Does everyone think that just because someone works at a fast food place that they can treat them like crap?

Q: I work at a fast food place and I usually have very nice customers, but it seem like lately there are fewer of those nice customers out there. Why does it seem like just because I work at a fast food place that people think it's ok to treat me like crap. I don't go to there work place and do it to them.

A: Unfortunately, that's how it is in a (food) service industry. I have a lot of experience working in grocery as a checker. There are a LOT of nice customers, but there are always those people that think you're there to SERVE them - which we are, but not in the way they think. They think you're a servant who is obligated to do every menial thing they can think of, and they wouldn't dare treat you with kindness. My first week on the job with my last employer, I had a woman ask a very rude, racially slanted, rhetorical question of a co-worker. Not even fearing the loss of my job, I stepped away from the register and refused to "serve" her any further. I told her there was no need to make rude comments like that and that she'd need to find someone else to help her. Thankfully, I had full support of my managers. I don't have any advice for you, really. I grinned and bore a lot, but I do have my limits. If someone is completely and unnecessarily rude to you, I don't feel there is any reason why you should have to take it. You might want to make sure you're clear on what your management's position is on the "customer is always right" rule. You might try to come up with a subtle, very cleverly stinging reply for those comments you hear repeatedly, and deliver it with your kindest, sweetest voice. That way, the rude customer knows you slammed them back but they can't prove it if it comes down to it.

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