12 Ways Indiana Dunkin’ Customers Perfected the Art of Being Rude

Dunkin’ may be the go-to for Munchkins and a sausage, egg, and cheese on a croissant, but not every customer is as sweet as a Boston Kreme.

Whether it’s the morning rush or an afternoon pick-me-up, some Hoosiers leave their manners at the door.

From line-cutting to treating the staff like personal assistants, rude behavior can turn a simple coffee run into a frustrating shift for workers and fellow customers.

Here are the repeat offenses that make Dunkin’ workers cringe and silently beg for a break.

Cutting in Line Like It’s a Relay Race

Some folks treat the Dunkin’ line like it’s optional. Instead of waiting their turn, they walk right up to the counter and start blurting out orders, totally ignoring the dozen people who’ve been patiently waiting.

It’s especially annoying during the morning rush when caffeine-deprived customers are just trying to survive another weekday.

Cutting in line doesn’t just irritate customers—it throws off the whole rhythm of the store. Employees take orders in the order they’re received, and when someone barges in, it confuses everything.

Workers have to pause, redirect, and sometimes deal with a whole line of angry people. It’s not fair to anyone.

If you’re really in a hurry, ordering ahead on the app is your best bet. It’s faster, smoother, and saves everyone the awkward “uh, there’s a line, buddy” confrontation.

Treating the Counter Like a Trash Can

Some customers treat the counter at Dunkin’ like their personal dumping ground. Used napkins, empty cups, half-eaten donuts—people just leave them sitting there like it’s a bus stop bench.

It’s not only gross but also inconsiderate to both the staff and the next customer in line.

Employees are constantly cleaning, but they can’t be everywhere at once. When customers leave behind their mess, it slows things down and creates an unwelcoming space.

Plus, imagine trying to hand someone their order next to a crumpled napkin soaked in iced coffee.

There are trash cans clearly marked around the store for a reason. Toss your garbage where it belongs and help keep the place clean for the next person craving a caramel swirl latte and hash browns.

Getting Mad at Staff Over Mobile Orders

Ordering through the app can be super convenient—unless you’re the kind of customer who freaks out if your drink isn’t ready the second you walk in.

Some folks storm up to the counter demanding their medium French vanilla iced coffee with extra cream like the world owes them a prize for ordering ahead.

The truth is, mobile orders come in fast and furious, especially during peak hours. Employees do their best to prepare each one quickly and correctly, but it’s not a magic button.

Yelling at the crew won’t speed things up; it just creates stress and slows down the line for everyone.

A little patience goes a long way. If your order isn’t ready yet, give it a minute or ask nicely.

Dunkin’ staff aren’t usually dragging their feet—they’re just juggling a dozen other mobile orders while someone else is asking how many calories are in a Wake-Up Wrap.

Changing an Order Mid-Make

One of the most frustrating things a customer can do is change their order while it’s already being made.

You wanted a hot caramel macchiato, and now you want it iced? Or suddenly you need almond milk instead of whole milk, even though the drink’s already on the steam wand?

Making drinks and sandwiches at Dunkin’ is a fast-paced process. The staff moves quickly to get everyone their food and coffee, and last-second changes mess everything up.

It means wasted ingredients, wasted time, and can sometimes mean a change in price.

If you’re not sure what you want, it’s totally fine—just decide before the barista starts making it. Workers are more than happy to help you pick something, but they can’t read your mind halfway through a bagel sandwich.

Ignoring the People Behind the Counter

Some customers treat Dunkin’ staff like robots, barely making eye contact or muttering their orders like it’s a burden to be there.

No greeting, no “please,” no “thank you”—just a grumpy face and an impatient sigh.

A little friendliness can make a big difference. The people behind the counter are working hard, often dealing with long lines, complex orders, and customers who think the rules don’t apply to them.

Saying “hi,” using their name if they’re wearing a badge, and smiling goes a long way.

You don’t have to become best friends with your barista, but basic courtesy creates a better environment for everyone.

