How to Take an Order in a Fast Food Restaurant

Last Updated: November 13, 2021

Taking an order is not as easy as one might think. When working in a business requiring you to take orders, it is imperative that you first know what you are doing.

Please note: This article is geared more toward fast food order taking. Being a server in a fine dining establishment is quite different.

Steps

1
Smile and greet the customer.
2
Ask the customer if they are ready to order.

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3
Listen carefully as the customer places his or her order.
4
Repeat the order to the guest.
5
Enter the order as the customer tells it to you.
6
Read the order back to the customer.
7
Total the order.
8
Tell the customer the amount due.
9
Collect payment from the customer.
10
Give the receipt to the customer.
11
Thank the customer.

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Community Q&A

Question

What if I mess up the customer's order?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Don't worry, it happens to everyone sometimes. Just excuse yourself, say you got it wrong and ask the customer to repeat it. Don't be nervous, just be kind.
Question

How do I communicate with the person who is taking my order?

Community Answer

Just be respectful, polite, and make sure that you are as clear as possible. Make sure to say "thank you" after you finish.
Question

How do I take an order from a customer when multiple people are all talking and trying to place their orders?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

You can politely say: "Excuse me, but could just one person do the talking? It's impossible to listen to everyone all at once."
Question

What is the standard for the time it takes fast food to be served once it's ordered?

Community Answer

It should take roughly 4-5 minutes. If it goes over, and you are the waiter, then apologize for the long wait. But if you are the receiver of the food, try to be patient. Keep in mind that it gets very busy in a fast food restaurant and it's easy for the cooks to get backed up.
Question

What if a customer is rude and begins to use foul language?

Community Answer

Tell them that the manager will be happy to sort the issue out with them, then go get your manager or supervisor. If you are the manager/supervisor, tell the customer that if they cannot be polite and respectful, you have the right to refuse to serve them.
Question

What if the customer doesn't smile at me?

Community Answer

Just smile at them. They mey have had a bad day, and that doesn't mean you shouldn't be polite.
Question

How do I serve someone with high blood pressure?

Community Answer

Have the cooks make their food with as little extra salt as possible, as extra salt is a health risk for this person.
Question

Is it a good idea to ask customers about allergies before taking an order?

Community Answer

No; customers in a fast food restaurant will likely have already checked the foods they're going to order for any potential allergic reactions.
Question

How do you calm yourself when you first start out dealing with customers and you feel like you have no idea what you are doing?

Heaven Scott

Community Answer

Take a few deep breaths, remind yourself that you can do it and even if you can't, all you need to do is say something like: "Sorry, I'm still learning, I'll fix that for you right away!". Keep a smile on your face at all times and be as kind as possible.
Question

How do I make the customers happy with my fast food service?

Spaceship

Community Answer

The best way to satisfy your customers is to act professional, get their orders right on the first try and serve them with a smile. Be friendly and respectful.

Warnings

Expect that from time you will encounter an irate customer. Always deal with them politely. Don't allow them to get you angry or upset!

Thanks!
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 3
Every business has a set of rules explaining what is expected of an order taker. Always read and follow these rules carefully.

Thanks!
Helpful 26 Not Helpful 5
Talking too much can put you in jeopardy too. Remember the syllable rule. If a person talks too much, respond with one syllable words as that will shorten the conversation. If they are quiet, use multiple syllable words as it will comfort the customer. It's all about doing MORE business then the order taker who has more shifts!

Thanks!
Helpful 26 Not Helpful 5