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Anyone who's ever worked in the food service industry is bound to have met one of these—an extremely rude customer who shouldn't be allowed back into the restaurant. Or to order food ever again! The sad part is, rude customers aren't even that rare.

They're pretty darn common and make the lives of waiters, restaurant employees, and baristas a waking nightmare. Bored Panda wanted to show you some of the things service industry personnel have been through with rude customers, so we collected some of the best posts by servers from all over the net. As you scroll down, upvote the posts that made you feel for these workers, and be sure to leave us a comment with your own experiences serving food in the comment section. Would you like fries with that?

Alexander Kjerulf, the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of ‘Woohoo inc.' told Bored Panda that if your workplace is causing you to forget that you're a human being who's worthy of care and humane treatment, you shouldn't work there anymore. "Quit, and find a better place to work, where they actually care about their staff," he told Bored Panda. "And quit sooner rather than later. The longer you stay, the more they will grind you down until you lose all the energy and optimism you need to move on and find a better job."

Alexander actually made an entire video about quitting a bad job. Meanwhile, you'll find the rest of the insights that he shared with us below. Anyone who's working in the service industry, whether you're a server, a cook, or a manager, should have a read.

#1

Math Is Hard

Math Is Hard

BruceInc Report

#2

I Can’t Believe People Can Be This Stupid

I Can’t Believe People Can Be This Stupid

veronikaklein Report

#3

Left On My Co-Workers Table

Left On My Co-Workers Table

dagregory Report

Alexander was upfront that employees should expect and demand support from their managers. "I know that it's common for restaurants to treat their customers like kings and their employees [badly], but that doesn't mean it's OK," he said.

"99% of people are nice, but the occasional rude client is unavoidable," Alexander from 'Woohoo inc.' said that there's no avoiding rudeness in the long run. "You can learn tricks to deal with them, and that's great, but no one should have to put up with mistreatment."

For Alexander, working in the service industry doesn't mean that others can walk all over you. "Having a service job does not mean that other people get to demean you or belittle you and managers must be willing to step in and protect employees' dignity and mental health."

#4

Latina Waitress Received Racist Note Instead Of Tip

Latina Waitress Received Racist Note Instead Of Tip

EpicTwinkieGamer Report

#5

This Was Posted In A Restaurant Group

This Was Posted In A Restaurant Group

somnifacientsawyer Report

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#6

A Group Of Kids Filled It Up And The Parents Shouted At Customers Attempting To Complain

A Group Of Kids Filled It Up And The Parents Shouted At Customers Attempting To Complain

ya-boi-445 Report

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Amy Pattie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, I’m not even mad at the kids because that’s just how they are, but what horrible parents stopping other people from complaining?

katrina-taylor89 avatar
Kt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Thats just how they are' No....its not. You teach kids. I never did s**t like this when i was a kid and ive never known any of my family or friends kids to do this. We all know better 😂

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Proud gold rose
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I went to Olive Garden one time there were scribbles on the wall that were obviously made from kids and it was also obvious that they were scribbling on the wall for a long time cause it was everywhere and I got so mad at those parents that just let their kids do that cause they just ruined a wall in Olive Garden and now someone is going to have to pay to fix it

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Linda HS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like parents, like kids...no surprise here. Don't worry, the kids won't “go” far in life

larorex avatar
L567
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a matter of fact, they will continue to hinder society, as well as themselves. Some humans have always been trashy and will continue to be so. Human detritus.

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Eslamala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From my experience, sadly the only thing that works with those type of parents is shaming them

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Kakofonyx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's that saying about apples not falling far from the tree?

erics_ avatar
Eric S.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooh no. You let your kids pour it out, you take it with you. No, we're not giving you a container. And if you don't take it it will be poured onto you when you leave.

michaelsanders avatar
Michael Sanders
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you know how long you have to be not watching your kid for them to fill those drip trays up? This isn’t a “I looked away for one second” situation. Those pumps put out about a tablespoon a pump. In that time those kids could’ve stolen the car, gotten a speeding ticket, driven back, gotten another speeding ticket and that thing would still only be half full

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Kanga9ine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd remove filled containers, walk over to their table and dump the entire mess on the parents plates. Then I would bring them an itemized bill with dry cleaning, loss of revenue during down time their kids caused, snap a picture of the happy family and tell them they were banned for life and that their photo would be enlarged and posted in and outside the restaurant as well as social media and forwarded to every restaurant via our newsletter. Probably throw in a couple of garbage bags generated by the kitchen as they are getting into their car.

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Sharon Cooper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The parents should be banned from the place. Parents to allow their kids to act like feral animals in public have no business allowing themselves or their brood anywhere they can be disruptive or destructive.

