“People should have to work a service job at some point in their lives.”

This is a statement many of us have muttered. Food service, retail and other similar jobs that require some sort of interaction with customers give all of those who work in the field a new perspective about the way people should approach a shopping trip or a visit to a restaurant. As many of us go home and complain about our workdays to one another, we say to ourselves, “If only they knew.” It is clear some people do not know what vital mistakes they make when they visit a retailer or a restaurant.

After speaking with many people who work in food service and retail, FYI has helped to make a list of the rules that we as consumers should abide by when visiting both restaurant and retail jobs.

Retail

1. Patience is always key. Yes, waiting room lines may take forever sometimes, but complaining isn’t going to help anyone.

Also, don’t mess up piles of clothing. Deanna Galus, customer service associate at JCPenney expresses a common problem.

“The store is like your home. Please don’t mess up tables because then I am busy when you need help,” Galus said.

Galus said she wants to help the customers, but cannot do so if she is busy trying to keep the floor clean. It is in the customer’s best interest to help out when possible.

2. Try to abstain from yelling at the salesperson in a store when they don’t have your size or color. They are neither the one who place the orders, nor do they buy all the size 6’s.

3. Talking on cell phones while going through lines is impolite and doesn’t allow for communication.

The salesperson wants to help you, but cannot do so to the best of his or her ability when you are chatting away on your phone.

4. Around holiday time things are hectic, and although people claim to be in the Christmas spirit, they wreak more havoc then ever. Be especially kind.

5. Snapping and whistling for attention is impolite; walk over and ask for help if you can’t get an employee’s attention.

Food Service

1. “Know what you want before you order it.,” said David Hall, senior in liberal studies and cook at West Towne Pub.

“Specify it. Then when you are eating later on, you don’t have to send it back – which might hold everything up.”

2. Do not shake ice at your waiter when you need more to drink. It’s rude.

3. Tipping is important. Many restaurants pay around $3 per hour for a base fee, and the rest of the earnings come from tips.

4. If you have kids with you, be aware of them. You don’t need to muzzle them, just make sure they aren’t running wild.

5. Be aware of closing times. Coming in five minutes before the kitchen closes may make for cross servers.