Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Please... just say the size (grande rant) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by lampsandcrystals
I am a college student who works at a college campus Starbucks (it is ALWAYS busy). I am so freaking tired of girls coming up and telling me their extremely customized drink in a single breath... but no size. At my store, we write the orders on the cups. So i have to know what size (and hot or iced) you’re getting before i can write it on the cup. They look at me like i’m absolutely insane for making them repeat their order. Half the time they just come up and bark their order at me. I genuinely don’t know how much longer i can deal with being berated like that. Like can you say, “please? may i...? thank you!” when you order? i am not your slave.
TwoToneIndigo 236 points 2y ago
Here's a thought to stop them in their tracks. Pick up an iced tall cup. That's when they should realize they didn't give you a size and start over on their own.
isglitteracolor 197 points 2y ago
I trained a customer this way. She always wanted a hot caramel macchiato but would never specify hot or the size, which tripped up a lot of baristas who didn’t know or recognize her. So I started grabbing a trenta cup and apologizing that we can’t serve trenta caramel macchiatos. She would start to say “but I didn’t order a trenta...wait I didn’t say a size at all did I?” Three times of this and suddenly she knew how to order and get exactly what she wanted.
johnmarkowens 48 points 2y ago
Always go for the trenta. Side note. Whenever anyone orders a grande at an independent upsell that to a large
TwoToneIndigo 21 points 2y ago
The only reason I wouldnt recommend trenta is because if for some reason they go with it, now it's a "but they did it for me here last time why can't you do it now."
isglitteracolor 46 points 2y ago
That’s why I hold the cup but say nope we don’t even make that drink in a trenta. Same with craps no matter how much they beg lol.
Edit: meant fraps but it’s not wrong so I’m keeping it
Edit: meant fraps but it’s not wrong so I’m keeping it
moon_light523 4 points 2y ago
I once had a lady come in and got really mad at one of our green beans working on dtr bc the person working on dto told her she couldn’t get a trenta of the drink she wanted, ya know cause we don’t make it that way. I felt so bad for her, cause I didn’t know what was happening at first cause I was taking over for her going onto a break.
Some people can be super nasty about it
Some people can be super nasty about it
lampsandcrystals [OP] 55 points 2y ago
Lol that is a good idea! I genuinely get so frustrated about it I’ve done it a few times to still be “customer service” friendly but also just passive aggressive.
TwoToneIndigo 27 points 2y ago
Yeah, my biggest issue when I was a barista for sbux was the ridiculous customization. Especially during peaks or events.
howdudo 26 points 2y ago
and...put some cinnamon in it!... and 2 salt packs!.. and shake it!.. and soy!.. and vanilla sweet cream foam!.. and double blend it!
Mistakecupcake 101 points 2y ago
I work in a Tarbucks that does the same, and at this point I just take a mental break while I wait for them to finish, smile and ask what size, hot or iced, and then have em repeat the order. Even if I remember it. Way I see it, I get paid hourly, so the only one whose time is wasted is theirs.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 116 points 2y ago
starbucks makes a dollar and I make a dime, that’s why I have a mental break on company time. 😂
kizzythaboss 15 points 2y ago
*barz* 🤣🤣🤣🤣
hopelovepeace33 98 points 2y ago
Pick up the largest cup to make it the most expensive drink and when they ask why so much you just say well you didn’t tell me a size so I picked for you.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 54 points 2y ago
trenta all the way!
hopelovepeace33 24 points 2y ago
I guarantee once you start doing that they will start telling you the size & if it’s hot or iced first.
lilcox1419 15 points 2y ago
Yes. I always do this and read back if the screen isn’t working bc I’m tired of asking what size every 5 seconds. I won’t do it anymore. I won’t.
raychelelaina 30 points 2y ago
I feel this! I worked at a store on my college campus for a year before moving to a Tarbucks that I’ve been at for a year and a half now, both stores we write on the cups. I love these ideas and will probably use them too.
