I've been a bartender for over a decade. Here are 10 things I wish customers would stop doing.

I've been bartending for over 10 years, and I still get frustrated by certain customer behaviors.
Know your order or have an idea of what you want before you approach the counter.
Yelling my name and waving money in my face when I'm clearly busy won't get my attention.

I've been bartending for over a decade, and I can tell you it isn't easy.

This job can be physically and mentally demanding, often requiring long, late hours — and we have to be pretty charming while working them. Sometimes customers can make our job better, but at the very least, we'd prefer it if they don't make it worse.

Next time you're out having a pint or a margarita with your pals, please don't make these mistakes.

Being obnoxious while trying to get a bartender's attention

The most common customer offense, by far, is waving cash at the bartender, yelling their name, or otherwise trying to get their attention while they're doing something else.

Most of the time, simply being at the bar without a fresh drink is enough to let the bartender know you want one.

If you really think the bartender doesn't know you're waiting to order, some eye contact and a nod will suffice.

Stepping up to a busy counter when you don't know what you want

If the bar is busy and you have to wait to order a drink, use that time to decide what you're going to get.

Don't lose your spot in line with the bartender by saying "I don't know" or turning around while ordering to ask your friends what they want. They often don't have time for that.

Trying to order a drink without an ID

Nobody cares about the story behind why you don't have your ID.

A bartender usually isn't willing to risk their job or get into legal trouble just to help you out.

Asking the bartender to play your music

If there isn't a jukebox, the bar is probably not interested in hearing your playlists.

Don't ask the bartender to change the music, play a song, or adjust the volume. They're not a DJ.

Altering special cocktails on the menu

bartender making an old fashioned cocktail at a bar

If you want to make your own cocktail recipes, do it at home.

Whenever possible, try to order a drink that sounds good to you as it's listed.

This is especially important in a crowded bar, when customizations can get lost in the shuffle or make an order too complicated. Plus, if you're messing with something you've never tried before, the altered cocktail might not taste great and just end up getting sent back.

Only telling the bartender your first name for your tab

When asked what the name on your tab is, give the bartender your last name — not your first. Most of the time, it'll help speed up the process.

We know you think you're the only Brandon in here, but you're probably not.

Relying on the bartender to remember your drink order

Unless the bar is almost empty, ordering "another one" from the bartender isn't a wise move.

They might remember your order, but they might not. In some cases, you could be getting them confused with the other bartender at the counter.

Either way, it's better if you know your own order and just repeat it.

Taking up more space than you need

Rear view of people sitting at the bar counter in a pub, bartender pouring drinks

Be mindful of other people's space at a bar.

Don't lean over and take up multiple seats or leave your trash on the ground. And for heaven's sake, don't leave a trail of dirty glasses behind you while you're mingling — just bring your empty cup with you when you come up for your next drink.

The less time the bartender has to spend cleaning up after you, the more time they can spend making everyone's drinks.