Dealing with rude customers can be one of the most challenging aspects of working in a restaurant. Many people seem to think that they can treat servers and other staff members poorly without any consequences. So, how do you deal with rude customers in restaurants? There are ways to handle these situations effectively and maintain your composure.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and strategies for dealing with rude customers in restaurants. Stay calm, stay professional, and stay in control – no matter what!
How would you handle a rude customer in a restaurant?
If you are working in a restaurant and you encounter a rude customer, the first thing you should do is stay calm, and follow this simple approach to help you deal with unhappy and rude customers:
- Ask the customer what is bothering him
- Always apologize
- Ask the customer what would like me to do for you
- Try to make sure the customer leaves happy
- If things get heated use this trick!
Ask the customer what is bothering him
The first thing you should do whenever you encounter a rude customer is to ask them what is bothering them. This is always the best approach because you want to understand what is causing the customer to act rude.
Most of us have bad days, and a rude customer is most of the time someone that is unhappy with the service or the food and wants you to make it right. By asking someone specifically what is bothering them you are narrowing down the problem, and you can have a better understanding of how you can fix it.
Always apologize
No matter what the customer says the problem is, you should always apologize. Even if it’s not your own fault, you are apologizing not for yourself but on behalf of the restaurant.
Remember that working as a server you represent a brand and a company, and above all, you need to make sure customers understand how you feel about their complaints.
Apologizing also tends to have a calming effect because the person complaining understands that you are acknowledging their problem, and it helps smoothen the situation out.
Ask the customer what would like me to do for you
Asking the customer directly what they would like you to do to fix the situation is always the best approach. Instead of suggesting yourself, let them tell you exactly how they would the situation to be fixed. This prevents you from suggesting something that they are not happy with and escalating the situation.
Unless their request is something extreme, then you should try to make sure that you can make it happen.
Try to make sure the customer leaves happy
Always make sure the customer leaves happy. When a customer leaves a restaurant angry with the service or the food, you know that customer will never come back, and he will eventually spread the bad word about your place. You don’t want to let this happen under any circumstance.
Make sure you do as much as you can to fix and turn around the situation in your favor.
If things get heated use this trick!
If your initial approach does not work, and you get into a heated argument with a customer, the best thing is to remain calm and just utter this simple sentence “Sir/Madam, I am going to have to ask you to calm down”. This is a simple way of being polite while trying to deescalate the conversation.
Most of the time customers will comply, and you will be able to get back to your goal of fixing the problem.
If the customer continues to be verbally abusive, politely ask them to stop again. If they continue, calmly explain that you will be happy to help them with their order once they have stopped using offensive language.
How do you handle an angry customer’s fast food?
When it comes to fast food, customers can often get angry over things that are out of their control. For example, they may be upset because their food is taking longer than expected or because they are not getting the exact order they wanted. In these cases, it is important to stay calm and apologize for the inconvenience.
Try to resolve the issue as best you can – even if that means giving the customer a refund or a free meal. The most important thing is to diffuse the situation and prevent it from escalating.
Why are restaurant customers so rude?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some people may be rude because they have had a bad day, while others may do it to try and get better service.
Another reason why some customers may be rude is that they don’t understand what it’s like to work in a restaurant. They may not realize how hard servers and other staff members work, or how challenging it can be to deal with difficult customers.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to change someone’s behavior. All you can do is control your own reaction and try to defuse the situation.
How to handle angry customers in a restaurant
The best way to handle an angry customer in a restaurant is to stay calm and professional. Try to understand their concerns and see if there is anything you can do to resolve the issue. If the customer is being abusive, politely ask them to stop. If they continue, calmly explain that you will be happy to help them once they have stopped using offensive language.
How to handle customer complaints in a restaurant
Be honest with yourself. Is the customer’s complaint justified? If so, take responsibility and apologize. If not, calmly explain why their complaint is not valid. In either case, try to find a resolution that will satisfy the customer.
If it’s a small complaint such as wrong order, offer to fix it or give them a discount on their next purchase. If it’s a bigger issue, such as a hair or insect in their food, offer a refund or a free meal. Inspect the kitchen and double-check the camera to see how the problem occurred and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Another way to handle customer complaints is to take them seriously and use them as an opportunity to improve your business. Thank the customer for bringing the issue to your attention and letting them know that you will be taking steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
What to do when a customer is rude in a restaurant?
Listen carefully to what the customer is saying and try to understand their concerns. By mirroring their words with empathy, you can show that you are taking them seriously. For example, if they say “I’m not happy with the service,” you could respond with “You’re not happy with the service, and I’m sorry to hear that.”
This shows that you are willing to listen to their concerns and take them seriously. It is also important to avoid getting defensive. If the customer feels like you are trying to defend yourself, it will only make the situation worse.
Best responses to rude customers
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best response will depend on the situation. However, some tips on how to respond depending on the situation:
Rude Customer: Late Food
“My food is taking too long.” – Customer
How To Respond: “I’m sorry for the wait, we’re doing our best to get your food out as soon as possible. If it’s going to be much longer, I can offer you a discount or a free appetizer.”
Rude Customer: Wrong Order
“This isn’t what I ordered.” – Customer
How To Respond: “I’m sorry, let me fix that for you. I’ll get your correct order out as soon as possible.”
Rude Customer: Complaint about Service
“Your service is terrible.” – Customer
How To Respond: “I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything specific that you’re not happy with? I’d be happy to address your concerns.”
Rude Customer: Complaint about Food
“This food is terrible.” – Customer
How To Respond: “I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything specific that you’re not happy with? I’ll be happy to get you a refund or a free meal if you’d like.”
Conclusion
Dealing with rude customers can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. When working in restaurants or retail you need to be able to handle rude customers. There are ways to handle these situations effectively and maintain your composure. Stay calm, stay professional, and stay in control – no matter what!