WhileGloomy 29 points 2y ago
the problem is, the company encourages this lunatic behavior. if you speak out about it online, people on here act like starbucks has such amazing perks that we should just tolerate threatening behavior from maniacs
sten45 20 points 2y ago
So here how I thrived with that customer. I was in a high volume store as well so I understand the pressure my system adds, but here goes. I would patiently Listen to the hugely complex order with a dopey smile plastered on my stupid face, when they finally get to the size I would pick up the cup, open my sharpie and say, “what was that again?”, you have to keep exactly the same look in your face the whole time and you have to keep eye contact and do not say anything else after “what was that again?” It will condition them to say hot cold and size first.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 11 points 2y ago
like training a pet unfortunately :( but yes the fake smile (or faking a smile with the eyes under the mask).
Tall_Draw_521 15 points 2y ago
The best thing I could ever do as an ex partner is say the order in Starbucks style LOL
lampsandcrystals [OP] 6 points 2y ago
thank you for that!! i do the same when i visit other stores or my own store!!
TheBayesianBandit 3 points 2y ago
Lol exactly. I still order “iced/hot -> size -> rest of drink“ out of habit and not wanting to traumatize whoever’s behind the counter lol.
I still remember getting orders like “I’d like a latte with skim milk, two pumps of sugar free vanilla, two pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, half-decaf and no foam. Huh? Medium please. I don’t know, what’s the difference? The larger one. OH! I want it iced.”
I mean I get it, it’s totally normal to order that way since most people are never gonna work behind the counter and don’t know any better. But it’s the sort of minor detail that wears a person out after a while.
I still remember getting orders like “I’d like a latte with skim milk, two pumps of sugar free vanilla, two pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup, half-decaf and no foam. Huh? Medium please. I don’t know, what’s the difference? The larger one. OH! I want it iced.”
I mean I get it, it’s totally normal to order that way since most people are never gonna work behind the counter and don’t know any better. But it’s the sort of minor detail that wears a person out after a while.
Tall_Draw_521 1 points 2y ago
True. I used to start with “are we having a hot drink today?” If it was cold out, etc. Sometimes it would work. But most times people were so caught up in their own heads or their phones that they’d just blurt it out at me. Sometimes I would use the personal cup sticker and just slap it on the cup so they wouldn’t have to repeat it. But we ran out of those so fast.
This is why I think mobile order is nice. We did not have it when I was a partner.
This is why I think mobile order is nice. We did not have it when I was a partner.
TheBayesianBandit 2 points 2y ago
Yeah the phone thing I could see being annoying. When I was behind the bar it was like 2008 so it was back when it was still scandalous and newsworthy for Madonna to be falling asleep beside her “crackberry”.
Honestly now it’s like people don’t even think about being on their phones. 9/10 if I’m alone and ordering a Starbucks drink I’m also like listening to a podcast and just hitting the pause button for a few seconds to order. I think lot of people are the same way.
Honestly now it’s like people don’t even think about being on their phones. 9/10 if I’m alone and ordering a Starbucks drink I’m also like listening to a podcast and just hitting the pause button for a few seconds to order. I think lot of people are the same way.
Tall_Draw_521 1 points 2y ago
I think so too. I’ve tried to be really conscious about it as I’ve gotten older. For instance I went in to pick up my drink yesterday and I even took my out ear buds even though I turned the music off. I felt like the least I could do was make sure they knew I could hear them.
Also, complaint: I wish there was a tip box by mobile order/bar. I hate having to go to the line to tip
Also, complaint: I wish there was a tip box by mobile order/bar. I hate having to go to the line to tip
chinfox 15 points 2y ago
it’s because they don’t care. so i choose not to either and interrupt their stupid drink to ask for the size.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 13 points 2y ago
god i try to interrupt. then they hit me with the cold foam and i just let them finish because i know it’s going to be a complicated order for them to say again.
EeePeeTee 9 points 2y ago
I stare directly into their eyes and say nothing until they say the size. Sometimes I say something like "we're still missing one variable". Usually works.
zydr8te 7 points 2y ago
Also for everything good please just tell us the size, Do want a medium? Cool, tell us instead of talking about how you don't know our size words. We know the words and want help you convert
InsertAliasHere7589 1 points 2y ago
Yes exactly. Had to tell four people today that I also speak English. It's okay to say ounces or small, medium...
