Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Grande-sized rant - xpost (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by Unipanther368
"Chiming in here, AS A BARISTA, who has also worked in multiple other areas of the food industry.
WE. DON'T. MIND.
If it's busy, then yes, don't be too complicated please. But I feel like you guys make a bigger deal out this than it needs to be. Don't forget that *we're in the business of making people happy!* If it makes you happy and takes like 30 extra seconds, it's never a burden.
Nonfat, extra foam, extra hot, triple shot, almond milk latte? We don't mind! Add a leaf? We don't mind! Stick it in a blender with some ice? Weird, but okay.
Just... Be nice about it, and don't make it unnecessarily complicated when it's busy, and we'll be happy to help! WE LIKE MAKING YOU HAPPY!!!!!! That's what we're here for. :)"
People feel like they're making our lives difficult and just downright dreadful when they ask for an extra thing or two. As long as you're not being mean, we want to help make you happy. We're getting paid for that, right?
Am I wrong here?
WE. DON'T. MIND.
If it's busy, then yes, don't be too complicated please. But I feel like you guys make a bigger deal out this than it needs to be. Don't forget that *we're in the business of making people happy!* If it makes you happy and takes like 30 extra seconds, it's never a burden.
Nonfat, extra foam, extra hot, triple shot, almond milk latte? We don't mind! Add a leaf? We don't mind! Stick it in a blender with some ice? Weird, but okay.
Just... Be nice about it, and don't make it unnecessarily complicated when it's busy, and we'll be happy to help! WE LIKE MAKING YOU HAPPY!!!!!! That's what we're here for. :)"
People feel like they're making our lives difficult and just downright dreadful when they ask for an extra thing or two. As long as you're not being mean, we want to help make you happy. We're getting paid for that, right?
Am I wrong here?
Hammerwell 53 points 2y ago
Your sincerity evaporates when your apology implies my incompetence
Unipanther368 [OP] 8 points 2y ago
??? I never implied any incompetence, nor did I apologize at all. I'm confused
Kaywin 5 points 2y ago
Maybe they’re talking about how customers treat us? I’ve definitely had a couple people who appeared floored that I could be so stupid as to fuck up their complicated order (again.)
Mind you this also usually happens at the drive thru window, where I’ve had 0 hand in actually making the drink, but I am the first barista they see so I take the fall if they don’t like what I’m handing out to them.
Mind you this also usually happens at the drive thru window, where I’ve had 0 hand in actually making the drink, but I am the first barista they see so I take the fall if they don’t like what I’m handing out to them.
Unipanther368 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Ohhhhh that makes more sense, thanks!
>but I am the first barista they see so I take the fall if they don’t like what I’m handing out to them.
Thank youuuu! I know not everyone thinks so, but I'm under the belief that even if it wasn't your mistake, you should just apologize to the customer. It sucks to have to take responsibility for someone else's mistake, but it creates poor customer service (imo) when you say something to the effect of "oh I'm sorry but it's not my fault."
Not saying you specifically, using it more generally here. Also not saying that just one person should take the fall. Just that everyone can cover for each other once in a while without putting the blame on others. Again, just my opinion though.
>but I am the first barista they see so I take the fall if they don’t like what I’m handing out to them.
Thank youuuu! I know not everyone thinks so, but I'm under the belief that even if it wasn't your mistake, you should just apologize to the customer. It sucks to have to take responsibility for someone else's mistake, but it creates poor customer service (imo) when you say something to the effect of "oh I'm sorry but it's not my fault."
Not saying you specifically, using it more generally here. Also not saying that just one person should take the fall. Just that everyone can cover for each other once in a while without putting the blame on others. Again, just my opinion though.
sparkytheboomman 6 points 2y ago
I kinda feel the opposite way. I think that we as a society and definitely as workers in the service industry are expected to apologize for every little thing. I don’t think you need to be sorry for something that was out of your control and us putting the blame on ourselves encourages customers to get upset about stuff that they don’t need to. Your drink was made wrong? No problem, we can remake it. But there’s no need for anyone to be upset or to feel sorry about a mistake. Even more for us being out of stuff and things like that. I hear my coworkers saying “I’m so sorry” when we’re out of things. Why? You’re not the reason we’re out nor should it be that much of a problem.
Kaywin 2 points 2y ago
Oh yeah, I’m never anything but cordial and polite even if the person I’m engaging with is overreacting or treating me poorly. That’s my job. My SM has a saying I really like, to the effect of, “They may be the thousandth customer you’ve seen that day, but you are likely the first barista they’ve seen all day.” Like it or not, I am the face of the company when they come to the window or the cash registers inside, even if it wasn’t me who personally fucked up their drink.
Often, a rude customer is totally disarmed by my continuing to be charming and kind to them even when they’ve been awful to me. I think it’s funny. I don’t tend to take people’s rude behavior personally.
