I have been an ice cream server for almost six months, and through my time at work,  I have heard some pretty bad things said. Whether that is an uncomfortable comment or the same comment said by a million people, these are the top 10 worst things to say to an ice cream server: 

“Can you add another scoop onto this?” 

If it was during the process of the actual order, I have no issue. But when they come back after I had already served them, just take your ice cream and get over the one little scoop you had already eaten. Let’s be honest you just needed an excuse for wanting more.

Being called “Sweetheart” or “Babe”

This is absolutely the most uncomfortable thing to say to teenage girls. We don’t know you and you don’t know us. Being called “Miss” or “Ma’am” is alright, but babygirl is not it. It’s nasty and you shouldn’t be surprised if you see me become uncomfortable. This isn’t the 1950’s. 

“It can’t cost that much”

Does it say that much on the menu? Yes? Then it costs that much. If you follow up asking why a $4.50 ice cream is $4.75, have you heard of tax? Don’t be stupid and try and correct the prices like I was the one who created them.

“Can I try these 4 flavors?”

Samples are just about one of the most annoying things to ask for especially when there is a line out the door. One or two is okay but any more than that is just about my biggest pet peeve ever. How many flavors do you really need to try? BTW superman is just vanilla, but sure let me get you that sample.

“Actually, can you remake that with ____ instead?”

I have had this happen to me where I have made a whole sundae, just to be handing it to someone and they ask me to remake it. I really don’t want to take more time to make it, you ordered it so… just eat it. 

“You must have strong arms!”

I promise you, you aren’t original and we hear this probably seven times a shift. It reminds us of the pain after every shift of swollen muscles, sore arms, and exhausted hands. But yes, I guess we do have a strong ARM.

“Can we take these chairs off the table?”

When it is 10 minutes to close, our tables are closed, and you take a seat down,  it’s your death wish.  There is absolutely no chance we are recleaning that table and will do just about anything for you to not touch the table or the chairs. Take your ice cream and go home.

“Why can’t you use both coupons?”

Because Ma’am, we are not allowed to. If you are using one 50% off on 2 ice creams, we aren’t going to give you a free ice cream if you use another.

“Can I get Gummy Bears, M&Ms, marshmallows, Oreos…”

ABSOLUTELY WHO NEEDS THAT MANY TOPPINGS. No sir, your three-year-old cannot get 15 toppings on a small ice cream. This is even worse when they come in when we are about to close because toppings are usually already put away. You aren’t special enough to open them up again. 

Lastly, this isn’t something said, but it’s just the absolute worst thing to do to a server, not tipping.

There is absolutely no reason not to tip. Even if you are in a rush or don’t have cash on you and we only are able to do cash tips, figure it out. Especially if you have a $60 dollar order and tip 40 cents, this is completely unfair to your server and just straight-up disrespectful.

An extra thing you should never do is try to come in when we are closed. A common mistake is trying to open the door after it’s been locked, but when you are banging on the door and flipping the servers off ALL OVER ICE CREAM? How bad do you need your medium cookie dough ice cream? Definitely not bad enough to throw a fit at 10:30 at night. In conclusion, I am traumatized by this job but wouldn’t have it any other way.