Maybe you don't belong in the drive thru...

[FlyingDumbo]

I disagree I think the drive through is for speed. Quick orders. I agree it is a regional thing. Where I grew up fast food places did not have those spots to pull over into. What drives me absolutely bonkers is the people who pull up to the order place and have NO idea what they want or what is on the menu. If it is your first time and you need 10 minutes to hem and haw over what you want, go inside. Do us all a favor and go INSIDE. Stand back away from the line and stare at the menu board and take as long as you like. But don't hold up everyone else. This also annoys me at the supermarket. When people get to the part where you have to pay and suddenly its a big surprise that they need their wallet out and need to pay!

It is my position that there should be separate lines at the grocery store and drive throughs for people that have their stuff together. Know what you want? Line to the right. Order, pay, move on. Idiots to the left please. Take all the time you need over thereeeeeee

 

[Robbi]

My pet peeve is with pharmacy drive thrus. If you have an expired card or there's a problem with filling the medication, please go inside rather than holding up the line for 20 minutes. This happens all the time at the Walgreen's pharmacy near our house.
I know these are problems because the pharmacy tech apologizes and explains the hold up in the line.

 

[ten6mom]

Lol as far as knowing what you're going to order, what about those who stand in the long lines for food at Disneyland with the menu posted above them for 45 minutes and then get to the cashier and still have to think about what they're going to order?

 

[luvsJack]

This isn't meant for you OP but to many, many drive thru employees---if you can't wait until I finish ordering to start asking me any questions, maybe you shouldn't be working in the drive thru.

I hate, hate, HATE to be saying "I need a number 3. . . , and before I can finish the employee butts in and says "what kind of drink with that?" Or they start off by asking if you want cheese sticks or an apple pie or something.

Popeye's (is that regional? its a chicken place) is the world's worst about it. Before I can say "a 3 piece, mild, with cole slaw" they have asked me 5 questions.

 

[LJSquishy]

First of all, I think the OP is probably an AWESOME drive-thru operator. I love using the drive-thru because I know exactly what I want to order and I've seen a LOT of horrible employees working the drive-thru and only a small handful of really skilled workers. I loooooove it when I get a great employee and always comment on how awesome they are at working the drive-thru! I'm sure it can actually be a pretty stressful position keeping up with the orders coming through your headset while taking payment from another customer and talking at the same time. I'm sure it takes a lot of practice and patience.

Now, I totally agree with all of the scenarios mentioned in earlier posts. All of these things drive me nuts (except for the screaming kids in the car...not much can be done about that). I hate it when people order something, say a cheeseburger....no pickles, only mustard, no ketchup, extra onions, etc. Seriously, if you need to order something that customized, either make your own food or go inside to order. I grew up with the understanding that you order what is on the menu -- no customizations (that includes table service restaurants) unless there is an allergy. I'm not sure when it became so common to get a custom order for everything...just order what is offered and be done with it. If you don't like what is offered, don't order. Is it a sense of entitlement or what?

I don't mind if people take a minute to look over the menu, but if you have no idea what you are going to order you really should not be holding up the line for 2,3,4 minutes. If I don't know what I want to eat, I will go inside to view the menu.

I'm sure the drive-thru employees put up with a LOT from the customers. I can't imagine doing that job without pulling my hair out. lol

 

[JosieCat]

Well, gosh thanks for all the support. I do appreciate it.

Today, I got yelled at for doing my job too well.

Someone assumed because I do speak clearly that we'd replaced our ordering system with an automated one. Was furious that he couldn't talk to a "real person". Some days I just can't win...

 

[iheartdisney]

First of all, I think the OP is probably an AWESOME drive-thru operator. I love using the drive-thru because I know exactly what I want to order and I've seen a LOT of horrible employees working the drive-thru and only a small handful of really skilled workers. I loooooove it when I get a great employee and always comment on how awesome they are at working the drive-thru! I'm sure it can actually be a pretty stressful position keeping up with the orders coming through your headset while taking payment from another customer and talking at the same time. I'm sure it takes a lot of practice and patience.

Now, I totally agree with all of the scenarios mentioned in earlier posts. All of these things drive me nuts (except for the screaming kids in the car...not much can be done about that). I hate it when people order something, say a cheeseburger....no pickles, only mustard, no ketchup, extra onions, etc. Seriously, if you need to order something that customized, either make your own food or go inside to order. I grew up with the understanding that you order what is on the menu -- no customizations (that includes table service restaurants) unless there is an allergy. I'm not sure when it became so common to get a custom order for everything...just order what is offered and be done with it. If you don't like what is offered, don't order. Is it a sense of entitlement or what?

I don't mind if people take a minute to look over the menu, but if you have no idea what you are going to order you really should not be holding up the line for 2,3,4 minutes. If I don't know what I want to eat, I will go inside to view the menu.

