Guidelines to Being a Customer in 2025 (Inspired by BlackbusterCritic)

Back in the 2010s, BlackbusterCritic laid down some brutally honest, often hilarious rules about how customers should behave. Things were simpler then—fewer apps, less automation, and mostly face-to-face transactions. Fast forward to 2025, and the world has gone fully digital and hyperconnected. We have AI chatbots answering questions you didn’t even know how to ask, delivery drones buzzing overhead, and ride-share apps letting you add stops like it’s an all-you-can-shop buffet. That last part? Yeah, it’s a perfect example of how customer “common sense” has gone on vacation.

Take Uber and Lyft’s beloved “add stops” feature. It’s supposed to be a quick pit stop—maybe a fast drop-off or a snappy grab-and-go. But somehow, some folks think “stop” means “browse the entire mall,” “pick up every snack from aisle seven,” or “go grocery shopping for a full cart.” Meanwhile, the driver is stuck in the car, tapping their watch, calculating just how much of their precious time you’re stealing. Here’s a pro tip for the modern customer: the driver’s time is money, and unlike you, they don’t get paid by the hour while waiting for you to finish your marathon shopping spree.

If you’re going to treat a stop like a mini-vacation, just book a new ride. Don’t be the passenger who acts surprised when the driver’s rating tanks, or worse, when the app asks if you want to tip because, trust me, they’re thinking about it. Also, if you do need an extended pause, maybe—just maybe—communicate. Maybe a quick text: “Hey, I’m grabbing snacks, be back in five.” It’s not rocket science; it’s basic human decency.

So yeah, ride-share stops should be quick, considerate, and respectful of someone else’s time. Don’t be the person who abuses the convenience because “it’s allowed.” Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Maybe this sounds like common sense, but judging by some rideshare horror stories, common sense needs a refresher course. Consider this your 2025 update on how not to be a customer who sucks.

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