Sounds like business as usual for this guy. pa28 Nov 2014 #82

He writes very well UglyGreed Nov 2014 #110

It's just his regular grumpy old man bit. morningfog Nov 2014 #108

You don't know that person's situation. ZombieHorde Nov 2014 #78

I was gonna post that. I totally agree. mucifer Nov 2014 #101

+ 1000 N/T UglyGreed Nov 2014 #112

I had the exact opposite experience this evening NBachers Nov 2014 #79

That particular Taco Bell, which is the closest one to my house, MineralMan Nov 2014 #111

Really???? UglyGreed Nov 2014 #80

at UglyGreed Nov 2014 #191

How much enthusiasm is one supposed to muster for such a job? LeftyMom Nov 2014 #83

I imagine a lot of those kids Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #84

you go paid better. pansypoo53219 Nov 2014 #85

My grandson works in the Deli department of a large and really nice grocery store. djean111 Nov 2014 #86

The "after church crowd" truly sucks, absolute worst time of the week to work a service job Fumesucker Nov 2014 #93

Taco Bell is food? hobbit709 Nov 2014 #87

Looks like a freeper post to me. RandiFan1290 Nov 2014 #88

What a strange thing to say. MineralMan Nov 2014 #114

I wouldn't even have given this a second thought. MadrasT Nov 2014 #91

All the kids at my local taco hell are super polite justiceischeap Nov 2014 #92

You should have offered to switch places with him BubbaFett Nov 2014 #94

Go figger. 99Forever Nov 2014 #97

bored doesn't really bother me from fast food workers fishwax Nov 2014 #98

They don't train them in how to deal with customers, Le Taz Hot Nov 2014 #99

it's the manager's fault, not the kid's DrDan Nov 2014 #102

If you don't like dealing with people you perceive as rude then you should be glad KurtNYC Nov 2014 #104

Thank you.... daleanime Nov 2014 #106

+1 RedCappedBandit Nov 2014 #134

Here we go again.... daleanime Nov 2014 #105

I used to eat Taco Bell but a week ago I went to our local Bell for a friend Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #107

It totally depends on where you are. Aerows Nov 2014 #143

I live in cities, people come from all over the place. Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #156

We are all different Aerows Nov 2014 #157

"You have a wonderful day!" blackcrowflies Nov 2014 #195

It's a tough old world when fast-food tacos are served with boredom and complacency... LanternWaste Nov 2014 #113

... nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #175

If You Breathed Taco Hell 8 Hrs A Day otohara Nov 2014 #115

Oddly enough, everyone else in the store is really MineralMan Nov 2014 #117

Sorry you didn't get your serving JEB Nov 2014 #116

That's funny. My experiences in that particular place are MineralMan Nov 2014 #118

The kid was probably being honest and transparent. JEB Nov 2014 #119

fast food worker attitude, NM_Birder Nov 2014 #122

Everybody has off days. Xyzse Nov 2014 #121

When you pay Minimum Wage you get Minimum Effort. dilby Nov 2014 #124

You should have him fired and his wages garnished retroactive to his hire-date. Orrex Nov 2014 #125

As long as the service is good enough to keep you coming back... Orsino Nov 2014 #127

This is what worries you about the world? blackcrowflies Nov 2014 #129

Maybe.. RedCappedBandit Nov 2014 #133

I don't let petty little things like that affect me emotionally. Rex Nov 2014 #140

It didn't affect me emotionally. MineralMan Nov 2014 #146

I only eat at Toxic Smells when I want a cheap enema. Rex Nov 2014 #160

If I'm starving Aerows Nov 2014 #142

Wow, a real life grumpy old man, folks. Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2014 #144

It really isn't Aerows Nov 2014 #145

Don't get me wrong, I always appreciate good customer service. Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2014 #147

What "diatribe" did you read? MineralMan Nov 2014 #149

I'm sorry. Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2014 #150

Anecdote. MineralMan Nov 2014 #151

Clearly, Vincent. Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2014 #153

I'd be pissed if I worked at Taco Bell too Ash_F Nov 2014 #152

Speakig as a member of the younger generation F4lconF16 Nov 2014 #158

Exactly! Hassin Bin Sober Nov 2014 #161

my son is near your age, younger I think steve2470 Nov 2014 #163

I am lucky enough to only have to work part time for now F4lconF16 Nov 2014 #188

It's not over the top Oilwellian Nov 2014 #186

I guess I'm just desensitized or have low expectations or something. Butterbean Nov 2014 #162

And this belongs on GD? No rec for this one. nt raccoon Nov 2014 #173

I like the idea of tipping the fast food workers. raging moderate Nov 2014 #176

Actually, to me, "that's okay" just meant it was not necessary for you to thank him, djean111 Nov 2014 #177

The world is filled with clueless assholes . I always think this is why you are working here lunasun Nov 2014 #178

"Whaddya want?" rug Nov 2014 #179

I believe in bean burritos as well. MineralMan Nov 2014 #180

The emanations in this story are not from sacraments. rug Nov 2014 #187

Maybe he was having a bad day. ohnoyoudidnt Nov 2014 #182

That's probably how I would react as well. Just think "Must be having a bad day" and then nomorenomore08 Nov 2014 #185