Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Did I do the wrong thing? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by residenttinman
Posting this for a friend:
TLDR at bottom
It had been a pretty slow time. Couple customers here and there but mostly winding down before closing.
There were only three partners working at the time, which is the usual number for that time of night. There was one partner on bar/register/warning, the SSV who was on lunch, and me who was cleaning and was around to help if things got busy.
I was cleaning the patio and one of the people out there asked me to help them find a hotel nearby and then write down the directions. I did but between her chattiness and the actual help, I was gone for about 10 minutes. Maybe longer. Worth noting that I was clearly visible from inside the store so anyone looking out would see me sitting with the customer.
When I came back in, one of the other partners demanded to know “what was the task you were working on?”
I explained that I was helping a woman with directions and the partner got really cranky and passive aggressive about how there was a ton of food and drinks and I abandoned them and they could have really used my help.
Turns out the woman outside hadn’t bought anything yet (though she did later) but the partner also complained to the SSV and has been upset for the rest of the shift.
I feel like with the whole “customers are the most important” mentality that Starbucks has, I did the right thing but should I have acted differently?
TLDR: was engaged in conversation that resulted in my absence for about 10 minutes or longer. The store was already very slow but there was only partner on bar. Partner is angry that I abandoned them. Should I have done otherwise?
TLDR at bottom
It had been a pretty slow time. Couple customers here and there but mostly winding down before closing.
There were only three partners working at the time, which is the usual number for that time of night. There was one partner on bar/register/warning, the SSV who was on lunch, and me who was cleaning and was around to help if things got busy.
I was cleaning the patio and one of the people out there asked me to help them find a hotel nearby and then write down the directions. I did but between her chattiness and the actual help, I was gone for about 10 minutes. Maybe longer. Worth noting that I was clearly visible from inside the store so anyone looking out would see me sitting with the customer.
When I came back in, one of the other partners demanded to know “what was the task you were working on?”
I explained that I was helping a woman with directions and the partner got really cranky and passive aggressive about how there was a ton of food and drinks and I abandoned them and they could have really used my help.
Turns out the woman outside hadn’t bought anything yet (though she did later) but the partner also complained to the SSV and has been upset for the rest of the shift.
I feel like with the whole “customers are the most important” mentality that Starbucks has, I did the right thing but should I have acted differently?
TLDR: was engaged in conversation that resulted in my absence for about 10 minutes or longer. The store was already very slow but there was only partner on bar. Partner is angry that I abandoned them. Should I have done otherwise?
pinkjortz 6 points 1y ago
I personally think you did the right thing, though I can understand the partner’s frustration as well. It can be heard to politely leave a conversation with someone, and Starbucks is meant to be a “third place.” If someone brings it up again, just repeat that you were helping someone while cleaning the patio, since you were.
ilovejimin 1 points 1y ago
ive searched stuff on the internet/ directions for customers but tbh i think 10 minutes is a long time so it’s understandable for ur partner to have gotten upset. they were the only person on the floor and to them it probably looked like u were just sitting outside chatting (which technically is true). it’s great that u helped that customer but maybe you could just check in next time. though i know customers can go on and not know when to stop talking too. it’s just a tough situation but don’t sweat it
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