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Sarah Nunns
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably the same type of parents that let their kids rampage through toy departments in stores.

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Verena Abt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These kids will grow up and don't know what boundaries are.

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Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before sitting down, we (hubby and me) always ask to be seated away from any kids. We don't want an expensive (or not) meal destroyed because the parents and their ilk treat the hard-working servers like they don't matter! Worst I have every seen was when we were already eating, and they put a rowdy, loud, and obnoxious group right in back of us. We could not see what was happening, but WOW did we hear it. We asked out server for take-home boxes. Even with earplugs in, this was horrible. When they left, we looked at the table, and it was disgusting! Food thrown and smeared into the booth, the floor, and even on the back of our booth. They left a crumpled up dollar bill. We felt so bad we tipped double.

sanukjim avatar
James F. Wilson Jr.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a customer, I would have poured it on either the kid's head (if 7 years are up) or in the laps of the parents.

mostavis avatar
Damo Lee Park
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd look at the parent, grab them by the scruff of their neck, and use their face to clean the sauce up. That's if I didn't just drag them out and beat them like a drum in front of their kids

jen_hunt_9250 avatar
Alethia Nyx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here is a prime reason we don't have this in Aussie Maccas, the condiments are in little sachets given to you when you order.

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Robert Robi Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate people who cannot or refuse to control their children in a restaurant. I admire the restaurants who accept no kids. I would always choose such type of restaurant.

23aclark avatar
23AClark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, we see what their kids are gonna be like if they grow up.

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Angelica Schuyler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to assume anything but they are probably horrible parents.

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Jake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would throw them out and ban them, and have them pay more for the time that has to be cleaned out

forums-n-stuff13 avatar
Logically Reasonable
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Legally speaking, that is theft. The parents can be sued and even spend time in jail for something their little abominations did!

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Al Kenny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd smacked my kids so hard they'd have worn out rolling if they pulled this!

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Jonathan Pye
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Willem Hunse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe the saw the yellow happy meal box and were like "good idea"

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Sonia Cha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate these types of 'parents' always make their offspring beasts problems yours... KAREN PARENTS !

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Nina Khmielnitzky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Treat the parents and the kids like naughty dogs by forcing their faces into their mess.

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Tipping's either a sore subject or a complete non-problem depending on where you live. In the United States, for example, tipping at a restaurant or a cafe is nearly ubiquitous. You're bound to get some weird glances and questions if you refuse to tip or if you don't tip enough.

#7

Decades Of "The Customer Is Always Right" Has Created The Most Entitled Idiots In Human History

Decades Of "The Customer Is Always Right" Has Created The Most Entitled Idiots In Human History

CMCXCV Report

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pusheen buttercup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We should get rid of that whole customer is always right attitude. It's not ok. It never was.

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#9

My Cousin Just Posted This On Facebook. She Is A Waitress At Outback And This Was Left Behind

My Cousin Just Posted This On Facebook. She Is A Waitress At Outback And This Was Left Behind

Adda717 Report

I'll be frank. The US tipping system… is a bit weird. It's on the same plane of existence as not posting the full price of a meal or a product with the tax included. However weird forced tipping might be (and how it essentially makes customers, not the employers, pay a large chunk of the workers' wages), it doesn't change the fact that it's a cultural thing in the States. You just do it.

#10

My Aunt And Her Friend Took Me To Dinner. These 10 Lovely People Sat Next To Us, And Didn't Even Leave A Tip!

My Aunt And Her Friend Took Me To Dinner. These 10 Lovely People Sat Next To Us, And Didn't Even Leave A Tip!

MaryStarBlazer Report

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#12

Seen On A Facebook Post On How People Should Tip Their Servers 20%

Seen On A Facebook Post On How People Should Tip Their Servers 20%

ImAKraken Report

So not tipping someone or even poking fun at a server who expects a tip isn't the way to go. Sure, the entire system should be overhauled so that tipping isn't mandatory, but until that utopian moment, we're stuck with what we have.

#13

You Can Just Picture The Trashiness From This Customer

You Can Just Picture The Trashiness From This Customer

IWriteForTheFunny Report

#14

Wouldn’t Let Him Underage Drink So He Didn’t Tip

Wouldn’t Let Him Underage Drink So He Didn’t Tip

Xenologon Report

Rudeness, however, isn't just linked to tips. Customers from hell find all sorts of ways to belittle servers. From namecalling and ‘flirting' to acting like spoiled, entitled children (no offense to spoiled and entitled kids). However, employees shouldn't rise to the provocations while also protecting their own dignity.

