Customer Service isn't a quality everyone has the ability to do. It honestly takes a special individual to work with the public on a daily basis.
If you're working a retail job, a car salesman, fast food, or waiting tables it all has the same work ethic. We are all taught the basic commandments of customer service "The customer is always right." or "The customer comes first." While this is a good standard code to work by, it doesn't necessarily make it 100% true. Now, with this being said, it does NOT give any employee an excuse to have a bad attitude and ruin a pleasant guest experience. It also does not give a guest an excuse to have a bad attitude as soon as the walk in the door. But WE as trained individuals should know how to handle the occasional bad guest.
If someone has never been in your shoes as the server/cashier/attendant/sales person etc they do not know what we go through on a daily basis. You'd think everyone would know the golden rule of ,"treat everyone how you'd want to be treated." In this day and age, it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to treat everyone how you would want to be treated.But we have to try.
For those who work hourly positions, it can be easier to learn how to deal with a rude guest. Because regardless of their attitude, you are still getting paid. It doesn't make it right for someone to be demanding or disrespectful, but working with the public nowadays, it's to be expected. It's a part of our jobs to do all we can to satisfy them. And if we are unable to do so, whoever is higher up than we are is the next person to go to.
The most demanding and can be rewarding jobs is being a server. You meet all kinds of different people every day, you have to be quick and witty, and able to work on your feet for hours at a time. Memory and personality are a key in the service industry.
As a server, we rely on tips (To Insure Prompt Service). You have to be a multitasker and a people pleaser to do this job. Unfortunately, not everyone can be pleased. If something is wrong with the food, the servers income is often affected even though they did all they could to make it right. You have to have thick skin, and know not to take anything personal in this industry.We ENJOY pleasing our guests, and making conversation with you, and making sure you leave the establishment more than satisfied. If something is not to your standards, we will do all we can in our power to make it right. Even if that means our money being affected at the end of the shift. Regular customers are what makes our paychecks, and we value you.
Please remember though in MOST places/states servers make $2.17 an hour. They really do rely on tips to put food on their table at the end of the night. Before going out to eat, please ask yourself, "Can I afford to tip tonight?" If the answer is no, there are several restaurant choices to go where tipping isn't required. If the service wasn't what you expected, or even downright horrible you have every right to not tip and speak to a manager. Please don't be afraid to speak to a manager, it's what they are there for. And before writing that negative Facebook review give the establishment a chance to make your bad experience right.
The service industry is rough, as well as retail. We work most Sunday's, and every weekend, we often miss out on holidays and time with our family, but we did sign up for this, we know what to expect. And we like keeping our guests happy. We are people, just like you are. Mistakes do happen.
As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years, I know all of the ups and downs of the industry. I know how rewarding it is when you see that child smile because you sang them "Happy Birthday." I know how it feels to have accidently left something out of a to-go order and do my best to make it right and learn from my mistake. Not all shifts run smooth, but it's all about our attitude. If I can make one person happy throughout my shift, it was all worth it at the end of the day. I've made lifelong friendships from co-workers and guests alike.
Next time you go to any kind of establishment, remember we are here to make you happy, but we are also humans. We mean it when we tell you to have a blessed day. And we enjoy seeing you return! To our valued customers; Thank you for making the bad days worth it, and making it more than just a paycheck.
