Perhaps this is due to the thin local labor market due to low unemployment and tons of new restaurants and bars...

But in my first few weeks here I notice lots of servers call me 'chief' or 'boss' or 'ace' or 'brother' or 'man'...

It is somewhat understandable when an older waitress at a diner calls me 'hun' or 'darlin' but I don't really don't like being addressed so unprofessionally by someone who is providing service.

Either call me 'sir' (which is unnecessary but acceptable) or don't call me anything at all.

Amen.

And don't come sit with me and try to act like my best friend. Be pleasant, be professional, but don't try to be chummy.

People are so nice here I think servers often confuse being friendly and chummy with providing good service, and they are completely different things.

What gets me is the restaurants who train their waitstaff to speak in superlatives. "So is everything AWESOME with your meal???" Well, not really. It's good, but not AWESOME. How are you supposed to answer that question? Charleston's is one of the restaurants that does this.

Or, when they tell you everything on the menu is 'amazing'.

First of all, not true. Secondly, every single server should be fully prepared to answer the question, "What would you recommend?", and very few are.

I usually don't ask for recommendations but it's a very common thing, especially since the trend now is to drop a phonebook of a menu on the table, then come back 2 minutes later and ask you if you are ready to order. Then again 2 minutes later when you are still on page 52.

I, in general, despise company-forced lines.

I know at Outback, the "Everything is awesome" attitude comes straight from corporate requirements. It apparently improves survey and review scores because you are telling them how their food is. (supposedly) if you ask them if their food was "awesome", and repeatedly use the term throughout the dining experience, they are statistically more likely to check the "Awesome" or highest rating when filling out a survey. I think it's cheesy, and hate it. I think the server should take more initiative to provide a personal experience, within the frame of acceptable service standard to the employer, and allow the customer to decide for themselves.

The same goes for Walgreens-- they are required to tell you to "Be Well" when concluding a transaction, even if it is for a pack of gum. It's in the script and is even a question on surveys, did the customer service person tell you to "Be Well" during your visit?

Chik-Fil-A has the "my pleasure" requirement.

United has "Thanks for flying the Friendly Skies" appended awkwardly to the end of several scripted announcements. It doesn't flow well into the script, and doesn't sound very genuine me because of its obvious forced entry into the script.

I don't like it, because I know there's nothing behind it. It's just a script they employees are going off of.

I'd rather have an over-the-top scripted line then someone saying 'no problem' when you thank them for something.

This is another huge pet peeve. 'No problem' is not an acceptable response to someone who is paying money (and thus your salary) at the establishment at which you are employed.

'Thank you very much' should be the minimum reply and it's surprisingly rare.

No problem is an acceptable response for certain small requests. An extra sauce side, an extra set of silverware, directions to the restroom etc.

It's not an acceptable response for the entire service, a special request, a recommendation, or other serious core tasks.

I think you are confusing serving with being a servant, they are not the same. I would never expect a server to respond to my "Thank you." With a "Thank you very much". If I am thanking them, personally, I am acknowledging their hard work and attentiveness. I don't need them to thank me for thanking them. That seems weird to me.

When I worked in a customer service role (not a waiter, though), my response to "Thank you" was "Thank you." It wasn't scripted; that just felt like the appropriate response in that role.

It is rare a server takes a seat at my table when I am out, though not rare enough.
If I know the person, either from other avenues or because I visit the place a lot, that's not an issue to me at all.
But if the first meeting matches up when the menu arrived, yeah, um, no thanks. My table is not the break room.

For whatever reason, the reasoning behind the sitting is to look at the customer at eye level, as opposed to looking down on them

Man you guys let a lot of little things eat at you.

Man you guys let a lot of little things eat at you.

Happy Thanksgiving!! :cool:

Happy Thanksgiving!! :cool:

You too! I don't disagree with what was said for the most part, as in my line of work I have been verbally undressed by a customer for calling him "buddy." Didn't make that mistake again.

No problem is an acceptable response for certain small requests. An extra sauce side, an extra set of silverware, directions to the restroom etc.

It's not an acceptable response for the entire service, a special request, a recommendation, or other serious core tasks.

