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Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind

Full History - 2021 - 10 - 21 - ID#qd45a9
11
how do i stop being bothered by mean customers (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by hollowsockets
basically what it says. my coworkers seem to brush it off so easily, but it really gets to me when people are just needlessly rude. i know it's just part of working this type of job but it makes me dread going to work some days.

and yes i know i could quit, but the only other job openings near me lately are other retail/ food service jobs so it would just be more of the same.
ravenousbloodunicorn 8 points 1y ago
how new are you? usually it just takes time. even after months there will be some that will bother you. you just have to remind yourself that THEY are the weirdos coming into a business and treating the workers like ass. that’s THEIR problem, and i would feel sorry for anyone who has to put up with them on a daily. if you show them that you’re unbothered it will make them mad bc they know they won’t get a reaction out of you, which is what they want. and when you think about it, it’s so sad that THAT’S what they choose to do with their day. i would recommend finding a job that doesn’t deal so closely with customers in such garbage labor conditions tho if you feel this way. it’s so much better to not have to deal with them. and there’s so many other jobs, you just have to look! i promise
jazzysoranio 6 points 1y ago
We’re all different. I talk a big game about just brushing off rude customers because they don’t matter in the end, but truthfully, I still am bothered by it. I’ve just learned to pep-talk myself back to reality where we have real-world issues that need our attention, not this made-up crap from customers who are so privileged and spoiled that not being handed a straw feels like persecution to them. Unfortunately, there’s no secret way to overcome the emotions and the feels. You just have to power through it like a Moana boss bitch.
thewoodschild 3 points 1y ago
I'm new to starbucks but have worked retail and customer service for about 14 years. If someone is rude you show no reaction. Some guy the other day was pissed his lattes weren't super fast in the cafe and he looked to me in anger and I said sorry for the wait those will be right out. He said something along the lines of "Im starting to get angry" and I just said alright in a dismissive tone but not enough to prove I was being dismissive and went immediately back to working and ignoring him. All the customers and staff then proceeded to straight make fun of him as soon as he left. Wanna know why? Cause if you're an adult bully to anyone it means your life is shit. Period. Theres no reason for them to act like that they are basically small hurt toddlers in adult skin throwing a tantrum. Also its not your job to take abuse as a barista thats your supervisor or managers job you are not paid enough so as soon as something goes sour you tell them. Also if they are in such a huge rush they shouldn't be at starbucks. Essentially fuck those losers and ignore them. Garbage people don't deserve your attention or emotions anything they gotta say to or about you is exactly proportionate to how much they truly hate themselves inside. Also plus side the more people who do see it tend to tip more after :)
Jerszygrl 2 points 1y ago
I agree with everything posted above. Rude customers are bullies..and bullies WANT a fight..they WANT a reaction... they WANT to hear or see that they are gettng to you... So when they get NO REACTION... They either get more angry, or they drop their attitude, and either way, YOU WIN!

I deal with mega karens every day, and the louder, nastier and more sarcastic they get, the calmer and cooler and NICER and MORE PATIENT I become...

..When they see I am unfazed, they get even madder, yet I still get to keep my job, because I have remained professional, vs jumping over the counter and bitch slapping the ever loving shit out of them, which is what I WANT to do, but would certainly result in the loss of my employment.

Dont let some butt-sniffing, 💩 shit sucking karen or karl get you fired!

This technique was extremely hard at first, as I would still get extremely angry on the inside and I could feel my blood pressure going up, all the while remaining calm on the outside… but eventually, the more you practice this, you will see that you really do become almost immune to and unfazed by it .. The old saying "fake it till you make it" really does apply here. At least that's how it worked out for me.. The longer I did this the easier it got...

But trust me I know exactly where you're coming from! People absolutely positively suck ASS and shitty customers could easily turn the most kind hearted good natured person into a serial killer!

Just sayin' .......
SNES182 3 points 1y ago
I worked 13 years of retail and was never treated nearly as poorly as I was at Starbucks. Customers are rewarded for being rude and complaining, “partners” have to take it, and apologize. Not worth it.
Normal_Human_4567 3 points 1y ago
Honestly I think it just takes time to grow tougher skin? I've been with sbux for about four months and I've had a customer make me cry before.

I think sometimes it's just getting through it as well. Before I continue, I am *in no way* suggesting you force yourself to power through when you feel unable!

I had a customer rip into us once, it was just me and the other greener bean. I couldn't leave him alone so I had to get through it, but after about 5-10 minutes, I realised *the customer is a dick*

I think as someone at the halfway point, the best advice I can give you is that try not to worry too much, customers are dicks. It is absolutely awful that we should have to put up with it, but you do get used to it. I'm not fully there yet, I do get really shaky after something happens, but just remind yourself that the customer is a dick and not worth your time.

If they're a regular then just tell your SM/SSV that they make you uncomfortable.

Lastly, **you do not have to serve someone you are uncomfortable serving.** You can refuse service and if your SM/SSV is a decent person, they'll back you up. If not, who gives a shit! Do what works for you.

TL:DR; Sorry how for long that got. Customers suck but you'll grow a tough skin. If it's too much you can refuse service, and *always* put your own mental health before anything else
salty_vs_salty 1 points 1y ago
We're all dead inside with souls the color of Sumatra. Get out while you can. On a serious note, it affects everyone differently. You have to decide where your line is.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
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