Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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What do you say to a customer who blames their drink price going up on our (eventual) raise? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by Independent-Ear9140
Today a customer got upset with me because a venti pike went up to $3.45 in my area. Although I’m a 233 and I’ve been dealing with this every launch, I was taken aback by this customer saying I didn’t deserve $15 an hour for “pouring hot water through beans”. Am I bitter or would that make you mad? Idk man I’m tired lol
adventurelyfe 397 points 1y ago
“Even at 15 an hour I’m living at poverty levels and can’t afford the cup of coffee im pouring for you. Have a good day”
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 139 points 1y ago
period 😌I’m also in graduate school so I’m about 50k in debt so I love that for me
ABVDRICEBV 16 points 1y ago
I’d hit em with that one. “Here’s the tip jar, you’re helping me get through graduate school.”
greenChainsaws 6 points 1y ago
haha cries in regular barista who get 12/hr
Hot-Froyo 321 points 1y ago
“Our CEO got a 39% raise”
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 59 points 1y ago
LMFAOOOO
purseEffphony 24 points 1y ago
^^this!!
grieveslife 163 points 1y ago
You have every right to be upset at comments like that. Direct them to the whole bean coffee and let them know they might find the savings they’re looking for by brewing it at home themselves…in the most polite way possible. That will fix both your problems.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 53 points 1y ago
thank you for that recommendation!! I was trying to process what this man just said to me I didn’t think about the fact that he could just brew it at home :/
Seriously_jst_4real 32 points 1y ago
Yeah, if you would like to enjoy Starbucks coffee prepared in your home you will be pocketing the savings everytime. However I and my fellow co-workers do more than just brew coffee, and inorder to retain their trained employees our corporate overlords have recognized that increasing our pay, increases their chances of keeping a well trained and properly staffed store.
But under pressure, I'd never think of that.
But under pressure, I'd never think of that.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 19 points 1y ago
honestly I tend to jumble my words when I’m upset so I don’t think I could say this but HOPEFULLY someone more quick witted will read this and it will help them <3
diphenhydranautical 14 points 1y ago
lol if i had the balls i’d go grab a bag of beans, mark it out for myself, and gift it to them🥰
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 14 points 1y ago
SAME I wish but I literally cry when someone slightly raises their voice at me :,)
rosebudftw 11 points 1y ago
im pretty sure there’s something wrong w me bc i start shaking so bad and people think i’m scared but it’s really me trying to control myself lol
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
nothing wrong with you at all! I get the same way and have to take some deep breaths! although I let people get to me all the time try not to listen to people like this
diphenhydranautical 6 points 1y ago
yeah me too, i would’ve just froze if someone said that to me🥲 i’m so sorry they said that!
[deleted] 91 points 1y ago
"If you can't afford the drink you should've just gotten a better job"
imeanitpeanut 30 points 1y ago
Or: “we’re hiring!”
I used this on someone who was really rude about telling me how to do my job, but it could work here too.
I used this on someone who was really rude about telling me how to do my job, but it could work here too.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 20 points 1y ago
I’m using this from now on thank u
purseEffphony 9 points 1y ago
Im going to put this in my library of retorts. For when Im especially feeling feisty.
interyx 67 points 1y ago
"Yeah man they don't even tell us prices are going up. We just come in and start ringing and everything is more expensive. It's crazy, I tell you if I didn't work here I couldn't afford it. Tell you what, call that customer service line and let them know what you think. They listen to you more than they listen to me."
Take their side and it totally pops their argument.