I think you are confusing serving with being a servant, they are not the same. I would never expect a server to respond to my "Thank you." With a "Thank you very much". If I am thanking them, personally, I am acknowledging their hard work and attentiveness. I don't need them to thank me for thanking them. That seems weird to me.
I'm with Pete..."no problem" is an awful response. "My pleasure" is a much better response imho.

For whatever reason, the reasoning behind the sitting is to look at the customer at eye level, as opposed to looking down on them
I disagree that it has anything to do with anyone looking down at anyone. It is entirely inappropriate for the server to join the dining party unless invited to do so.

Squatting to be at eye level: perfectly fine, and statistically proven to improve tipping.

Sitting at the guests' table, uninvited: completely inappropriate.

Perhaps this is due to the thin local labor market due to low unemployment and tons of new restaurants and bars...

But in my first few weeks here I notice lots of servers call me 'chief' or 'boss' or 'ace' or 'brother' or 'man'...

It is somewhat understandable when an older waitress at a diner calls me 'hun' or 'darlin' but I don't really don't like being addressed so unprofessionally by someone who is providing service.

Either call me 'sir' (which is unnecessary but acceptable) or don't call me anything at all.

Interesting, I don't think I ever had that experience in any restaurant in OKC.

^^^^^
I've had that experience myself. It's irritating.

Chik-Fil-A has the "my pleasure" requirement.

I come across that phrase most often when talking to people at hotels and I like it whether it is scripted or not.

^^^^^
I've had that experience myself. It's irritating.

I agree that it would be irritating but in my 60 plus years of eating at restaurants in OKC I don't remember hearing that ever. I guess I've just been lucky. LOL

Serious first world problems up in this thread

I'm with Pete..."no problem" is an awful response. "My pleasure" is a much better response imho.

Perhaps it's a generational irritant. I've received "no problem" many times and have been bothered by it approximately zero times. Then again, my standards may not be as high -- I don't require someone to thank me for being a customer. I'm a customer because I desire the product, not because I want to be thanked for spending my money.

Perhaps it's a generational irritant. I've received "no problem" many times and have been bothered by it approximately zero times. Then again, my standards may not be as high -- I don't require someone to thank me for being a customer. I'm a customer because I desire the product, not because I want to be thanked for spending my money.

Also interesting. When I get a call from potential customers or have them in my office, I tell them thanks whether they purchase anything or not. I just think it builds a better relationship for future business. Most people want to feel appreciated and valued, catch. That is just human nature. There are exceptions to everything though.

Also interesting. When I get a call from a potential customers, I tell them thanks for calling whether they purchase anything or not. I just think it builds a better relationship for future business. Most people want to feel appreciated, catch. That is just human nature. There are exceptions to everything though.

I agree with you. I think the entire transaction should be thanked, but don't think every interaction deserves some special, extra formal acknowledgement like Rover suggested.

Thank you for dining with us tonight, here is your check. I will be your cashier.

I don't find it necessary on every task, and don't see the issue with "no problem" on service requests. "Here is your extra side of ketchup" oh, thank you. "No problem!"

I agree with you. I think the entire transaction should be thanked, but don't think every interaction deserves some special, extra formal acknowledgement like Rover suggested.

Thank you for dining with us tonight, here is your check. I will be your cashier.

I don't find it necessary on every task, and don't see the issue with "no problem" on service requests. "Here is your extra side of ketchup" oh, thank you. "No problem!"
That is a little more specific than your previous comment and I agree with that also.

Thanks, and it pretty much exactly what I said at first.
No problem is an acceptable response for certain small requests. An extra sauce side, an extra set of silverware, directions to the restroom etc.

It's not an acceptable response for the entire service, a special request, a recommendation, or other serious core tasks.

I think you are confusing serving with being a servant, they are not the same. I would never expect a server to respond to my "Thank you." With a "Thank you very much". If I am thanking them, personally, I am acknowledging their hard work and attentiveness. I don't need them to thank me for thanking them. That seems weird to me.

