Customer Etiquette

I love being a waitress. I love being rushed off my feet and always having something to do, especially after spending the last couple of months sitting and revising. I am (obviously) a big believer in 'the customer is always right' because we are here to serve you after all, it's our job. But I also appreciate politeness and treating staff like human-beings. So there are some things which you, as customers, could do as a big favour to all servers.

Please don't click your fingers at me to ask for something- it's rude and obnoxious and if I clicked my fingers at you to do your job, you wouldn't like it. I am not a dog so don't treat me like one.

If I walk straight past you despite you making obvious eye contact at me, I'm busy. And by that I mean I've been told to do a job by my boss which I need to do immediately- someone else will be over soon I promise.

If your server says they're new, be nice! The early shifts of being a waiter/waitress are scary so be nice customers and a make a happy server.

When I arrive at your table with food, do not snatch the plates off me. Chances are the plates are hot and I don't want you to get hurt.

I don't know what you ordered so please don't ask me.

Don't. Sit. On. Dirty. Tables. - ask someone a member of staff to clean it first!

Follow the restaurant's policy on seating. If it's 'waitress service', don't sit yourself down. It confuses the system and will not make your service any quicker.

If you change your mind about your order, tell an order taker immediately. We don't telepathically realize that you fancied a latté not a tea.

Please don't tell me to smile because it makes me look nicer.

When it gets busy, food takes longer to prepare and serve as there is more to do. You are not the only person waiting so please be patient.

If you are unsatisfied with your service, complain to a Duty Manager/Supervisor.We are always looking to improve!
Equally, please compliment and tip if you liked the service.

Don't move tables without telling anyone. It will slow down your service as everything is based around your table number.

Do not place tips on my person (i.e shirt pocket) and then pat it- I am not a stripper (although that would probably pay better).

I hope this might help all you people confused about customer etiquette! Special thanks to my boyfriend for being my proof reader and adding a couple of items to the list.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x