Take their side and it totally pops their argument.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 9 points 1y ago
so smart! I’ll try this next time, thank you!!
ilholtstilin 3 points 1y ago
That is eerily close to my script for those moments 👍🏻
notrachelmar 61 points 1y ago
i’m a 225 so i completely understand. i don’t love how they’re really upping the prices EVERY launch now. haven’t had anyone get really upset like that yet but i’ve had people roll their eyes at me at the window when i have to explain that the prices went up. our jobs are much more than brewing coffee, i’d just respond with “okay” and carry on with my day. some people are just miserable and want to be rude to service workers even if it results in nothing
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 31 points 1y ago
yeah usually it doesn’t bother me that much because I just figure they’re having a worse day than I am. however, I don’t like when people degrade food service workers. I would like to invite them to work an understaffed Sunday during peak and then have them say that.
kris10vs 9 points 1y ago
I truly believe everyone should work in retail, (food, clothing, grocery etc) for at least 1 year, along with volunteering in high school… no matter your “lot in life” to understand that these jobs are so much more than what you see, we don’t just pour water through beans!!!
notrachelmar 6 points 1y ago
exactly, this job can be extremely stressful at times and people who haven’t worked a job like this just don’t get it. i also try to assume people are just having a really bad day when they’re rude. sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 12 points 1y ago
sometimes old people really do come in looking for a fight
mrcupcake18 6 points 1y ago
While I have not had an interaction like this and I hope I never do. I would have to really make myself respond with “okay” because man that would make me so mad. But yes some people really are just miserable and want to take it out on others.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
I just told him to have a good day and didn’t acknowledge it. he’s a regular so he’ll be back tomorrow to tell me the same thing.
cpv_91 9 points 1y ago
I'm a 117 and with a 2 yr break in there, I opened the café that I work at, in 2004. I have given 16+ years to this company. I loved this company when I started and what it was.. Giving to both the 'partners' and customers, actually being the third place, no blowback (contrary, encouragement) for requesting a shift off to participate in community events and service, giving us time to create a real connection, learning and teaching about coffee, they used to provide t-shirts at every launch, a district picnic every year and other 'small' surprises through out the year to keep everyone motivated. I have really only started dreading this job since covid and all that has brought.
I truly believe KJ has been the downfall of this company. The pervasive corporate greed that runs rampant is nothing short of villainy. The few raises I have seen have all been thwarted by caps and the ridiculous 'bonus' given for the difference has never come close to what I would have made if it would have been added to my pc.
ALL this rant is to say.. I have totally lost any filter I used to have. Don't get me wrong, I have regulars that I have known for as long as this café has been open (18 yrs in March) and I am always straight up honest when asked a question ie.. C: Why were you closed the other day? Me: Oh, covid outbreak or Me: apparently, there was a problem w the opener and they couldn't find another shift to get up early - - - You get the jist, I don't tow the corporate line. So when a customer gives me shit about an increase I respond with "you are welcome to call 1-800-STARBUCKS and express your displeasure as none of that money makes it to my paycheck. Thank you and Have a great day."
I truly believe KJ has been the downfall of this company. The pervasive corporate greed that runs rampant is nothing short of villainy. The few raises I have seen have all been thwarted by caps and the ridiculous 'bonus' given for the difference has never come close to what I would have made if it would have been added to my pc.
ALL this rant is to say.. I have totally lost any filter I used to have. Don't get me wrong, I have regulars that I have known for as long as this café has been open (18 yrs in March) and I am always straight up honest when asked a question ie.. C: Why were you closed the other day? Me: Oh, covid outbreak or Me: apparently, there was a problem w the opener and they couldn't find another shift to get up early - - - You get the jist, I don't tow the corporate line. So when a customer gives me shit about an increase I respond with "you are welcome to call 1-800-STARBUCKS and express your displeasure as none of that money makes it to my paycheck. Thank you and Have a great day."
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
I agree. I caught the end of Howard leaving and ever since then it’s gone downhill. I love my coworkers and I love making drinks but I’m really tired of getting treated like I don’t matter. I’m a social work student and most of my clients at my internship behave better than our customers. This whole “make the moment right!“ thing is definitely something customers take advantage of and treat us like shit. I’ve seen a 40 year old woman cuss out a 19 year old until she cried…like it’s just so intolerable.
Random-Brunette 2 points 1y ago
You could always practice a line like "your continued patronage pays my wages so I chose to believe you don't actually think that." I don't know. In my old age I've gotten more able go be snarky with customers but years ago I'd have been terrified. I also only manage a snarky comeback after practicing in my head, though.
happybowlita83 46 points 1y ago
My response to regulars who complain about it is always "I know, thats why I make my coffee at home on my days off. I CAN'T afford to pay $10 for my coffee every day even with my discount! See you tomorrow!" They dont realize starbucks coffee is a luxury we can only afford because we get free drinks during our shifts...
