Starbucks Etiquette

For this weeks post, I wanted to change it up to go more in depth on what I was thinking this week that had to be discussed. Nothing in particular happened in our house this week outside of the boil-order which I might touch on next week. I suspect the lack of action was due to the speeding up of classes as we are already in mid-February.

A lot of college people visit Starbucks. A lot of people in general, as a matter of fact, visit Starbucks. Sometimes while working there on a lovely Saturday, I could be stuck at the window taking money for up to eight hours. As you can imagine this task can get obnoxiously redundant and it could make anyone go insane. I'm sure you know a person that has a very customized order and won't remove themselves from the premises until it is JUST RIGHT. Trust me when I say their are more of these people than I ever could imagine.

Instead of talking about customers that are often difficult to get along with I'm going to touch on simple drive-through etiquette, for your next visit to the world of caffeine. (Or anywhere you make an order)

1.) Number one is not a surprise, nor should it be. No one can tell me they really like being greeted with a frown and a passive attitude. I thrive on giving someone a good experience and I guarantee if you give it a shot I will make your day a little better, but you have to help me out. Always give me a smile. It will make you and I feel a little better. Plus, you're at Starbucks! How does that not make you happy?

2.) When I ask a simple question, you don't have to be overjoyed to answer it but please do. I say, "Hi, how are you today?" when the next person pulls up to the window and I probably get absolutely nothing 25% of the time. That hurts.

3.) Say please and thank you. When I say "Would you like a copy of your receipt?" You say either "yes, please" or "no, thank you". It really is that easy. And what bothers me is that people often come to the store with their children in tow. Be courteous and gracious, if not for me, for your children's sake.

4.) Understand that we are making hundreds of drinks that day and we are trying to make your experience a good one. Sometimes it takes a little more time. We don't just go and grab your drink of a counter and hand it to you. Their are a lot of moving parts to make it all flow and a person that can understand that and be patient makes my day.

5.) Lastly, if you have a great experience give a little tip. It could be just a little change, but I guarantee it will go appreciated. You don't have to tip every single time or when you have a mediocre experience. If you thought the experience was great and you noticed all the prople working hard to make you happy, give a little.

Thanks

Thomas (the happy guy in the window).