I'm sure the drive-thru employees put up with a LOT from the customers. I can't imagine doing that job without pulling my hair out. lol

I'm all for rallying against generation Me and the overblown sense of entitlement but I seriously think the bolded is a stretch. Not a sense of entitlement, but a business practice. Have you seriously never heard the slogan "Have it Your Way"?!? Or not being wasteful- if my kids don't eat pickles or onions, I can ask to have those things left off and they remain at the fast food establishment to be added to the burger of someone who would enjoy them instead of the floorboard of my car.

 

[RitaE]

Drive Thru Admission Standards.

 

[bankgirl05]

OP, I feel your pain. I have a similar list of "you might not belong in the drive thru if's..." but mine all pertain to BANKING!!!! Yes, we have some serious issues with idiocy at any bank with a drive thru as well...

And FWIW, I was VERY good at my job (before injury/disability) and I LOVED my job, but I too, had moments of tongue in cheek venting over some of the insanity that goes on.

I will only bless you with my favorite: divorced couple who is up in years, still lives together for WHATEVER reason, but so obviously doesn't get along.(ex) Wife who doesn't drive, makes (ex)Husband drive her through the drivethrough, wait for it: THE WRONG WAY

Yes, I said the wrong way! as in Opposite direction of oncoming traffic, (which, by the way, meant driving the wrong way up a one way street that our drive thru exited on to) just because she did not want him "seeing her deposit, or possibly stealing her money/and or account info if he were to drop it into the drawer for her!!!

I think that being able to vent about your job and the craziness that happens on a daily basis enables you to sorta decompress and go "back at it again" the next day willing and able to always put your best foot forward. If you couldn't blow off some steam, then you might not be as willing or able to always do your best!!!

You do have to find the humor in everything you do.

 

[Mkrop]

First of all, I think the OP is probably an AWESOME drive-thru operator. I love using the drive-thru because I know exactly what I want to order and I've seen a LOT of horrible employees working the drive-thru and only a small handful of really skilled workers. I loooooove it when I get a great employee and always comment on how awesome they are at working the drive-thru! I'm sure it can actually be a pretty stressful position keeping up with the orders coming through your headset while taking payment from another customer and talking at the same time. I'm sure it takes a lot of practice and patience.

Now, I totally agree with all of the scenarios mentioned in earlier posts. All of these things drive me nuts (except for the screaming kids in the car...not much can be done about that). I hate it when people order something, say a cheeseburger....no pickles, only mustard, no ketchup, extra onions, etc. Seriously, if you need to order something that customized, either make your own food or go inside to order. I grew up with the understanding that you order what is on the menu -- no customizations (that includes table service restaurants) unless there is an allergy. I'm not sure when it became so common to get a custom order for everything...just order what is offered and be done with it. If you don't like what is offered, don't order. Is it a sense of entitlement or what?

I don't mind if people take a minute to look over the menu, but if you have no idea what you are going to order you really should not be holding up the line for 2,3,4 minutes. If I don't know what I want to eat, I will go inside to view the menu.

I'm sure the drive-thru employees put up with a LOT from the customers. I can't imagine doing that job without pulling my hair out. lol

Ummm Burger King I believe had a whole advertising jingle slogan just for this scenario:

"Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders dont upset us!"

 

[goofyintoronto]

OP, I feel your pain. I have a similar list of "you might not belong in the drive thru if's..." but mine all pertain to BANKING!!!! Yes, we have some serious issues with idiocy at any bank with a drive thru as well...

And FWIW, I was VERY good at my job (before injury/disability) and I LOVED my job, but I too, had moments of tongue in cheek venting over some of the insanity that goes on.

I will only bless you with my favorite: divorced couple who is up in years, still lives together for WHATEVER reason, but so obviously doesn't get along.(ex) Wife who doesn't drive, makes (ex)Husband drive her through the drivethrough, wait for it: THE WRONG WAY

Yes, I said the wrong way! as in Opposite direction of oncoming traffic, (which, by the way, meant driving the wrong way up a one way street that our drive thru exited on to) just because she did not want him "seeing her deposit, or possibly stealing her money/and or account info if he were to drop it into the drawer for her!!!

I think that being able to vent about your job and the craziness that happens on a daily basis enables you to sorta decompress and go "back at it again" the next day willing and able to always put your best foot forward. If you couldn't blow off some steam, then you might not be as willing or able to always do your best!!!

You do have to find the humor in everything you do.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????? WOW, now i've heard it all! Honestly, this woman should GO INSIDE the restaurant instead of "making" her husband go the opposite way. Boy, this world is full of idiots isnt it?

So what happens if another car comes in the opposite direction. Would he be the one to reverse out? Thats so dangerous!

 

[JosieCat]

Some days, the only thing that keeps me going is what's in my ticker there <3


So looking forward to taking my girl to DL for Halloween stuff! Got our costumes planned and everything.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

Well, gosh thanks for all the support. I do appreciate it.

Today, I got yelled at for doing my job too well.

Someone assumed because I do speak clearly that we'd replaced our ordering system with an automated one. Was furious that he couldn't talk to a "real person". Some days I just can't win...