Overall though, I disagree with the overall tone of this thread. I'm sure there are instances of bad or indifferent service, but I just don't experience that as a general rule no matter how diluted the restaurant worker environment has become. That's not to say that I am always completely happy, but being disappointed is an exception for me.

I agree that it would be irritating but in my 60 plus years of eating at restaurants in OKC I don't remember hearing that ever. I guess I've just been lucky. LOL

Happens a lot more in bars or sitting at the bars in restaurants.

It's happened to me multiple times in just the last few weeks.

No problem is an acceptable response for certain small requests. An extra sauce side, an extra set of silverware, directions to the restroom etc.

It's not an acceptable response for the entire service, a special request, a recommendation, or other serious core tasks.

I think you are confusing serving with being a servant, they are not the same. I would never expect a server to respond to my "Thank you." With a "Thank you very much". If I am thanking them, personally, I am acknowledging their hard work and attentiveness. I don't need them to thank me for thanking them. That seems weird to me.

I meant at the end of a transaction. Someone brings you the bill or you pay to the cash register, and you say 'thank you' and all they have to say is 'no problem'.

"No problem" is an inappropriate response nearly every time in a customer service transaction. It suggests that at some point assisting you MIGHT be considered a problem. The only time it's appropriate us if the customer apologizes for inconveniencing the server. Customer: "sorry to make you stay late..." server: "don't worry ma'am it's absolutely no problem."

If you think "no problem" is interchangeable with "thank you" you're wrong; I'm sorry. It probably IS a generational thing, as self-absorption/self-focus is so common with the current generation. I battle issues like this with my own staff more today than I ever have.

But to be truly professional in the service industry, an individual has to understand that they are literally there to SERVE. The transaction is about THE CUSTOMER, not the server. It's never about making the day better for the server, though if he or she does their job well, transactions will almost always be pleasant and rewarding for both parties.

And if a (large) segment of the population finds a certain phrase or action unprofessional/rude, it should be avoided at all costs, regardless of your own opinion if it. If you can't be made happy and find reward simply by providing an excellent customer experience and making money for your trouble, the service industry probably isn't for you. And until you can set your own wants aside and put yourself into the shoes of your customer you will never truly be a PROFESSIONAL server.

Happens a lot more in bars or sitting at the bars in restaurants.

It's happened to me multiple times in just the last few weeks.


I don't recall that happening to me at a bar either but, as I said, maybe I've just been lucky.

Yes, 'no problem' is essentially a negative response.

It's the same as when someone says "I don't have a problem with that' instead of 'that sounds good to me'. The former implies they are looking for a problem and can't find it. This phrase is used frequently in negotiations and always demonstrates a negative mindset when the goal is to reach a meeting of the minds.


9 times out of 10 I get good service in OKC but when I run into these less than professional exchanges, you just know it's down to lack of training and reinforcement by management and general lack of experience which is definitely an issue in this town for all the reasons we've already discussed.

I stopped in On the Border on NW Expressway last Sunday and sat in the bar, had a beer and watched some football. This was one of the 'boss' and 'chief experiences. Later I noticed a manager address one of the servers because he was sitting down at the bar. That was good I guess but it was done in front of a lot of customers and how on earth did this person not already know better?

Yes, 'no problem' is essentially a negative response.

It's the same as when someone says "I don't have a problem with that' instead of 'that sounds good to me'. The former implies they are looking for a problem and can't find it. This phrase is used frequently in negotiations and always demonstrates a negative mindset when the goal is to reach a meeting of the minds...

Perfectly put.

Perhaps it's a generational irritant. I've received "no problem" many times and have been bothered by it approximately zero times. Then again, my standards may not be as high -- I don't require someone to thank me for being a customer. I'm a customer because I desire the product, not because I want to be thanked for spending my money.

It isn't expecting special formal thanks. No problem as a response indicates it may have been a problem to begin with. Lazy language and poor grammar seems to be rampant. Just listen to radio talk shows...particularly sports shows. Improper use of words or phrases is accepted because ithe audience doesn't know what is proper and what is not. Or, they just choose to ignore it.

