Ordering Subway for the first time?

Make all decisions (the type of bread, meat, vegetables, and cheese) before you approach the counter. Do not wait until you're asked to decide. If you're unsure, allow others to order first.

  • Ask any questions you have before beginning the order process. This can include any questions about vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, general meals, prices, etc. Many Subway restaurants have sticker labels on the glass displays about the different cheeses and breads available.

Request the type of sandwich you want. Know that Subway also carries flat breads and salads.

  • Know that sandwiches comes in either 6-inch or foot-longs. If you have a friend, a foot-long can easily be split in two to save money.
  • Tell the staff the type of bread you would like. It may differ from store to store, but the choices can include Italian, white, wheat, honey oat, Hearty Italian (Italian bread sprinkled with cornmeal), or herbs and cheese.
  • Add cheese, if desired. Not all Subways carry the same kinds of cheese, and some cheeses look similar, so be specific. Do not just say the white cheese as almost all Subway cheese variates are white.
  • Decide upon warming. Would you like your sandwich placed in the oven and toasted or microwaved? Toasting a sandwich is a good idea if it is a wet sandwich like meatballs or with a hot meat like steak or chicken. Try cold cut subs hot for a different taste. Note that the Subways in the UK no longer allow the microwaving of sandwiches, only the meats.
  • Tell the worker what types of vegetables you would like in your sandwich. Be specific with amounts, such as "light lettuce" (for a small amount) or "a lot of pickles".
  • Order condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard, sweet onion sauce, etc. All vinegars, salt, and ground black pepper are also in this area. If you're not ordering off the menu, nothing is 'automatically' put on.

Pay at the register the amount you are told. Unless the price seems very unreasonable, do not argue or comment about the price because it is preset by the computer. Unless a wrong item was rung up there is nothing a member of staff can do to change the price. However, if you wish to save money, avoid going for the combo deal. Also, you can ask for water and they will provide you with a free cup.

Say thank you.

Tips

  • you don't know the exact name of a sandwich, the staff can help determine what you want. For example you don't know the name of it, but your friend had you try a sandwich with chicken and a sweet sauce. The staff can quickly tell that you want the chicken teriyaki.
  • Be as polite as possible, for the happier the Subway employee is, the better crafted your sub will be.
  • When you have a large order, be extremely polite, especially if it is a busy time.(It's more polite to place large orders over the phone) A tip is always a very nice gesture in thanks for these big orders.
  • Subway has recently introduced an option called "The Works" which includes every veggie offered: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, pickles, red onions, green peppers, & (optional) jalapenos & banana peppers. This greatly simplifies your order if you want a lot of things, with a few exceptions. For example saying "I want the works with no pickles or hot peppers" is much quicker than saying "I want lettuce, and tomatoes, and cucumbers, and olives and-" etc.
  • If you go during off-peak times (between lunch and dinner and late evening) there are likely to be a fewer employees. Therefore, if there is a big line, do not expect to be served quickly. Be nice to the employee(s) because this is a very stressful situation for them.
  • If you go to the same store often, learn the employees' names and, if not busy, strike up a conversation with them. Friendly, repeat customers make everyone's day better, and if employees like you, they are more likely to bring specials and discounts to your attention.
  • If you think the employee did not put the proper amount of any item (especially meats or cheeses which cost extra), or if you think they are putting on too much, you should politely ask to see the chart that tells each Subway employee the standard quantities. This will better inform you for this and future orders. Each Subway store should have this chart available to the employees, but it is generally behind the counter (not in a public area) so please be polite and patient if making this request.
  • Do not be surprised if you are asked the same question about your prospective sandwich by several different employees. It is rare that the same employee completes more than two or three steps of making your sandwich before getting distracted and wandering off to do something else. Only tip the employee if they made your sandwich correctly and did not have to ask you the same question more than once.

Warnings

  • Many Subway restaurants do not accept coupons from other franchises. Therefore, do not be surprised when they do not accept your coupon and read it carefully before using. If you have a question, ask them before you use it.
  • Many Subways do not accept checks either so ask about this before the hassle.
  • Do not berate the staff member because they do not have an item you want. Ask to talk with the manager, he/she is the person responsible for ordering supplies and, if asked politely, might get that other kind of cheese or your favorite kind of chips for next week.
  • Do not anger the people who prepare your food. They can make your lunch very unpleasant.
  • Don't try to order while talking on your cell phone. This is extremely rude and will almost definitely lead to your sandwich being made incorrectly. Unless you're ordering a sandwich for the person on the phone. They will gladly take the order.