Js_On_My_Yeet 7 points 2y ago
I remember when writing on the cups was a thing. I don't miss it.
drowninginristretto 10 points 2y ago
I can't imagine having to write on cups, especially at the drive-thru stores. But there are so many partners at my store that don't understand even the basics of cup marking. I can't do it well, but I at least try, especially when the printers go down.
Js_On_My_Yeet 13 points 2y ago
Hint if you don't already know: Use the POS as the guide to writing on cups. Whenever you punch in a drink the tabs on the side will tell you what to write in the little boxes on the cups 🤙🏼
bettiegee 1 points 2y ago
I remember the before that. Which was called Cup Management, and involved no writing or marking on the cups at all. But that was also when there were no blenders, no Fraps, and only 3 syrup flavors.
TheBayesianBandit 1 points 2y ago
This just made me realize writing on cups doesn’t really happen anymore. I’ve noticed stores using the little print outs but didn’t really think about the fact I haven’t seen it done the old way in ages now.
I_prefer_naps 6 points 2y ago
I always wait for them to finish their order, and say something like "we can do that for ya... but im gonna need you to start with a size." I grab the cup after they decide, and follow up with "now would you please repeat that order while Mark that cup?"
It never feels rude or pushy, just the truth.
Now, when I'm over it, I just grab a venti automatically. If they have a problem they'll correct me. And I plaster a big ol fake smile and tell them they need to specify.
It never feels rude or pushy, just the truth.
Now, when I'm over it, I just grab a venti automatically. If they have a problem they'll correct me. And I plaster a big ol fake smile and tell them they need to specify.
bexbux 5 points 2y ago
i still can’t comprehend why licensed stores don’t have sticker machines?? If our sticker machine was broken then I don’t think I’d know how to write an order on a cup lol
lampsandcrystals [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I’ve mastered the art of cup marking, but it’s awful to write all over the cup when someone has such a long order with multiple customizations. how do you write someone wants the VSCCF blended twice? and then the drink blended AND shaken? you just gotta write it all out. 😤
One_Hundred_X 5 points 2y ago
TBH, I like Starbucks, but I pretty much always forget the size names
feisty314 6 points 2y ago
Small, medium, and large work just fine! We'd much rather you say one of those than guess and get the wrong size.
InsertAliasHere7589 2 points 2y ago
We speak English too. Feel free to ask for a 16 oz or a medium just for instance. We'll understand what you're saying.
One_Hundred_X 1 points 2y ago
Lol, What? English is my First language. If anything, if you're not Italian, the struggle is there for the larger sizes. The standard way of asking for sizes of Food/Drink orders is Small, Med, Large. SB just alters the words obviously.
InsertAliasHere7589 3 points 2y ago
Dude I'm just saying you don't have to use the starbucks lingo... I generally tell my customers that "we speak English too" when they're struggling to tell me which size. It's a comfort for them and they chuckle nine times out of ten. I don't think I've gotten a reaction like yours before.
One_Hundred_X 1 points 2y ago
Sorry, I just took it as condescending. Plus hard to gauge via internet. Guess I was that 1/10.
irritablegarlic 5 points 2y ago
One thing you may be able to try is asking the size in your greeting. It may not always work but try saying “Hi Welcome to Starbucks, what size drink can I get started for you?” or something along those lines. I do get the size aggravation though, I’ve had so many times where people neglect to tell me the size when I ask or say “Hot” or “Iced” when I ask what size haha.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 5 points 2y ago
I can’t even count how many times someone will walk up to my register and before I’m even finished saying “hey what can i get for you today!” they’re already halfway through their order when they get to me. most people don’t do this! however, i work on a big 10 college campus, with a decent size greek life. I hate to say it, but the worst customers who just say the drink (no size or temp) are 9/10 the ones who have their sorority shirts on. it’s unfortunate that that’s how they represent their greek letters .-. i always get maybe 50-75 sorority girls a day.
ShannyES 5 points 2y ago
I can accurately say that people don’t listen to our intros. I like to ask random questions in my intro on DT.