Arguing Over Prices or Promotions

Every now and then, a Dunkin’ customer insists their drink should be cheaper, or they try to argue their coupon from 2018 still works.

Dunkin’ employees don’t set the prices, and they’re not allowed to override promotions that have expired or don’t apply.

Holding up the line to argue about whether your combo includes a donut or a muffin doesn’t get you free food—it just irritates the crew and the folks behind you. The staff isn’t trying to scam you; they’re just following the register system.

If something seems off, ask politely.

And if you really want that $1 donut with a medium coffee, double-check the current deals on the app before you get to the register.

Leaving Without Picking Up Their Order

Some customers order ahead, walk in, see a crowd, and just leave—without grabbing their food or even checking the pickup shelf.

Later, they come back angry, demanding a remake because their coffee “wasn’t ready” earlier. Meanwhile, it’s been sitting there with their name on it, getting cold next to an abandoned bag of hash browns.

When orders pile up untouched, staff aren’t sure if they were picked up, missed, or ghosted. It slows things down because they have to stop what they’re doing to double-check everything.

Not to mention the waste when a perfectly good order gets tossed.

Before walking out, take a second to check the pickup area or ask if your order’s ready. Chances are, it’s right there with a smiley face sticker on the cup.

Hovering Over the Pickup Counter

It’s understandable to be excited about your iced mocha swirl with whipped cream, but hovering over the pickup counter like a hawk doesn’t make it arrive faster. It clogs up space, stresses out the staff, and makes it harder for the next customer to grab their drink.

When a bunch of people crowd the counter, employees can’t even see whose order they’re handing off.

It leads to mix-ups, delays, and customers snatching the wrong items. All because someone’s standing there like they’re guarding the Holy Grail of bacon wake-up wraps.

If you’ve already ordered, take a step back and give the staff some breathing room. You’ll get your coffee just as fast—and with fewer dirty looks from both sides of the counter.

Talking Loudly on Speakerphone

Dunkin’ isn’t your personal phone booth, yet some customers roll in blasting a full conversation on speakerphone while placing their order.

It’s disruptive, hard for the staff to hear, and frustrating for everyone else trying to enjoy their breakfast sandwich in peace.

No one wants to listen to your cousin’s medical update or your work drama while trying to decide between a caramel craze latte or a plain cold brew. And shouting over the noise just makes everything worse.

If you’re on a call, use earbuds or tell the person you’ll call them back. Your double chocolate donut will taste way better if you order it without the whole store listening in on your business.

Letting Kids Run Wild

Dunkin’ may have sprinkles and colorful straws, but it’s not a playground. Some customers let their kids roam around, climb on seats, or spin the cream and sugar station like it’s a fidget toy.

It’s distracting for staff and dangerous if someone’s carrying hot coffee nearby.

The stores are often small, with tight spaces behind the counter and a steady stream of foot traffic. When kids are darting between tables or playing with napkin dispensers, it becomes a safety issue—not just an annoyance.

No one expects perfect silence, but a little supervision goes a long way.

Dunkin’ workers are there to make your order, not babysit while you scroll through your phone.

Camping Out at a Table Without Buying Anything

Dunkin’ isn’t a coworking space, but you wouldn’t know that by how some people treat it. They’ll roll in with their laptops, sit for hours, and maybe nurse a single small hot coffee from 8 a.m. to noon—if they even buy anything at all.

It’s especially frustrating during busy hours when paying customers are looking for a place to sit.

Tables should be for people enjoying their food and drinks, not for someone holding court in a corner like it’s their personal office.

If you love hanging out at Dunkin’, that’s cool. Just be mindful.

Buy a little something else if you’ve been there a while, tidy up your space, and don’t hog a four-person table if you’re solo and others are standing.

Shouting Into the Drive-Thru Speaker

We get it—you want your drink made correctly. But yelling into the drive-thru speaker like you’re trying to contact aliens isn’t helping anyone.

It makes it harder for the Dunkin’ staff to hear you and more likely your order will come out wrong.

Drive-thru headsets are high enough tech that a normal speaking voice works best.