How to Deal with Rude Customers as a Waiter

As a server in a restaurant, you're likely to come across rude customers at least once in awhile. They'll make unreasonable demands or make disrespectful comments for seemingly no reason. As a server, you'll have to learn how to deal with it in order to keep your job and sanity intact.

Instructions

1. Check your temper. Even though you may fume inside about rude customers, you have to stay in control of the situation. Take a deep breath before you proceed.

2. Paste a smile on your face. No matter how rude a customer gets, always smile. You'll send out a message that they're not getting to you and this may make them back off.

3. Appease them with promises, even if they're false. When you're a server, you have no control over how long food takes or how fast the bartender makes the drinks. Let them know you're on top of everything and promise to give a status update.

4. Ignore the rude comments. You can choose not to respond to a comment a rude customer makes. Leave the table and return when the order's ready. If they continue to harass you, ask your manager about switching tables with another server.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let a rude customer cross the line without reporting it. If the customer gets overly offensive or makes racist or sexist remarks, let your manager know about the situation.

• Don't spit in the food of a rude customer. You'll get some satisfaction, but you can get in big trouble if found out.