We asked the Tribune’s Facebook friends what they thought was bad customer service. They answered the following:

“When there is a total lack of understanding about the whole germ issue in food service. Handling money and then food, wiping nose, coughing in hand and then not washing them, not properly cleaning tables, dishes, etc.

I was offered coffee at a business last Friday and the mug had lipstick on both sides. GROSS.”

“Someone who is crabby and has a bad attitude. Don’t work with the public if you don’t have the personality for it!”

“Being put on hold forever?”

Saying, “I don’t know.” Any service job I ever had, if I didn’t know the answer to something, I learned to say, “I’ll find that out for you right now.”

“A defensive attitude and a lack of acknowledgment.”

“The customer service attendant is either talking personal issues with someone on the phone or in front of you — and totally ignoring you right in front of them.”

Coming up to a table of women and saying “you guys want something to drink?” — hello — no guys here!!

We then asked them the following:

What is the No. 1 best customer service trait?

A smile!

Taking your time with your guests so you build a relationship with them.

Saying “yes.”

Listening.

Whatever, whenever.

Anticipating and exceeding the guests expectations

Empowered employees who truly like their job.

What is the No. 1 worst customer service trait?

Misdirecting or misleading the guest so they’ll go away.

Dealing with a company where owners have little appreciation for the servers on the front line and or dealing directly with those owners.

Making your guests feel like you have better things to do than wait on them.

Acting like you are right and the customer’s an idiot.

Saying “no.”