Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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i UsEd tO wOrK aT sTaRbUcKs (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by BatWeary
I went into solo DT today and I was taking an order. The lady’s car was really loud so I had difficulty hearing her, and vice versa. Conversation goes like this:
(M- me C- Customer)
M- Hey welcome to Starbucks! What can we get started for you?
C- *[muffled voice]* ...cold brew
M- I’m sorry ma’am I’m having a hard time hearing you. You said a cold brew? What size would you like that?
C- *angry muffled voice* VENTI COLD BREW WITH *muffled* SYRUP EXTRA LIGHT ICE
M- Which syrup was that? I didn’t quite catch it.
C- [i kind of made out the word “peppermint” here]
M- Okay so a venti cold brew with peppermint syrup and very light ice, anything else I can get for you?
C- NO (drives off)
At the window I’m holding her drink and tell her the total. Arms crossed, mask hanging off one ear, she says “That is NOT what I ordered.”
M- You had the cold brew with light ice and peppermint, correct?
C- Yes, but that’s not what I ordered AT ALL. I wanted light ice *and* light cream.
M- Sure, no problem.
I add the cream (mind you I poured out literally so little cold brew that MAYBE a centimeter of cold brew was missing from the top so I could add light cream) and I pour into her cup in front of the window, not thinking anything about it. I figured it was fine then but apparently she just had a fucking stick up her ass today
C- I wanted cream. Not milk. And you also poured half of the cold brew out, I saw you.
M- Yes, I used cream. That is what you asked for correct?
C- No, you used half and half. I didn’t want half and half. I wanted C R E A M. How hard is that to understand?
M (frustrated as can be)- Would you like me to remake your drink with cream instead of half and half?
C- No. I want a straw.
M, hands straw- Alright, here you go. I’m sorry about of the trouble. I hope you have a good day.
C- Yeah well this is fucking disgusting. I used to work at Starbucks so I should’ve just trusted my instincts that I KNEW my drink was going to be wrong at the order box because there was a “miscommunication” [paired with eye roll and finger quotes].
This one interaction ruined my entire day. I typically don’t let customers get to me because it’s coffee and I don’t get paid enough to care about someone’s bad attitude, but shit like this pisses me off. I tried fixing her drink. I was nice and smiling throughout the transaction. As a former Starbucks barista, wouldn’t you be more understanding that a) we are human and make mistakes, and b) know that half and half is literally cream? Idk I feel like I handled it well but maybe I wasn’t as nice as I thought I was being
(M- me C- Customer)
M- Hey welcome to Starbucks! What can we get started for you?
C- *[muffled voice]* ...cold brew
M- I’m sorry ma’am I’m having a hard time hearing you. You said a cold brew? What size would you like that?
C- *angry muffled voice* VENTI COLD BREW WITH *muffled* SYRUP EXTRA LIGHT ICE
M- Which syrup was that? I didn’t quite catch it.
C- [i kind of made out the word “peppermint” here]
M- Okay so a venti cold brew with peppermint syrup and very light ice, anything else I can get for you?
C- NO (drives off)
At the window I’m holding her drink and tell her the total. Arms crossed, mask hanging off one ear, she says “That is NOT what I ordered.”
M- You had the cold brew with light ice and peppermint, correct?
C- Yes, but that’s not what I ordered AT ALL. I wanted light ice *and* light cream.
M- Sure, no problem.
I add the cream (mind you I poured out literally so little cold brew that MAYBE a centimeter of cold brew was missing from the top so I could add light cream) and I pour into her cup in front of the window, not thinking anything about it. I figured it was fine then but apparently she just had a fucking stick up her ass today
C- I wanted cream. Not milk. And you also poured half of the cold brew out, I saw you.
M- Yes, I used cream. That is what you asked for correct?
C- No, you used half and half. I didn’t want half and half. I wanted C R E A M. How hard is that to understand?
M (frustrated as can be)- Would you like me to remake your drink with cream instead of half and half?
C- No. I want a straw.
M, hands straw- Alright, here you go. I’m sorry about of the trouble. I hope you have a good day.
C- Yeah well this is fucking disgusting. I used to work at Starbucks so I should’ve just trusted my instincts that I KNEW my drink was going to be wrong at the order box because there was a “miscommunication” [paired with eye roll and finger quotes].
This one interaction ruined my entire day. I typically don’t let customers get to me because it’s coffee and I don’t get paid enough to care about someone’s bad attitude, but shit like this pisses me off. I tried fixing her drink. I was nice and smiling throughout the transaction. As a former Starbucks barista, wouldn’t you be more understanding that a) we are human and make mistakes, and b) know that half and half is literally cream? Idk I feel like I handled it well but maybe I wasn’t as nice as I thought I was being
NervosaNervous 436 points 2y ago
If they used to work at Starbucks, they would know half and half IS cream. I call bullshit.
