Let’s be honest — the only thing more frustrating than waiting for customer service… might be working in customer service.
And according to workers on the front lines, many of the daily headaches come from the same source: customers who unknowingly make the job harder than it needs to be.
A growing list of customer service worker pet peeves is making the rounds online, and the people sharing them say these small behaviors add up to big stress during already busy shifts.
Here are some of the top things employees say they wish customers would stop doing immediately.
🛑 Asking for Loyalty Discounts That Don’t Exist
One worker put it bluntly: stores typically don’t hand out discounts just because someone has been shopping there a long time. While loyalty is appreciated, most pricing policies are set at the corporate level.
🐾 Faking Service Animals
This one came up repeatedly. Employees say bringing in a fake service animal creates real problems for customers who legitimately rely on trained animals — and puts staff in an awkward position.
📢 Yelling About Policies
Workers say when new rules are introduced — often to prevent abuse of the system — the frontline employee usually didn’t create the policy. Taking frustration out on staff rarely changes the outcome.
⏳ Expecting Instant Refunds
Refunds often require processing time, approvals, or system updates. Employees say patience here goes a long way toward keeping things smooth.
🥶 Leaving Cold Items on Random Shelves
One of the biggest retail frustrations: abandoned frozen or refrigerated items. Not only can this create waste, but it also means extra work for already busy staff.
Better move: hand the item to an employee or return it to the proper section.
💵 Tossing Money on the Counter
This small gesture was mentioned often. Workers say placing payment respectfully in someone’s hand or on the counter politely makes a noticeable difference in tone.
🤧 Licking Fingers to Count Cash
Yes… this still happens. And customer service employees are collectively begging people to stop.
📞 Oversharing With Receptionists
Phone workers say the fastest way to get help is simple and direct: briefly state what you need and who you need to speak with.
🍽️ Asking Servers Obvious Questions Mid-Carry
Servers note that if their arms are full of plates, asking where the rest of the order is probably isn’t helpful — and yes, they know more food is coming.
🌧️ Blaming Staff for Weather Delays
Delivery delays due to weather remain a common complaint. Workers stress that some factors truly are out of anyone’s control.
🔊 Playing Videos at Full Volume in Waiting Rooms
This modern annoyance made the list: watching social media videos without headphones in shared spaces.
🤔 Assuming Mistakes Are Personal
Finally, workers say most errors are exactly what they appear to be — honest mistakes. Assuming bad intent only escalates situations unnecessarily.
The Bottom Line
Most customer service workers say the fix is simple: a little patience and basic courtesy go a long way.
And honestly? Most of us have probably been on both sides of the counter at some point.
So the next time you’re waiting in line in the Sandhills… just remember — the person helping you is probably doing their best.
