If you’re gonna get something with a lot of modifications, try to do so when it’s not busy. Coming in with a long recipe saved on your phone is really stressful during peak, so try to choose a time when you see a short/no lineup. You’re more likely to get more personable baristas then, too, since we won’t be brain-meltingly stressed.

For me, that's the easiest way! We have lots of customers who misstate the names of our ingredients or mix up phrases. Having it written down or (best of all) a photo of a sticker makes sure I know exactly how Starbucks makes it.

Interact with them. The next time a customer walks up to the front register, doesn't respond to my greetings, and just shoves thier phone in my face; I'm slapping that shit out thier hands and yeeting it into my Hobart.

for me, as long as they either show me their phone screen/post it note that has the drink on it or at least ask specifically for each modification, i don’t mind

make sure to practice your order ahead of time, so you can recite it really quickly, even faster than the cashier has time to find all the right buttons. if the cashier asks you to repeat yourself after you won the race, it's because they secretly hate you for having an opinion, so make sure you slow WAAAAAY down to punish them for being so rude.

also try to figure out the worst order to say it in, like "i would like a six pump... venti ... iced ... mocha latte ... SKINNY." (rings up order) (sticker prints) "and tell them i want it with extra mocha drizzle!!"

sorry. im feeling sassy. you'll probably be fine if you treat em like a human and ask for help with your order.

It might be best not to try it the first time in a Drive Thru.

Target barista here, and we have to hand write on the cups. Personally, if you have it written up or something I prefer it because I know I write slowly and feel like you’re not rushing it at me. If you’re speaking though, just be patient if/when you’re asked to repeat parts of a more complex order to make sure we got it right.

If it’s a “secret menu” thing, I’ll always joke that the secret menu doesn’t exist, it only does because the internet says it does. And that if they have patience, a recipe, and willingness to pay for ingredients outside of a standard build; and I have the ingredients to make said recipe, then I’m willing to make your concoction. Hell, when it sounds interesting I may ask for that recipe to make it after you leave to try myself.

tl;dr - Don’t be a douche and be patient, especially when it’s busy, and it’s all good whatever you want made. We want you to get what you want and are paying for.

Honestly just load all those modifications into your mobile app and order it that way so you don't have to go through this every time and the register partner doesn't have to ring it up.

personally the only thing that upsets me is rude customers or old men who make sexual comments towards me, lol. i'll make the most complicated order u can think of and not be the least bit bothered as long as ur not a jerk :)

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful advice! I work at a bubble tea kiosk at the mall and have my own opinions when it comes to ordering so I always try to not push food service workers’ buttons.

It's annoying when a drink is extremely customized, like 8 or more things written on the cup that aren't part of a standard recipe. It just really slows us down and increases the chances of making a mistake. Anything else I just shrug and make it.

Nope, it’s our job! Just be nice to us pls :)