NapalmBarista 135 points 2y ago
liars lie often, this particular one is also dumb.
smc642 36 points 2y ago
I bet she is great friends with the manager/owner too. They always are.
[deleted] 8 points 2y ago
[deleted]
philosopher_cat_lady 1 points 2y ago
Yeah, I just learned about table cream. It's a Mexican product my dad bought the other day from some grocery store
Psychedelic_Doughnut 3 points 2y ago
Her ability to speak does not make her intelligent.
Haygirlhayyy -99 points 2y ago
Wait, you use half and half even when I select heavy cream? That does sort of matter to me...
NervosaNervous 74 points 2y ago
No. Heavy cream is different than regular cream. Regular cream is half and half. Heavy cream is heavy cream.
Haygirlhayyy -76 points 2y ago
I've just never heard someone refer to half and half as cream before, I was hoping that was the case.
lycorisette 65 points 2y ago
Pretty much every coffee shop in North America runs this way. Heavy cream is often not even stocked.
HermesLurkin 35 points 2y ago
Yep, to drip coffee drinkers, especially boomers, “coffee with cream” means brewed coffee with a splash of half-and-half. They would not expect “heavy” aka “whipping” cream.
radpandaparty 25 points 2y ago
Literally everyone uses 'cream' and 'half and half' interchangeably.
killerwhaletank 156 points 2y ago
If they used to work at Starbucks, they would have treated you with a modicum of respect. I doubt this person has EVER worked at a customer service job. God this infuriates me.
radpandaparty 69 points 2y ago
Honestly plus, as a partner going on 4 years, the complexity of drinks has gone up sooo much since I started. No one asked for half the stuff we do now, then.
- Cold foam anything
- Blended refershers
- Tiktok drinks w/ instructions
- Keto drinks
- Layered fraps
This job has changed since a lot of people last worked here
- Cold foam anything
- Blended refershers
- Tiktok drinks w/ instructions
- Keto drinks
- Layered fraps
This job has changed since a lot of people last worked here
is_it_soy 70 points 2y ago
Either she’s a liar or she was fired on her first week for being a shit-head.
Winter_Tangerine_926 60 points 2y ago
You don't need to work at Starbucks to know that the cream is half and half (and brewer where I live).
strawberrifield 47 points 2y ago
Lol she definitely has not worked at any type of coffee shop if she doesn’t understand half and half IS cream. Don’t let the asshats ruin your day. It takes practice but just know she’s a grumpy person and don’t let it dull your shine. ✨
hungrymuffin123 45 points 2y ago
A while ago an older lady came in and ordered a cold brew with milk, so I confirmed “ok, cold brew with 2% then?” And she responded “no, regular milk” confused, I asked, “oh, well we have nonfat, whole…” and she reassured me “no, REGULAR milk, half and half!”
Where tf do these people come from where half and half isn’t cream, but is considered “regular milk?”
Where tf do these people come from where half and half isn’t cream, but is considered “regular milk?”
sweetpotatoqkween 25 points 2y ago
Do these people eat their cereal with half and half
xsourirex 5 points 2y ago
I don't often but...i recommend trying it at least once
italyphoenix 3 points 2y ago
My dad swears by eating Raisin Bran with half and half... he’s a strange man. All other cereals 2%/whole is fine but Raisin Bran MUST have half and half.
sweetpotatoqkween 3 points 2y ago
Lol I just realized I’ve actually done this before with non diary creamer when I was out of almond milk
xsourirex 2 points 2y ago
Oh my goddddddd Fruity Pebbles with half and half is TO DIE FOR
ohamilkshake 27 points 2y ago
jesus fucking christ. i despise customers like this. if she "used to work at starbucks" then she would:
1. know half & half IS cream
2. make sure to enunciate her words at the order box
3. would be understanding
4. would treat you with respect like a decent fucking human being
1. know half & half IS cream
2. make sure to enunciate her words at the order box
3. would be understanding
4. would treat you with respect like a decent fucking human being
laughingashley 13 points 2y ago
Also, anyone who has worked a DT anywhere knows loud engines should just shut off while ordering.
murphmanfa 6 points 2y ago
You'd think that, buy we have current partners who are absolute shitheads to people in DT, copping attitudes over the dumbest stuff and expecting every customized drink on their eight-item order to be made exactly as they would, including the stuff that they didn't ask for.