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
this is so smart omg!!!
Accomplished-Bad3856 31 points 1y ago
If you want coffee with no baristas, they have it at the gas station. You’re welcome.
Also, you should really start your own coffee business and pay people what they’re worth. 🙄
Also, you should really start your own coffee business and pay people what they’re worth. 🙄
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 5 points 1y ago
you’re right and you should say it!!!!!
defendpoppunk77 18 points 1y ago
Then they don’t need to pay those prices and they can go somewhere else. If it’s just hot water through beans it shouldn’t matter.
purseEffphony 16 points 1y ago
Those decisions about pricing and hourly wages are made well above my paygrade. Cold stare.
If they persist sorry you dont think im worthy of having a roof over my head and food on my table other than when Im here serving you. **Slam window shut **Ignore** try not to accidentally spill drink into their car.
If they persist sorry you dont think im worthy of having a roof over my head and food on my table other than when Im here serving you. **Slam window shut **Ignore** try not to accidentally spill drink into their car.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 10 points 1y ago
right!!! I am just trying to eat, pay my bills, and go to school but I guess I can go fuck myself <3
purseEffphony 2 points 1y ago
Right - most people are awesome and ofhers just insist on being assholes. You can have a rough day and still be kind to the person serving you or gracious when someone makes mistakes.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
right- I would never go to another restaurant and be rude because someone else was rude to me :(. You can really tell who has worked in the service industry and who hasn’t
vwar00 14 points 1y ago
Id be like you are right I don't deserve 15 an hour I deserve more for having to deal with people like you. The funny thing is that guy wouldn't last a week at the bux if he thinks that's all we do.
spookyboi13 14 points 1y ago
Those are the moments where I like to pretend I didn't hear what they say and ask them to repeat themselves a little bit louder
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 6 points 1y ago
yeah I’ll ask him tomorrow when he comes back 🙄
Dustwitch93 14 points 1y ago
I'd say "my raise is less than inflation and anything more is paired with my hours being cut. I might even make less once it goes through unless we unionize. It's a pr stunt, not a benefit."
luvduvbunny 12 points 1y ago
I told a couple of customers that this is a sign that you need to go to a DIFFERENT coffee store. You can get the same drink for nearly 1/2 the price at the store down the street. I have no problems telling customers there are cheaper stores for better quality.
lily-amber 11 points 1y ago
Freaking tell them the coffees at their local gas stations will better fit their budget if they’re unhappy.
TwoToneIndigo 10 points 1y ago
You can kindly remind them that you work at a coffee specialty shop and undergo weeks of training to deal with moody and sometimes aweful customers. if their interest is cheap coffee McDonalds and Dunkin are good for it.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 8 points 1y ago
he’s a regular and has already left for two weeks in “protest” to panera and none of us cared lol
TwoToneIndigo 6 points 1y ago
Hes back for a reason. Either to bother the staff, or because panera wasnt good enough. Regardless, id be petty until he realizes one less customer during rush sounds pretty fucking good.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
he has always yelled at us for something. one time it was because we don’t control the playlists and he needs jazz music to play at ALL times… I despise this man
heytherecomputer 1 points 1y ago
I’d just be like “(In the sweetest voice possible) I’m sorry we’re not living up to your standards. I hope you have more luck at other stores!”
RawkusAurelius 9 points 1y ago
Unionize so you and your coworkers can collectively decide to refuse service to people who straight up tell you they don't think you deserve a dignified existence.