I worked in a local call center doing collections for a local business and people used to call and scream and threaten me for doing my job and scream at me for being in India. I have no Indian accent. Not sure why people assume all call centers are in India. Sometimes I would have to tell them, um "I live 2 streets over from you. I know exactly which house is yours. What did you say you were going to do to me?" And people would often scream GET ME A REAL PERSON. Um, I am a real person. But if you can't tell I am hanging up and you can try the phone tree again.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????? WOW, now i've heard it all! Honestly, this woman should GO INSIDE the restaurant instead of "making" her husband go the opposite way. Boy, this world is full of idiots isnt it?

So what happens if another car comes in the opposite direction. Would he be the one to reverse out? Thats so dangerous!

It would be hard not to get out and slap this person silly. And to think TWO heads together could not figure out this was a terrible idea. That is two morons out there among us.

 

[goofyintoronto]

It would be hard not to get out and slap this person silly. And to think TWO heads together could not figure out this was a terrible idea. That is two morons out there among us.

Lol true dat! But honestly, if i were an employee I would not serve these people. No way no how.

 

[superme80]

I worked in a local call center doing collections for a local business and people used to call and scream and threaten me for doing my job and scream at me for being in India. I have no Indian accent. Not sure why people assume all call centers are in India. Sometimes I would have to tell them, um "I live 2 streets over from you. I know exactly which house is yours. What did you say you were going to do to me?" And people would often scream GET ME A REAL PERSON. Um, I am a real person. But if you can't tell I am hanging up and you can try the phone tree again.

I feel your pain. I worked in a call center for a year. People always assumed I was out of the country.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

I feel your pain. I worked in a call center for a year. People always assumed I was out of the country.

It really freaks em out when they scream and berate you and you follow up with " hey aren't you the one with the red mailbox? "

 

[leebee]

The drive-through is for the convenience of those of us who are unable, or just too lazy, to walk inside the restaurant and order. Numerous studies have been conducted that show that, at most "meal" times, it's equally as time-efficient to go into the place as it is to order from the drive through. (nope, don't have the references, but read the studies my management operations classes... Google it!)

If the drive through employee gets to make demands of the customer, let me remind you that this is a two way street. Maybe you shouldn't be working the drive through if:

You cannot speak clearly when taking my order
You just say "hello" and cannot follow it with "May I take your order?" I have no idea if you are ready or not if you just say hi and nothing more.
You cannot say "one moment please" when I drive up and you are not ready to take my order. It's just so awkward to sit there, silently wondering if I shoukd order or not.
You cannot correctly count change
You cannot remember to put a straw, or enough straws, with the order.
You're gonna hold my hot food out the window before I have pulled up to get it.
You forget the sauce, napkins, or catsup. At least ask me if I want catsup with those fries I ordered!
You cannot give me time to put my change in my wallet, or my drink in the cup holder, before you start shoving other things at me (and rolling your eyes because I am not "ready").

See... Two way street, but NOT a two-way drive through! If that woman didn't want her ex to see her banking business, why didn't one of them have the common sense to have her sit in the back seat behind the driver?

 

[JosieCat]

The drive-through is for the convenience of those of us who are unable, or just too lazy, to walk inside the restaurant and order. Numerous studies have been conducted that show that, at most "meal" times, it's equally as time-efficient to go into the place as it is to order from the drive through. (nope, don't have the references, but read the studies my management operations classes... Google it!)

If the drive through employee gets to make demands of the customer, let me remind you that this is a two way street. Maybe you shouldn't be working the drive through if:

You cannot speak clearly when taking my order
You just say "hello" and cannot follow it with "May I take your order?" I have no idea if you are ready or not if you just say hi and nothing more.
You cannot say "one moment please" when I drive up and you are not ready to take my order. It's just so awkward to sit there, silently wondering if I shoukd order or not.
You cannot correctly count change
You cannot remember to put a straw, or enough straws, with the order.
You're gonna hold my hot food out the window before I have pulled up to get it.
You forget the sauce, napkins, or catsup. At least ask me if I want catsup with those fries I ordered!
You cannot give me time to put my change in my wallet, or my drink in the cup holder, before you start shoving other things at me (and rolling your eyes because I am not "ready").

See... Two way street, but NOT a two-way drive through! If that woman didn't want her ex to see her banking business, why didn't one of them have the common sense to have her sit in the back seat behind the driver?

Sorry, nope. I will ask what drink you'd like, what size items you want, if you want sauce with your McNuggets or breakfast burritos, if you want that chicken in your salad or sandwich crispy or grilled, if you need cream or sugar in your coffee, or if you want whole or non-fat milk in your latte, mocha or hot chocolate, or if you want cheese on the McDouble only ketchup....

The ketchup is on you. If you want it waiting for you in the bag, tell us. Otherwise it will not be.

 

[Skywalker]

Sorry, nope. I will ask what drink you'd like, what size items you want, if you want sauce with your McNuggets or breakfast burritos, if you want that chicken in your salad or sandwich crispy or grilled, if you need cream or sugar in your coffee, or if you want whole or non-fat milk in your latte, mocha or hot chocolate, or if you want cheese on the McDouble only ketchup....

The ketchup is on you. If you want it waiting for you in the bag, tell us. Otherwise it will not be.

What is the logic there?