(The worst offender, who has been banned from visiting our store as well as the next closest one, might've actually been fired recently from their home store.)
(The worst offender, who has been banned from visiting our store as well as the next closest one, might've actually been fired recently from their home store.)
lobosloboslobos 4 points 2y ago
kinda sad we kinda only expect people who work customer service to be respectful and understanding. The bar is as low as can be.
Jew_3 3 points 2y ago
tHeY dOnT dEsErVe $15 aN hOuR
lobosloboslobos 6 points 2y ago
And they’re right, it should be at least 20/hr
haifonly 18 points 2y ago
I'll say it for you.
What a BIIIIITTTTCCCHHHH.
Sorry your car was too fucking loud for you to be understood. And instead of lying about how you worked there and apparently knowing your drink order was going to be wrong you should have just made SURE your order was correct at the box you stupid fuck.
And if you were that fucking worried about it you could have agreed to have the drink remade like the nice person offered.
But you chose to be a little bitch baby instead.
So go lick rust.
Bitch.
What a BIIIIITTTTCCCHHHH.
Sorry your car was too fucking loud for you to be understood. And instead of lying about how you worked there and apparently knowing your drink order was going to be wrong you should have just made SURE your order was correct at the box you stupid fuck.
And if you were that fucking worried about it you could have agreed to have the drink remade like the nice person offered.
But you chose to be a little bitch baby instead.
So go lick rust.
Bitch.
BatWeary [OP] 13 points 2y ago
I’m laughing like a dying seal in my room at 2 am, thank you
You can bet money I slammed the window shut and turned around to say “what a BITCH” after she left and then proceed to pay the next person out with the friendliest voice 😂😂
You can bet money I slammed the window shut and turned around to say “what a BITCH” after she left and then proceed to pay the next person out with the friendliest voice 😂😂
TemplarSensei7 17 points 2y ago
I’m sure there’s a specific name for those breed of Karens.
If I ever go to America again (living in Japan), I assure you that I would be a simple man and order regular coffee. Unless I am in a mood and order a Caramel Macchiato.
If I ever go to America again (living in Japan), I assure you that I would be a simple man and order regular coffee. Unless I am in a mood and order a Caramel Macchiato.
RistrettoIsBae 15 points 2y ago
Sorry you dealt with that: that’s not nice AT ALL. 😔
drinkliquidclocks 13 points 2y ago
🙄 If she ever really WoRkEd aT sTaRbUcKs you know it was for a less than a week, she couldn't handle the heat
Customers piss me off more everyday, it's not hard to be decent to service workers. Or anyone. Why can't people be the bare minimum decent?
Customers piss me off more everyday, it's not hard to be decent to service workers. Or anyone. Why can't people be the bare minimum decent?
Swan97 9 points 2y ago
There's a customer that comes through somewhat regularly (not too often but I remember when she does) that no matter how fast or slow we are that day she always says the wait is ridiculous and snatches the drink out of my hand. Like maybe don't come to Starbucks if you're in a rush.
wandering_mind_ 12 points 2y ago
Ew I hope she lurks thru here and realizes how stupid she behaves. If she worked at ANY customer service, she’d know to properly pronunciate to avoid any miscommunication.
ohamilkshake 9 points 2y ago
i hope so too but tbh based on this interaction she probably sticks to facebook and doesn't know what reddit is/thinks it's for weird people
BatWeary [OP] 8 points 2y ago
tbh she’s definitely part of those secret recipe groups that blame the baristas for their cat’s death
46patisse 12 points 2y ago
She meant to say, "I like to PRETEND I work at a Starbucks when I'm in my kitchen and I correct all the customers who don't know how to order correctly"
Hawkeye336699 7 points 2y ago
Lol the “ use to work at Starbucks” people are always the most angry towards us workers.
They prob don’t work for Sbux no more cause they were jackasses to customers and sucked at making drinks and then got fired lol
They prob don’t work for Sbux no more cause they were jackasses to customers and sucked at making drinks and then got fired lol
TheBayesianBandit 7 points 2y ago
POV from a former sbux employee:
I don’t necessarily care about making it *better*, but making a Starbucks employee’s day *worse* is like my biggest anxiety. Or really any customer service worker. I just know how people talk the second customers leave the room, and I never want to be *that* customer.
Thing is, I feel like the ones who are polite probably never mention they used to work at Starbucks for sort of the same reason they are polite.
The only times I have said it have been very specific situations like... if there’s a mistake and someone is just apologizing way too much I’ll be like “oh no worries, I used to work at starbucks so I remember what it’s like... isn’t it funny how it’s so much easier to make silly mistakes when it’s slow?” or something to that effect.