Often, a rude customer is totally disarmed by my continuing to be charming and kind to them even when they’ve been awful to me. I think it’s funny. I don’t tend to take people’s rude behavior personally.
Anotherface95 7 points 2y ago
What does this even mean??
submitizenkane 5 points 2y ago
When someone says “sorry for being difficult” it implies that they don’t think you can handle something slightly more complicated than a basic order which makes it an empty apology, one not worth saying. That’s what it means.
Anotherface95 3 points 2y ago
OH
Hammerwell 1 points 2y ago
Yeah that's what I meant! Sorry, it's been a week. Thanks for clarifying for me.
xxmelodysxx 30 points 2y ago
Your right. That’s why I’m trying hard asf to not make starbucks my life. I’m getting whatever chump change they give me so that I can support myself to gtfo. We’re doing all that work to make a billionaire stay a billionaire. The work and expectations they give to barista does not match the pay. I work at a licensed store at an airport, and we are doing only two people per shift even though we get hella rushes. I’m doing double the work with same pay. Ngl sometimes I act like a person getting 10 bucks an hour.
Unipanther368 [OP] 7 points 2y ago
That sounds rough. Personally, I'm thinking your pay should be $15 an hour (assuming you're just a regular barista, not a manager) if you've got lots of rushes and only two people per shift. It'd certainly be nice if they could take these things into account... :/
xxmelodysxx 6 points 2y ago
It sucks. Now the only shift they give to barista is opening or closing. Got rid of mids. No one works full time now except shifts/upper management.
Unipanther368 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Ouch. 😬
I can't possibly imagine that a Starbucks in an airport is hurting for money so much that they need to cut back on labor to that degree. That's just insane...
I can't possibly imagine that a Starbucks in an airport is hurting for money so much that they need to cut back on labor to that degree. That's just insane...
GymLeaderFlame 5 points 2y ago
$15 as a barista is laughable, I was making $11 as a manager
Unipanther368 [OP] 5 points 2y ago
Ouch, really? I'm making $12.50 at a licensed store in Portland (minimum wage)
proallnighter 3 points 2y ago
Try $14/hr for Boston and $14.50 for NYC. I hear some California cities start at $12+.
IMHO Starbucks should standardize wages like Target does across the nation with $15/hr as a minimum.
IMHO Starbucks should standardize wages like Target does across the nation with $15/hr as a minimum.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
GymLeaderFlame 2 points 2y ago
SSV in south Florida
Zeldaluvr2007 3 points 2y ago
If you don’t mind me asking, which airport do you work at? I also worked at an airport ‘bux! Currently on furlough due to covid :(
xxmelodysxx 2 points 2y ago
Orlando international airport.
Zeldaluvr2007 3 points 2y ago
Cool! San Jose airport here! 😏
xxmelodysxx 3 points 2y ago
Oh wow. Now I atleast someone knows how shit HMS host is. My starbucks is so cheap. We reuse food from the pastry case for days even though it may be moldy to keep costs down. Management is watching us like a hawk because they expect the store to be top notch when only two people are working per shift.
wtchtrsh 28 points 2y ago
Karen has two adult children that are busy with their own lives and her husband is busy watching Fox News all the time and doesn’t do hardly enough to make her feel loved. So when she goes to starbucks and watches over the barista making her drink, giving them unnecessary step-by-step instructions on how she wants her coffee, just remember that this behavior is a manifestation of her poor self confidence, desire to feel necessary, and her loneliness. See you tomorrow Karen.
dancing_durian 9 points 2y ago
As a conservative Christian housewife, I feel offended! >:( (jk. I'm not. just one of my many fantasies/personas)
hit-or-miss-my-ass 6 points 2y ago
They don’t mean the Karen’s. They’ve explained they mean the customers who are kind, know what they want and order. Even if they don’t know what they want we’re here to help them decide and figure out what is going to satisfy them.
Unipanther368 [OP] 6 points 2y ago
Exactly! 😁
wtchtrsh 3 points 2y ago
I know what was meant, thank you.
hit-or-miss-my-ass 0 points 2y ago
Okay! Didn’t sound like you did. I’m seeing a lot of toxic hate on Reddit recently. We don’t need to contribute to it! Have a nice day.
Unipanther368 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
That's a good outlook (from our point of view). Definitely important to remember that just because someone's being rude doesn't mean they don't deserve respect because we don't know their situation!
drinkliquidclocks 1 points 2y ago
Absolutely delusional to think someone being rude to underpaid food service employees deserves respect. Hard pass on that.
GymLeaderFlame 17 points 2y ago
Honestly it takes more time when they’re awkward and like hey um super sorry...um can you maybe make it with almond milk?? Than it takes for the extra step like just ask and it’ll get done.