Forbes Welcome (http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/2015/11/01/watch-customer-service-experts-heads-explode-when-you-say-no-problem/)


Customer Service Experts Say 'No Problem' Is A Big Customer Service Problem--Here's Why

Micah Solomon
Forbes.com

There’s a two-word phrase that tends to drive customer service experts, trainers, speakers, and thought leaders crazy, myself included. The phrase is “no problem”:

Customer: ‘Thank you.’
Customer service employee: ‘No problem.’
Customer service expert/trainer/thought leader: ‘ARGGH–you’re making my head explode!’

So what makes “no problem” such a problem–if, in fact, it is one? My opinion is that the literal meaning of “no problem” poses a risk that customers will wonder whether they are causing problems at your establishment, and whether they’ll be causing even bigger problems if they are brash enough to make yet another request after the one you just no-problemed.

In other words, you can’t ask people to not think about a pink elephant without making them picture such an elephant immediately. The “no” in the phrase “no problem” has zero evocative power. The “problem” has plenty.

So, when I write a company customer service manual or conduct one of my customer service training programs, I instruct customer-facing employees to learn to use a different response: “You’re welcome.” “My pleasure.” “It’s my pleasure.” Even (if it’s a very informal environment) “You bet,” or “Any time.” (No, I don’t love those last two. But “no problem” is worse.)

But let’s not get carried away here

On the other hand, while I do think “no problem, along with its Aussie-flavored sibling, “no worries,” is a problem, I also realize that it’s become reflexive among young people, almost like adding “like” between every third (or second!) word. So I also caution managers who are opposed to “no problem” to avoid judging a rookie employee harshly for having a pre-existing “no problem” habit. The employee in question probably has a great heart for service and just needs a bit of instruction. It shouldn’t, for example, be a deal-killer for an applicant if they use it in the course of an interview (Talk about ridiculous: I have heard from imperious HR professionals who will disqualify an applicant for this reason. Which is overkill, and cruel.)

I personally believe the problem stems from the lack of professional Managers that know to well, that the work pool to choose from is far from perfect, so they have to make due, with what they have. They handle a lot of these folks with kit gloves , when sometimes they just need to step up and be honest with people, that this might be the wrong profession for them. I love going to places like Cattlemans for example, where you see the same faces year after year , and you know what kinda of service you're going to get. Some things cannot be taught, waiting on people and being personable is not for everyone. College towns tend to be the worst experiences for me, but ive had my fair share all around the country.

"No Problem" = A Big Problem in Customer Service (http://www.franchising.com/articles/no_problem__a_big_problem_in_customer_service.html )


"No Problem" = A Big Problem in Customer Service

By Joe Schumacker
Franchising.com

Editor's note: Kudos to customer service guru John DiJulius, founder of The DiJulius Group, for pointing out an article on his blog that sheds light on the commonly used automatic response, "No problem." Somehow, it had been bothering me in a subtle way for years. Unfortunately, after reading the original blog by Joe Schumacker, it now bothers me more: I'm hearing it just about everywhere, especially from the younger set. (Full disclosure: I've pointed this out several times to cashiers and waiters, mostly receiving blank, uncomprehending stares in return.) So be warned, reading this article may alter your customer experience forever. My hope is that it will inspire you to tell your front-line staff to "Cut it out!" Here's the original post by Joe Schumacker:

No Problem, Big Problem

The greeting before a meeting is an example of an interpersonal auto-response. We all do it many times a day. Each of us has our own favorite phrases such as, "How is it going?" or "How are you?" or simply, "Hello." We also have standard phrases we use at the end of an interaction such as, "Take care" or "Nice seeing you" or simply "Good-bye." When closely examined, most are meaningless phrases and certainly not intended to engender a response.

So why are personal auto-responses important? Quite simply, each person you come in contact with will use your auto-response to help form perceptions and opinions. This is very important with transactional interactions in a business environment where a staff member may have more than 100 passing interactions with customers on a single shift. How the interaction is handled goes a long way in determining how the customers feel about the business.

A company with a strong customer service culture will train the proper auto-response for their staff members. A company with a weak customer service culture will either not pay attention to how a staff member interacts in a business environment or they will overly script the interaction so that it takes all personality out of the exchange. Either creates a negative impression with the customer.

