Working in the fast food industry is both important and a ton of hard work. Not only do you need to deal with customers, but you’ve got to remember to get their order right every time. When things are busy, you’re working non-stop. And even worse, it might turn you off of fast food altogether, since it’s all you smell during your shift.
When you’ve got hungry customers waiting, sometimes it’s hard not to snap. In situations like fast food and retail, people are quick to take emotions out on the poor employee who they’ll likely never see again.
It’s not fair, but it definitely happens.
Handling people with bad tempers is only one of the many customer complaints fast food workers have. And for people who’ve been in the industry for years, they’ve really seen it all. From entitled people asking for items no longer on the menu to people who try every scam in the book in order to get free food, fast food employees have seen humans at their absolute worst.
If you want to be kinder to the people at establishments like McDonalds, Burger King, and even Starbucks, here’s what you shouldn’t be doing.
1. Don’t try to get freebies.
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If you’re a regular, employees will quickly figure out if you’re trying to scam them. If the food definitely tastes strange, it’s important to let someone know.
But if you’re repeatedly lying for a handout, you should be embarrassed.
2. Leave the decor alone.
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Even if nobody cares, is stealing restaurant decor really worth it?
Hopefully this woman took the pieces by accident, and things were returned.
3. Don’t spread lies about the staff.
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While this took place at a restaurant, stuff like this happens a lot. Groups can try to get freebies by saying that an employee said something they didn’t.
If you’re working and it’s your word versus the words of a group, who will your boss believe?
4. And don’t treat people like garbage.
Customers, your life isn’t more valuable than the life of a fast food worker. You don’t know how old they are, or if they’re working an extra job to pay money for college, or to help support a sick relative.
Be kind, and remember that fast food is honest work.
5. Don’t try to get violent.
A surprising amount of fights happen at fast food restaurants. Nobody expects to show up for a shift and get punched after someone decides to escalate an argument.
6. Don’t lie about having a serious allergy.
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Food allergies can be life or death. And even though they should always be taken seriously no matter what, sometimes a staff member might take them less seriously if everyone constantly lies about them.
It’s a shady thing to do, and somewhat dangerous for the people who really do have food allergies out there.
7. Don’t show up drunk.
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If the drunk version of you is embarrassing and inappropriate, you might want to cut your relationship with alcohol altogether (or at least learn how to be an okay human when you ARE intoxicated).
Even though certain fast food tastes great after a night at the bar, remember that “I was drunk” isn’t a good excuse for harassment.
8. Don’t blame the employee for company policy.
Worked at McDonald’s... ours was one where we charged 5p for sauce unless you bought nuggets. Someone ordered nuggets and wanted an extra sauce, told them they had to pay for extra. They got mad but paid and then opened the sauce and threw it at me
— lauren! (@_vivisbutterfly) November 19, 2018
The guy at the drive-thru doesn’t set the rules.
So if you’re really upset at something like this, consider just sending a letter to corporate instead.
9. Don’t make culturally insensitive or racist comments.
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It seems like a big trend in fast food is “racism.”
Leave all judgment at the door, because nobody wants to hear it.
10. No, the fast food employees aren’t interested in dating you.
So many stories I could tell. 1 of the worst: My female coworkers and I constantly got hit on inside and outside of work. We had men watch us go out our employee only door to our cars during the day and night and solicit us for rides, dinner, etc. 1/2
— MEG⁷ has impersonators now! (@MeggieMochi) November 19, 2018
They’re interested in going to work, doing the best job they can, and getting home safely in a timely manner.
Don’t make things awkward for them.
11. You can customize, but don’t make things impossible.
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Usually it’s the people who don’t think they’re being difficult who are the worst of all. Just know that fast food employees are trained not to cook meat at a dangerous level.
12. If you’re nervous about food touching, fast food might not be for you.
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Fast food is meant to be pleasing to your tastebuds, and served with little wait. That means that sometimes, the ingredients in your burger may be touching.
If this is a legit complaint, you’ll have better luck eating at home.
13. Have a decent idea of what you’re ordering.
Bacon is greasy. Burgers can be greasy. You’d assume people would know this by now.
14. If you make a fool of yourself, a simple apology is all that’s necessary.
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Sometimes, people lose their cool. But if you ruined someone’s work night with an overreaction, don’t try to attempt a meet-up with them afterward.
Even if your intention is good, that’s enough to scare someone out of clocking in on their next shift.
15. You’re not the only customer.
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Nobody likes waiting longer than normal, but fast food employees can’t help it if there’s a line.
Also, certain foods need to be served a certain way, and that’s often to avoid a lawsuit.
16. Yes, you’re responsible for throwing out your own garbage.
In case you were confused, those trash cans aren’t there just as a suggestion. Throw your things away.
17. Remember, sometimes locations run out of product.
It’s a bummer. When you have a vision in mind, and it doesn’t go as planned, it’s okay to feel disappointed.
But having a public meltdown and spitting on employees won’t solve the issue.
18. Don’t try to one-up a fast food employee with a grammar lesson.
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Maybe something like “not a problem” is a pet peeve of yours, but it’s standard lingo in the fast food and restaurant business. If you’ve got a problem with it, telling the employee will only make you look high maintenance.