Ressy234 7 points 1y ago
I’m a 238 and I feel you. Starbucks could afford to give everyone a 5000 bonus and still have over a billion left over. Love America and capitalism;]
francescugh 5 points 1y ago
make it yourself then. fuck.
ravenousbloodunicorn 5 points 1y ago
“maybe if your job paid you more, you wouldn’t be complaining”
ShannyES 4 points 1y ago
I’d stare at him. Holding his coffee. And say “we’re hiring”. ☺️
kirari_moroboshi 4 points 1y ago
one of my ssv's once got asked this and replied "if you come and work here you could get it for free" lmao
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
tell them they’re a legend
sholbyy 4 points 1y ago
“Thanks for spending your money here!” 😀😀😀
BabeLincoln420 4 points 1y ago
i say “god forbid the billion dollar company that gave its ceo a raise and made over 1.5 B in revenue last year pay its employees more, but sure that price raise is our fault”
Assiqtaq 4 points 1y ago
They can pour their own hot water at home, and prices have risen far higher than wages. Correlation does not equal causation. Prices have risen in years when wages have not, the opposite is not true.
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
yeah honestly if it’s just pouring hot water through beans he can SURELY do it at home
bedroomwitxh 3 points 1y ago
I had the exact opposite interaction. I had a customer who was actually upset because the price of their drinks went up, but our wages did not. They were confused as to where their money is going if we’re not being paid sufficiently… made me happy to see a customer who saw me as a human being
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
these are the best customers 🥺
joshberry777 3 points 1y ago
"My hours were cut to meet the 'raise' we were given, so really I didn't get a raise. You're just paying more for coffee and corporate made more money, which is outside of my jurisdiction. Not to mention, we're expected to operate at the same capacity during an employment shortage. What do you want me to do about it?"
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
WORD, I went from 35 hours to 19 :,). People just don’t give any credit to us it’s so annoying
[deleted] 3 points 1y ago
"Sir if I was in charge of changing the prices you wouldn't be talking to me right now."
Sisyphus291 3 points 1y ago
“The problem is you obviously didn’t deserve enough in life to be able to afford $3 for a coffee!!!”
SeparateAd3473 3 points 1y ago
Last week I was on window for the first time in a long time and someone complained and just said “yeah I’m sorry they’re raising them every launch and the prices are raising” I was blunt. Yeah sorry they’re different I don’t make the prices. If someone tells me I don’t deserve the money I’ll probably say ok! Have a nice day. And close the window 🤦🏻♀️ I know I’m working harder than they are especially since a lot of the people complaining seem to be very entitled privileged people or people who look like they’ve retired and are completely out of touch with a workplace.
elodieme1 2 points 1y ago
"I hear dunkin doesn't pay as much, maybe their price is cheaper"
greenChainsaws 2 points 1y ago
say that it cost sbux 2% of their income to give us a rediculously low raise and that sbux doesnt pay u enough 2 justify the price change or the customers bs
Dzfranken 2 points 1y ago
How about the weather we're having, eh?
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
[deleted]
madisonla 2 points 1y ago
After a long day of work I would’ve DEFINITELY needed to walk away from that
Downtown_Asparagus71 2 points 1y ago
Point out CEO got 14$ mill and we got our hours cut
Tolkienside 2 points 1y ago
Or how about they blame Starbucks' execs and CEO for soaking up millions in salaries and bonuses.
Prices are set by them. They could choose to pay their workers better AND not raise prices, but they choose their money bags instead.
I wish more people understood that. There's no sense in blaming workers for the decisions of executives.
Prices are set by them. They could choose to pay their workers better AND not raise prices, but they choose their money bags instead.
I wish more people understood that. There's no sense in blaming workers for the decisions of executives.
iamrayamichelle 2 points 1y ago
i make approximately .001 of the ceo’s income. i don’t think it’s my raise that’s causing problems 🙃
Aware-Vehicle1926 2 points 1y ago
I’d say go make it at home then…
1_Just_Trying 2 points 1y ago
What’s 233? Is that the first few digits of your partner number? Is that what you meant?
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
yep! just means I’ve been there for 5 years :)
kurokurokii 1 points 1y ago
“If you truly believe that we only pour hot water through beans then a much cheaper option would be to buy a bag of coffee and make it yourself at home so you don’t spend as much on people who don’t deserve $15 an hour” That’s my gut reaction though
ihateyousoymatcha 1 points 1y ago
"You're welcome to apply and see if you're worth it either. At this point I can barely afford my groceries. Hey, what do you do for work and how much do you make an hour?"