The "king of the hill" in getting it wrong is when the phrase "No problem" or "Not a problem" is used at the conclusion of an interaction, typically after the customer says, "Thank you." In a transactional interaction "No problem" is a problem on two levels. The stated "Thank you" is an acknowledgement that service was provided. It is not an apology for disrupting the tranquility enjoyed by the staff member prior to the interaction. The "No problem" auto-response places the staff member's comfort ahead of service to the customer. Expanding the auto-response for full meaning, "No problem" becomes: "You are not creating a problem for me." As a customer I want to feel that my interests are first and foremost in the mind of the staff member, not that I may have inconvenienced a staff member by being a customer.

The second problem with "No problem" is that it consists of two negative words. In this case the customer is inferring from the auto-response that in fact the staff member has a problem with providing service. Stop reading for a moment and say the phrase "No problem" out loud. Say it again with a pause of one second between words. Say it a third time, this time with a two-second pause between words. In the last case it should be clear that the customer is being told No and that there is a Problem.

Why run the risk of having your customer end an interaction with a negative impression? Chick-fil-A is the best example I know of how to get it right. Actually, Chick-fil-A gets customer service right on a number of levels. The opening of the interaction is a pleasant, "Hello, may I help you?" The post "Thank you" closing is not "No problem" but rather "My pleasure."

As a second exercise, repeat both phrases - "No problem" and "My pleasure" - using the same cadence and tone of voice. Which one makes you feel better? Which one would make your customer feel better? If you are really into testing this concept, you can videotape customer interactions. Watch for the slightest difference in facial expression between the "No problem" and "My pleasure" interactions.

Over the next five days, make note of five times the auto-response "No problem" is spoken to you, and also note five times you realize you say the phrase yourself.

Is this just little stuff? Possibly, but great customer service is all about the little stuff.

Joe Schumacker is chair at Vistage, a professional training and coaching firm, owner of SpareZ, president of the Bowling Proprietor's Association of America, and CEO of Schumacker & Company. Reach him at schumacker@earthlink.net.

"No problem" is not an acceptable reply when someone says "thank you". I didn't ask if it was a problem, so don't tell me "no problem".

A simple "you're welcome" or "thank you" in return is acceptable. The "no problem" line rubbs me the wrong way every time.

I guess I'm in the minority, I have never had a problem with someone telling me "no problem". I don't see it as a sign of disrespect except for certain circumstances.

I guess what makes me feel weird is the forced "my pleasure" lines. I know for a fact no one takes pleasure in their customer service job, I rather not hear them say "my pleasure" when I know for a fact it is a lie and a canned, trained response. It comes off colder and more sterile to me than the honest "no problem" or "you're welcome"

Overall, for me, I don't stress about pleasantries or whatnot when provided some service or other. At a restaurant, I want my waiter/tress to take my order, bring me my food, and keep my drinks filled and in a timely manner. I honestly don't really care if they're super happy or what they say if I say "Thank you." At a store, I just want my items to be rung and payment processed quickly and efficiently. I don't care if the person is smiling or greets me. Overall, I would rather have someone be monotone and/or quiet than overly friendly or cheerful.

Obviously I don't want to be treated rudely or ignored; the job needs to be done, but outside of that I don't really care.

Overall, for me, I don't stress about pleasantries or whatnot when provided some service or other. At a restaurant, I want my waiter/tress to take my order, bring me my food, and keep my drinks filled and in a timely manner. I honestly don't really care if they're super happy or what they say if I say "Thank you." At a store, I just want my items to be rung and payment processed quickly and efficiently. I don't care if the person is smiling or greets me. Overall, I would rather have someone be monotone and/or quiet than overly friendly or cheerful.

Obviously I don't want to be treated rudely or ignored; the job needs to be done, but outside of that I don't really care.

I'm the same way. I guess we are just hermits/grumps. :D

What is so complicated about "you're welcome"?? You guys are making this way too difficult.

Customer: "thank you!"
Server: "you're welcome!"
The end.

Want a little flourish?

Customer: "thank you..."
Server: "you're welcome, and thanks for your business!"