#16

Please Don’t Leave Fake Tips I’m Trying To Go To College

Please Don’t Leave Fake Tips I’m Trying To Go To College

iskermitagod Report

#17

My Friend Waited On Two Underage Kids Who Tried To Order Drinks. Stiffing Servers Has Always Made Someone A Bad Person, But During A Pandemic When Benefits Have Run Out And Restaurant Employees Are Struggling More Than They Already Did? Despicable

My Friend Waited On Two Underage Kids Who Tried To Order Drinks. Stiffing Servers Has Always Made Someone A Bad Person, But During A Pandemic When Benefits Have Run Out And Restaurant Employees Are Struggling More Than They Already Did? Despicable

bortsimpsonson Report

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alwaysMispelled
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, I call bullshit on these asshats trying to say they'd be leaving a massive tip, otherwise. These POS would never leave huge tips.

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Earlier, I'd had a chat with Alexander from ‘Woohoo inc.' about what people should do when dealing with rude customers. “Keep your cool and remember that whatever abuse they're giving you is no reflection on you as a person,” he said.

#19

Displaying Your Bare Feet In A Restaurant

Displaying Your Bare Feet In A Restaurant

boozinBanthony Report

#20

This Family Let Their Kid Crawl All Over The Restaurant Floor, Nearly Tripping Several Servers

This Family Let Their Kid Crawl All Over The Restaurant Floor, Nearly Tripping Several Servers

langleywaters Report

#21

Smoking In A Non-Smoking Restaurant Because You Do What You Have To

Smoking In A Non-Smoking Restaurant Because You Do What You Have To

cahabaham Report

“That customer doesn't even know you, so there's no way it could be you. But on the other hand, don't be subservient. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and tell customers that abuse is not tolerated. And if it persists, hand them over to a manager as soon as you can and let them deal with it,” Alexander explained how we should deal with problematic people. It's all about striking a balance between being professional and having a spine.

However, Alexander pointed out that not all customers who behave badly are bad people in and of themselves. There's a bit of nuance there! “It can be a good person having a bad day and that's why they're acting out.”

#22

Stop Tipping And These Folks Will Land Better Jobs

Stop Tipping And These Folks Will Land Better Jobs

TheLatinGerman Report

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N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That last sentence works for me. Because if you stop tipping wait staff in a culture that requires the customer to make up staff wages, and they DO all leave for better jobs there will be no one to FEED YOU AND YOU WILL HAVE TO GO AWAY

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#23

My Sister Got This While Waiting Tables

My Sister Got This While Waiting Tables

RekNepZ Report

#24

At Least He Used The Proper Form Of "You're"

At Least He Used The Proper Form Of "You're"

danasaurus_rexx Report

Though that doesn't change the fact that some customers really are rude because they thrive on it and know that being bullies works (sometimes). “The sad truth is that some customers act this way because they've learned that it works and will get them discounts or preferential treatment,” Alexander, the Chief Happiness Officer at ‘Woohoo inc.' said.

#25

Someone Keeps Stealing The Tip Jar At My Local Donut Shop

Someone Keeps Stealing The Tip Jar At My Local Donut Shop

opvuuu Report

#26

"Why I Have Not Tipped!!!"

"Why I Have Not Tipped!!!"

oblivionkiss Report

#27

From My Friends’ Server Group. This Was Given By A 6 Top Instead Of A Tip

From My Friends’ Server Group. This Was Given By A 6 Top Instead Of A Tip

californiagovernor Report

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pusheen buttercup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You never know when someone is doing the best they can. You also don't know if they've been trained to be more hands off. You may wind up taking it out on the wrong person

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What's more, Alexander added that rather than thinking that the customer is always right, we should go for something more down-to-earth like “be nice.” Or at least avoiding being rude. Of course, this goes for customers and employees alike! “Whenever I'm a customer anywhere, I always try to be kind and positive to the staff—even when occasionally I have to complain about something. It's literally the least I can do.”

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#28

Guy Left A Negative Tip To Subtract From The Total After Calling The Restaurant While Inside To Rush His Order

Guy Left A Negative Tip To Subtract From The Total After Calling The Restaurant While Inside To Rush His Order

Kanye-Westicle Report

#30

Your Tip Is That Because Of Me, You Still Have Yuor Fredom™

Your Tip Is That Because Of Me, You Still Have Yuor Fredom™

ALasagnaForOne Report

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JennyLaRue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they put their own lives on the line for their country (not just their social lives in following their partners around their posts) then they can have the military discount. It's so old fashioned to define your own status by your partners job, let alone expect a discount from it.

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Note: this post originally had 51 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

We'd love to hear your stories about the rude customers you've had to deal with, dear Pandas. What's your go-to strategy for somebody who's acting entitled and ruining your day? Do you stay professional and diplomatic all the time or do you confront them when they've overstepped your boundaries? Let us know what you think below.