New-Cartoonist-3140 1 points 1y ago
I beat them to the punch, a customer seemed annoyed by the increase more because the amount it had increased. So I merely said “Starbucks and all its billions needs your help to increase my pay”
_circuts 1 points 1y ago
I hope they got grounds in their coffee. That shit boils my beans dude.
If that's how you feel boil your own water and pour it through your own beans. Hell, buy a keurig, I've seen like 10 at the goodwill near me keep your raggedy $3.45 I'm only getting a cent (if that) from it anyways.
If that's how you feel boil your own water and pour it through your own beans. Hell, buy a keurig, I've seen like 10 at the goodwill near me keep your raggedy $3.45 I'm only getting a cent (if that) from it anyways.
nupprince 1 points 1y ago
When this happened to me I’d said “I’m also annoyed about the prices (ms/mrs) I wish I could make everything at a better price” normally they say one last thing about it then leave
fawnaluna 1 points 1y ago
i always tell them that with every new launch our prices change, and then joke with them about how im not happy about it either. as much as id like to play happy go lucky barista it helps when you humanize yourself with your customers so they dont act like its your fault. and if they still try and blame it on you hit em with the “ma’am i just work here 😐”
Kayp22296 1 points 1y ago
I would decaf him every other time I saw him ngl
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
my store doesn’t brew decaf because we don’t sell enough :((((
Kayp22296 2 points 1y ago
I think it would be fair to be short with him when you see him. He doesn’t need kindness if he thinks you don’t deserve a livable wage
Improvmomolyfe 1 points 1y ago
Eventual raise?
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
we are supposed to get up to $15/hr by this summer. many of us haven’t gotten a raise besides the typical January raise.
Interesting-Shame126 1 points 1y ago
tell them miniywahe went up LMFAO
realnewtgeiszler 1 points 1y ago
"Actually, I'm getting paid $15 an hour because I have to serve people like you, who have no respect for other humans, with respect you don't deserve. If we're being technical here." or if I'm really not wanting to deal with them, hitting them with the "The CEO got a 22 million dollar raise" usually keeps things civil
realnewtgeiszler 1 points 1y ago
"Actually, I'm getting paid $15 an hour because I have to serve people like you, who have no respect for other humans, with respect you don't deserve. If we're being technical here."
Internal-Ad-8820 1 points 1y ago
That their drink price has more to do with corporate being greedy and not wanting to take less than they make, and are instead making baristas the villains
Legitimate-Back-822 1 points 1y ago
I would be mad and give them less pike
Independent-Ear9140 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
pike itself is already a punishment 🤢🤮
catbeetle 1 points 1y ago
I just state at them and shrug tbh I don’t feel like I should have to explain a price raise that’s common knowledge. It feels like they just want me to say it so they can get upset
Yannieegee 1 points 1y ago
If we don’t “deserve the money” then why do they still show up???
chellichelli 1 points 1y ago
Tell them if it’s so easy they should do it at home.
TheycallmeV_ 1 points 1y ago
That's just ignorant. It's frustrating and I understand. But half of the population of the earth is dumber than average. We have to learn to live with people that don't necessarily think like we do
nerdyoats 1 points 1y ago
"I'm sorry that my needing to pay for rent and be able to live in a world where human life is no longer valued if you don't have money is an inconvenience for you."
Affectionate_Fart 1 points 1y ago
I would say, “if you’re looking for ways to decrease your spending, you can always buy a bag of our roasts! Buying our bagged coffee can save you money and time in the morning, they’re roughly $16/lb, and you’ll save X.XX amount on your daily brew!” (I had someone bitching about how a small pile is $2.90, and wanted to say “you’re still buying it, you could always, you know, not…”) (even dunkin is getting up there in price compared to Sbux…)
VirtualEntrepreneur8 1 points 1y ago
“Oh, you also can’t afford a $4 cup of coffee? Maybe all of America should get a raise.”
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