Nobody is requiring you to lie and tell people it was your pleasure to serve them. But if you don't generally find serving people pleasurable, perhaps consider a new line of work.

I guess what makes me feel weird is the forced "my pleasure" lines. I know for a fact no one takes pleasure in their customer service job, I rather not hear them say "my pleasure" when I know for a fact it is a lie and a canned, trained response. It comes off colder and more sterile to me than the honest "no problem" or "you're welcome"
It is too bad you can't think someone takes pleasure in doing their job well or in being of service. I think you are going over the top to defend "no problem".

A good rule of thumb: the best response to "thank you" is pretty much always "you're welcome" regardless of whether money is changing hands. In fact according to my mom and dad and my late grandmas, it's required.

And when someone is giving YOU their money for a service and THEY thank YOU? Geez, doesn't seem like a whole lot to ask. It should be "no problem" to be equally polite in return.

Yes, 'no problem' is essentially a negative response.
I wonder whether it may have entered everyday speech via a translation from Mexican idiom. Some 70 years ago I was taught in highschool Spanish classes that "No hay de que" was the idiomatic translation of "You're welcome," but the phrase actually translates literally as "It's nothing" or "It matters not", both of which are similar in meaning to "no problem."

I guess I have never been bothered enough by "no problem". Seems to be personal preference. As long as the server took my order correctly, got it to the kitchen correctly, brought my food out before it started to die in the window, and kept my drink full -- I don't really care too much for the dialogue.

It is too bad you can't think someone takes pleasure in doing their job well or in being of service. I think you are going over the top to defend "no problem".

I think many enjoy their job, but I doubt many take pleasure in coming home smelling like steak and pasta sauce. if you asked them what life's pleasures were -- going to work is probably pretty low on most people's list.

I think many enjoy their job, but I doubt many take pleasure in coming home smelling like steak and pasta sauce. if you asked them what life's pleasures were -- going to work is probably pretty low on most people's list.

Catch22,
I loved my job. Did I love getting up in the morning and putting on a suit and tie? No, but most of my career I loved doing what I did for a living. However, I worked in IT, and never came home smelling like barbecue or whatever. I hope you are wrong about "most people", but I'm afraid you are probably right.
C. T.

See, I came home every night smelling like onions - and whatever else is required to make a pizza - and I loved it. I took pride in it. I think that is what is different between my generation and today's generation,

If you have a problem with the way a waiter is talking to you just kindly correct them.

For me, I focus more on attitude and tone over words. Pretty sure a waiter could say sup bro to me but as long as it's in a positive upbeat happy you're hear tone, it's not going to bother me one bit.

If you have a problem with the way a waiter is talking to you just kindly correct them.

For me, I focus more on attitude and tone over words. Pretty sure a waiter could say sup bro to me but as long as it's in a positive upbeat happy you're hear tone, it's not going to bother me one bit.

Although I can't agree with your handle today (Go Sooners!), I do agree with your statement. Years ago in one of my first server jobs, I picked up the cash payment and asked if they needed change. The customer informed me that I should never assume the change is for me. I immediately changed ti "I'll be right back with your change" which allowed the customer to say keep the change if the tip was already included.

I'm not going to correct someone for saying "no problem" anymore than I'm going to say something when someone walking into a building in front of me fails to hold the door open for me to grab (or better yet hold the door and allow me to walk in first, a small courtesy that I myself try to extend to others at every opportunity).

If their momma didn't bring 'em up right, it's not my job to teach them manners. I just make a sad mental note of the fact that society continues to coarsen, and unfortunately there's not a lot that can be done about it.

And I promise that if I tried to correct "no problem" they will be more offended if I try than I was by their unthinking slight. Now in the case of the advice that Jeep took, there was the added dimension that there was money directly involved, and the customer didn't appreciate that Jeep was assuming that the customer's money now belonged to him. It was entirely appropriate to speak up at that point, and Jeep took the advice and grew from it.

As is evidenced in posts upthread, a number of people would bristle at being advised to drop "no problem", so why bother, unless you're that person's boss? At the end of the day, an impolite server is only going to cost themselves (and their employer) in the form of smaller tips and missed future business. Not my problem...or better yet...no problem.

