Sir, This is a Wendy’s
Anyone who’s ever worked in customer service knows the pain of the general public. However, fast food employees usually catch the brunt of the impatience. From screaming into the speaker to letting children run all over the restaurant—these are just some ways customers ruin employees’ day.
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1. Getting Furious at Mistakes
We know mistakes hinder the “fast food” process but that’s no reason to lose your cool. Those poor underpaid teenagers don’t need cruel remarks or worse. Simply inform them of the mistake and just let them correct it.
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2. Demanding “Hot” Food
Doordash doesn’t always deliver hot meals, but restaurants won’t serve cold burgers. They’re made on the spot, piping hot for customers, so there’s no need to ask for scalding temperatures.
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3. Placing Giant Orders
It’s daunting to be the coffee runner at the office, but it’s worse for fast food employees to scramble through 10 orders. If those orders each come with several alterations—it’s catastrophe.
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4. Not Knowing What You Want
Peep the menu beforehand, especially if you’ve been in line for a while. There’s nothing worse than humming and hawing about which burger you want.
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5. Screaming Into the Intercom
It seems prudent to shout in the drive-thru, but we promise the employees hear you just fine. Shouting into the speaker makes their ears ring, and you can be refused for making too much noise (such as playing loud music or having screaming kids).
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6. Placing Separate Orders
Employees everywhere would love customers to place one order—just one. If your friend wants something, tack it on your bill and get the money later. Multiple orders slow down the line!
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7. Letting Passengers Order
While it’s usually not a problem in the restaurant, don’t let others order in the drive-thru. Letting passengers shout over you causes all kinds of confusion. The rule is that whoever’s driving is the one who orders.
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8. Not Having Money Ready
Nowadays, our bank accounts are at our fingertips. This isn’t the ‘90s where you had to scramble for change, so have that plastic ready! It might be a little thing, but it makes a world of difference.
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9. Ordering Discontinued Items
We miss KFC wedges as much as the next guy—that doesn’t mean the colonel plans to bring ‘em back. It’s one thing to be in the dark, but don’t purposefully ask for discontinued items. It’s time we all moved on.
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10. Paying With Large Bills
McDonald’s isn’t the place to break a 50. Restaurants generally have protocols to check for counterfeit bills, meaning employees either have to get a manager or spend time scanning your money.
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11. Getting Angry For No Reason
We know you want a McFlurry—so do we! But the machine is out of order (surprise, surprise) and that poor teenager doesn’t deserve to get yelled at because of it. The golden rule extends to fast food employees, too.
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12. Mumbling Drive-Thru Orders
Mumbling in the drive-thru is just as irritating as screaming. While those employees appreciate a soft voice, they’d love also to take your order and keep the line moving. Speak with intent! Proudly order that Bic Mac!
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13. Way Too Many Alterations
Not everyone wants onions on their burger, but there’s a big difference between one request and unreasonable demands. Don’t be the customer whose receipt flows out the door.
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14. Letting Kids Run Loose
If you’re going to eat inside, make sure your kids are well-behaved. Between ripping napkins from the dispenser to dropping food all over the floor, fast food employees aren’t personal custodians for the aftermath.
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15. Complaining About Quality
It’s fast food, not a gourmet restaurant—that Whopper won’t match Michelin-star quality. Unless something’s undercooked or cold, that’s as good as it gets and there’s no reason to send items back.
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16. Only Paying With Coins
Ordered a $2.00 coffee? No problem! Placed an order for five? Break out the plastic. It’s convenient to get rid of change, but it also significantly slows down the line. Bring those rolls of quarters to the bank!
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17. Making Last-Minute Changes
The deed is done—you’ve arrived at the second window and your order’s already made. In the dreaded instance that you actually need a change, be prepared to wait…and to hear some honking.
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18. Being Rude in General
The way customers treat employees often reflects their character. Be kind. It’s free to be kind. Don't take it out on employees even if an order gets mucked up or the ice cream machine is broken.
19. Expecting Lightspeed Service
We know it’s called “fast food,” but lots of things hinder speed. Try not to lose your cool if things take longer than expected. Anger won’t wrap burgers any faster!
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20. Not Specifying Where You’re Eating
On the off chance an employee doesn’t ask you first, specify where you’re eating. That way, you won’t have to open packaged food at the table or bring a tray to your car.
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