“Hi, welcome to Starbucks, what’s your favorite flower?”
“Can I get a...”
“Do you not have one?”
“What?”
“I asked if you have a favorite flower”
“Oh.” *awkward laughter*
I’ve actually never asked that specific question... but I do ask random questions like that to initiate conversation and also give my brain a mini break.
“Hi, welcome to Starbucks, what’s your favorite flower?”
“Can I get a...”
“Do you not have one?”
“What?”
“I asked if you have a favorite flower”
“Oh.” *awkward laughter*
I’ve actually never asked that specific question... but I do ask random questions like that to initiate conversation and also give my brain a mini break.
drinkliquidclocks 5 points 2y ago
I interupt tf out of them or just totally ignore them til they're done and make them repeat it idc lmao
kpriestess19 3 points 2y ago
Do you have little post it style notes, used to put on china cups? I always like to keep a couple of them in my pocket, write everything down on them, then punch it through on the till. It can be seen as a waste of paper I know, but its handy for big orders or when the customers on a roll and not listening/paying attention to your questions.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 3 points 2y ago
We no longer have the little slips of paper (since we can’t use personal cups) but that’s a great idea when we do have them again! my store just didn’t order any when COVID hit. :/
Magnhild94 2 points 2y ago
Also, in case you want to stay with Starbucks but can’t handle the college kids - there is hope. I worked at a college coffee shop and working in a normal part of town now = more tips and less annoying customers although maybe more Karens...
lampsandcrystals [OP] 2 points 2y ago
To me, Karens exist at my store. they are just replaced by high ego’d sorority girls. .-.
TheRedditTeacher 2 points 2y ago
Sometimes I just get them a grande when they don't mention the size. Most times they don't even notice.. Got tired of asking.
mastaofdeath 2 points 2y ago
Why don’t you punch it into the computer first? At least you can punch in all the modifications before entering the size.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 19 points 2y ago
On our computers, when we press a drink, it asks for the size before you can add any modifications :( So unfortunately I have to know the size. It’s just people being senseless and not thinking. It’s different if someone says the size at the end of the order, than if someone just says “i want a latte with light ice, half and half, two pumps of caramel and two toffee nut upside down” and nothing else. like ok, how big do you want it?
isglitteracolor 16 points 2y ago
Most cup-writing stores are licensed locations, which means they have the register of whatever store they are inside of. I know both Target and Kroger require you to choose a size before it’ll let you add modifications, and if you change the size you have to re-enter the modifications again.
FfierceLaw 1 points 2y ago
or they have 4 or 5 customizations before they even say what the effing drink is, no to mention the size
Cheesy_Wotsit 1 points 2y ago
UK Customer here. I love you guys and I want to help make your life easier. What order would you want me to give my order in (Grande skinny latte w additional shot and double caramel (or vanilla depending on how I'm feeling)).
Thanks.
Thanks.
lampsandcrystals [OP] 2 points 2y ago
always start with the size, and whether you want it hot or iced!! not many stores are like mine where i have to hand write the drink on the cup, but it’s just always a good gesture!
Cheesy_Wotsit 1 points 2y ago
Thank you, I'll remember this 😊. Most North West UK stores seem to be printing off stickers for the drive thru drinks at the moment. Either that will go back to 'normal' once everything reopens, I don't know...
lampsandcrystals [OP] 3 points 2y ago
we can always hope! people come into my store here in the US and still think they can use personal cups. We stopped taking personal cups last March when the pandemic first really began in my state.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
rlaksjvich 1 points 2y ago
Yeah I think it's kind of annoying too but it's normally just a go fast type of thing. I just grab a venti and start writing.
NervosaNervous 1 points 2y ago
I don’t understand how people don’t start with the size first.
vietlazed 1 points 2y ago
If it lisenced store can you denied to do that custom drinks
lampsandcrystals [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I don’t think we can deny someone a custom drink? We have all the upcharge buttons everyone else does, it’s just the fact that we have to write on the cup.
scrappysquash 1 points 2y ago
I ALWAYS start with the size
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
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