Unipanther368 [OP] 7 points 2y ago
Yeah lol. It doesn't take us any extra time, they're located in the same place. 😂
gabbysafari 4 points 2y ago
i swear every time you see a barista complaining about the smallest things on social media every customer is suddenly like “so now you’re telling me you hate every customer and my drink with 2 modifications is a nusaince?!?!” like no, karen, we don’t hate you we just need to vent sometimes lol
Unipanther368 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Exactly! Most customers are wonderful and I'm happy to interact with them, modifications and all :)
But definitely need to vent sometimes, that's for sure
But definitely need to vent sometimes, that's for sure
jaquizzle69 2 points 2y ago
The same goes if we messed up your drink, I have NO PROBLEM remaking it, you paid for it to be the way you wanted it! Just please be nice about it, especially when it’s during peak and we’re all stressed. It is absolutely my job to make their drinks. But it is their job as a human to treat us with some respect. As long as they’re nice about it, we have no complaints :)
[deleted] 2 points 2y ago
[deleted]
Millerboycls09 1 points 2y ago
All the people who are like "So sorry, my drink is way complicated" and then they get an iced tea with splenda instead of liquid cane, light ice.
Like... The fact that they're so polite about it is nice, it's just funny they think THAT is extra.
Like... The fact that they're so polite about it is nice, it's just funny they think THAT is extra.
Koffee-Brown 1 points 2y ago
When I go into places for service A.) I don’t expect them to smile at me, B.) I don’t look at it as them being there to “make me happy”. I’m there for a SERVICE, not a love affair. The guy at the gas station doesn’t kiss my ass, I still get my service and I will go back when I need to. If I’m going into a business establishment looking to be made “happy”, I have bigger issues, which many customers do, in which case no amount of ass-kissing will improve their experience. People function through transactions all day long but the MOMENT they step foot through Starbucks door, ALL OF A SUDDEN they turn into entitled snowholes (snowflakes/assholes) who don’t just want the product they’re paying for, they want the song and dance. No, “here’s your short Pike with 12 Stevias...😑what is there to smile about in regards to that?😒
Unipanther368 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I understand what you're saying, and I don't disagree, although there's nothing wrong with a positive interaction. Whether they're looking for it or not, and whether it's an interaction with a customer or someone outside work, I still try to smile and have a positive interaction with them. They might not be looking for it, but for some people, it can make their day! You never know who may need it the most that day 😊🤷♀️
That being said, I definitely understand your point of view. You *are* there for your coffee or pack of gum or whatever your transaction is for, so it's not wrong to not expect that of service (and I think it's nice not to expect that, since we have rough days too).
I still like to go about work as if we're in the business of making people happy, but it's true that that's not the only thing and that people ultimately just want their coffee.
Also, agreed. What's there to be happy about 12 stevias? 😂 I've heard stories of a coffee with 30 sugars. Like... Come on people. Sugar isn't the add-on at that point -- coffee is.
That being said, I definitely understand your point of view. You *are* there for your coffee or pack of gum or whatever your transaction is for, so it's not wrong to not expect that of service (and I think it's nice not to expect that, since we have rough days too).
I still like to go about work as if we're in the business of making people happy, but it's true that that's not the only thing and that people ultimately just want their coffee.
Also, agreed. What's there to be happy about 12 stevias? 😂 I've heard stories of a coffee with 30 sugars. Like... Come on people. Sugar isn't the add-on at that point -- coffee is.
cilantroprince 1 points 2y ago
this girl comes in an HOUR before close and is like “oh my god i’m so sorry i know it’s close to close i’m so sorry i was just coming in to see if you would mind if i got a frappuchino! i’m really sorry!” like girl you’re fine! there’s nothing going on, there’s so much time until close and i’m bored as fuck why do people always feel so guilty being normal customers?? it’s all fun to rant about customers and annoyances and slightly complicated drinks but at the end of the day our job is the make drinks and make people happy and no one should feel insecure about having us do it!
bardparty 1 points 2y ago
I disagree that we're in the business of making people happy. I think that's what starbucks would like us to act like, but in reality, especially these days, we don't get staffed or payed enough to have the emotional resources needed to make other people's day. If we were around to make people happy, we wouldn't be an essential service. We're there to make coffee. If we make someone's day, it's a nice side effect and good rep for the company.
ageese35 1 points 2y ago
Wait how is it almond milk AND non fat???
Unipanther368 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Ahahahahahaha. You're the first person to notice that lol. I guess my 4am brain wasn't thinking properly 😂😂😂
ageese35 3 points 2y ago
Okay but let’s be honest, there probably is someone out there who wants a non fat, almond milk latte and will insist another store does it for them on the reg when you explain you can only do one or the other 😂😂
Unipanther368 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Ah yes, the other store. Of course they make nonfat, almond milk lattes! I must've been mistaken. This is the same store that does matcha iced water for free, right?
unsettlingbastardman 1 points 2y ago
I feel this way too! As long as the customer is understanding if there’s a bit of confusion or if it takes a bit longer, especially if it’s a greenbean. It’s Starbucks!! Complicated drinks are what we’re known for.
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