I don’t necessarily care about making it *better*, but making a Starbucks employee’s day *worse* is like my biggest anxiety. Or really any customer service worker. I just know how people talk the second customers leave the room, and I never want to be *that* customer.
Thing is, I feel like the ones who are polite probably never mention they used to work at Starbucks for sort of the same reason they are polite.
The only times I have said it have been very specific situations like... if there’s a mistake and someone is just apologizing way too much I’ll be like “oh no worries, I used to work at starbucks so I remember what it’s like... isn’t it funny how it’s so much easier to make silly mistakes when it’s slow?” or something to that effect.
ObnoxiousR 6 points 2y ago
If they worked at an svux at an airport, university( franchise basically) its doesnt count. Its completely different from corporate. I worked at both and I can confirm this.
sci-fi-lullaby 5 points 2y ago
Yeah there's this regular cunty bitch who always has an issue with her drink if I'm handing it to her. Made her drink countless times no issue, its just my presence she hates (any young female really). Lisa if you're out there, your keto diet ain't working you potato ass bitch.
BatWeary [OP] 2 points 2y ago
i love when people order “keto” drinks and then ask for 20 pumps of regular vanilla 💀
sci-fi-lullaby 1 points 2y ago
Like the heavy cream is gonna make up for that 😂😂
golden_pinky 5 points 2y ago
I want to have one of these interactions so badly one day. My fantasy would be to say "I want to know what I could have done to hear you better at the box. See you can speak louder but you didn't so let me know next time what I can do to hear harder and we'll get your drink right the first time. Also Starbucks uses the terms half and half and cream interchangeably so I know you didn't used to work here because you would know that."
BatWeary [OP] 4 points 2y ago
come to my store then bc i have to tell every other customer that half and half IS cream and it’s not a “fancy name for milk” 💀
golden_pinky 2 points 2y ago
I have had this argument before too. This speach usually defused the situation (and it's true): "I know cream and half and half are different, it's really silly that Starbucks uses the words interchangeably. But what we use is actually half & half, we don't have real cream."
golden_pinky 2 points 2y ago
I'm a coward and I always take the customers side to avoid conflict tbh
Js_On_My_Yeet 5 points 2y ago
Definitely not a former partner if they think cream and h&h are different. Like what have you been serving all this time between cream and h&h when you were a partner? lol I'm sorry this happened to you. People need to get a grip on reality.
BatWeary [OP] 4 points 2y ago
she probably argued with customers about it 🤕 if she was actually a partner that is
elrobolobo 5 points 2y ago
I used to work at Starbucks and I feel shame when I order a frapoaccino
BatWeary [OP] 1 points 2y ago
right?! all my brother drinks is fraps and i will literally tip double what my total was (even if i use my markouts) bc i just KNOW the baristas are in there cursing me 😂
Foofdog21 5 points 2y ago
People who hate their lives like to take it out on people who can’t fight back. She’s probably a miserable human being.
lobosloboslobos 3 points 2y ago
Thats exactly how you know they never worked at Starbucks. I wish we could refuse service for “minor” stuff like this. People suck.
h2otower 3 points 2y ago
YOU handled this horrific person way better than anyone could have. I wish you worked at our store....
we have a shifty who will step right in when she hears conflict and take over for us....I love that
we have a shifty who will step right in when she hears conflict and take over for us....I love that
BatWeary [OP] 1 points 2y ago
at least y’all have shifts who will stand up to rude customers 😭 both of my shifts will just be like “okay here’s a recovery card, a refund and a remake!” with a huge speech about how sorry they are. SM does the same thing because it gets them out of the store faster 🥴 all it does is enable the rude customers
sleepyteaa 3 points 2y ago
We have one customer that swears up and down he used to work at sbux and asks for his macchiatos made two, three, four times and that our “machine is messed up I can tell”. Last time he came over he asked if Pikes place was espresso. 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
ABVDRICEBV 3 points 2y ago
I’m just your 51st comment, but you handled it like a champ. Keep chugging, your value doesn’t come from her or the siren.
julieCivil 2 points 2y ago
I feel sorry for every person in her life. She sounds horrendous.
frikinhardcore 1 points 2y ago
I would have gone out of my way to decaf her.
philosopher_cat_lady 1 points 2y ago
Hopefully, she trusts her instincts now and never goes to Starbucks again
Politicalgeek03 1 points 2y ago
“I used to work at Starbucks” I honestly hate these people more especially when they’re mean. Like 1st you understand what we go through and then 2nd choose to be a dick.
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