Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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How to talk to people at the window when drinks are coming super slowly. (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by theblondiedude
Hi guys, I think working window isn't so bad when drinks are ready when the guests arrive, but I dread working window when I have to talk for a few minutes. I'm introverted and after asking them what their plans are I just stand there awkwardly and spend the rest of the time trying to think of a question. Sometimes the interactions are awkward because I start asking questions that are too personal. I start getting drained there and wish we could close the window, but then I'm not really doing my job. How can I make the window more of a place that both me and the customers will like?
_lavendell 13 points 2y ago
The best thing i learned was not to ask yes/no questions. I started asking people, "so, what are you up to today?" instead of just asking them if they had anything planned/going on that day. Most of the time they're pretty content to start leading the conversation and telling me about their day, which takes the pressure off of me to keep the conversation going.
SnugBear 5 points 2y ago
Obviously I try asking them about their day. If they mention that they're going to work or something I ask about what they do, how long, do they enjoy it, etc. If they have a pet I ask them questions about their pet. If they got a special drink I ask if they get this drink often, how they came up with it, etc. I also like to make sure that they have everything they could possibly need. Ask them if they want their receipt, straws, a stopper, napkins, a bag of they have food items, and gift cards for special occasions coming up, etc. Random stuff like that that shows you are taking an interest in them, their comfort, and their life - even if you aren't! If all else fails I try to clean up my station and look busy when they don't want to talk.
violetskies7 4 points 2y ago
well personally i just stand there and don’t talk to them because i have no reason to lol. my passion is for making drinks, i’m not there to make friends and honestly i don’t care about our connection score.
usually i spend my time at window cleaning, wiping down spots that are usually missed in that area. or making backup chais, mochas, lemonade etc because the counter right across from the DT screens is the counter we make and keep backups.
either that, or i chat with my DTO! i’m normally drive all or DTO though so i have this problem rarely.
usually i spend my time at window cleaning, wiping down spots that are usually missed in that area. or making backup chais, mochas, lemonade etc because the counter right across from the DT screens is the counter we make and keep backups.
either that, or i chat with my DTO! i’m normally drive all or DTO though so i have this problem rarely.
trashkittenxoxo 3 points 2y ago
I keep my customers updated on their order - "hey your sandwich is on its way out" - and most of the time they're on their phones anyway, so what else are you supposed to do? Good for you keeping things stocked/clean, I wish more partners took the initiative to keep things prepped.
mmpotpie78 1 points 2y ago
I do the same thing. I can’t fake the customer connection part, so I just keep them updated on their order and stock/clean DT station while I’m there.
Ok-Bowl4392 4 points 2y ago
I loved drive thru at my first store and would struggle with this too. I usually like to choose a few key phrases and one funny story that I use with each customer over and over again. It would help me feel less awkward and more prepared to handle the conversations while waiting for drinks.
another14me 1 points 2y ago
“So like, what’s the last thing you’ve read, heard, or watched, that made you feel understood?”
“What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?”
“What’s the most underrated part of your job?”
“What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?”
“What’s the most underrated part of your job?”
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