I'm not going to correct someone for saying "no problem" anymore than I'm going to say something when someone walking into a building in front of me fails to hold the door open for me to grab (or better yet hold the door and allow me to walk in first, a small courtesy that I myself try to extend to others at every opportunity).

If their momma didn't bring 'em up right, it's not my job to teach them manners. I just make a sad mental note of the fact that society continues to coarsen, and unfortunately there's not a lot that can be done about it.

And I promise that if I tried to correct "no problem" they will be more offended if I try than I was by their unthinking slight. Now in the case of the advice that Jeep took, there was the added dimension that there was money directly involved, and the customer didn't appreciate that Jeep was assuming that the customer's money now belonged to him. It was entirely appropriate to speak up at that point, and Jeep took the advice and grew from it.

As is evidenced in posts upthread, a number of people would bristle at being advised to drop "no problem", so why bother, unless you're that person's boss? At the end of the day, an impolite server is only going to cost themselves (and their employer) in the form of smaller tips and missed future business. Not my problem...or better yet...no problem.

I'm a millienial who has used no problem before. If someone politely corrected me that they didn't like that you bet I'd apologize and switch words.

Part of the blame does in fact belong with the customer for not communicating expectations clearly. People aren't mind readers, and what's great service to someone is just ok to others.

Which is why I use attitude. It's crosses cultural and generational. It's pretty easy to read. But if people prefer a snoody waiter but uses all the right words that's fine. This is America

I think a lot of the blame goes towards the fact that manners are not being taught anymore. By schools, parents and employers.

On more than one occasion, when someone has responded to my thank you with a "no problem" I've be known to come back with a quick "you're welcome".

Y
I'm a millienial who has used no problem before. If someone politely corrected me that they didn't like that you bet I'd apologize and switch words.

Part of the blame does in fact belong with the customer for not communicating expectations clearly. People aren't mind readers, and what's great service to someone is just ok to others.

Which is why I use attitude. It's crosses cultural and generational. It's pretty easy to read. But if people prefer a snoody waityer but uses all the right words that's fine. This is America

The expectation of simple politeness should not require mind reading, nor is it snooty. It also isn't the job of the customer to teach basic manners to a server. This isn't the same as communicating how much ice you prefer in your drink or your desire for the salad to be served with the entree rather than before.

Did you read the links I posted? I can tell you that I myself regularly read articles and other resources pertaining to my own industry because I want to continue to develop as a professional. Very often I find new and better ways of doing things, and sometimes even realize that I've been doing something WRONG. I don't make my own professional development someone else's responsibility.

Correcting someone for saying "no problem" WOULD come off as petty and snooty. A customer has nothing to gain by putting themselves into that type of uncomfortable situation. Again, these are BASIC manners. Wishing to be thanked for my business or told "you're welcome" when I thank someone for their effort is NOT the equivalent of expecting them to act like a maitre d' in a French restaurant.

And if a server doesn't feel that it's important to craft the customer experience with some care, it's their own loss. That's the difference between being a professional and simply having a job. It's not my responsibility to train you.

I think a lot of the blame goes towards the fact that manners are not being taught anymore. By schools, parents and employers.
Completely agree.

Mind-blowing to me that someone has now somehow turned a server's mild impoliteness into THE CUSTOMER'S FAULT. That just about sums up the whole problem being discussed.

Do I also have to ask you not to fart or belch when you're taking my order? Or can you read my mind on that one and know that I'd prefer you don't do those things?

See, I came home every night smelling like onions - and whatever else is required to make a pizza - and I loved it. I took pride in it. I think that is what is different between my generation and today's generation,

This is a pretty typical generational fallacy. Every generation thinks that their generation was better than the next generation. Your parents thought the same about your generation and your grandparents thought the same about your parents. Here's a nice article on the phenomenon. (http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/when-i-was-your-age-or-what-is-it-with-kids-these-days/)

And yet we have people in this thread openly identifying as Millennials and saying that they don't think basic politeness isn't important as long as the food gets there on time. How do you account for this?