Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
↑
83
↓
Why do mobile orders frustrate my local barista? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by cheeseburgerandfry
I have started placing my order in the Starbucks app as I leave my driveway in the morning at 550am. The Starbucks I go to is literally right outside my neighborhood and it takes me about a minute to get there.
Twice now I’ve been scolded by the drive thru barista for placing a mobile order. She has told be both times that I essentially arrived to early and I need to follow the advised ready time. There is nobody else in line at this Starbucks at 550am.
The first time she told me this she made it sound like she just didn’t want me to be inconvenienced. “Oh we are finishing your order, it just came in…” I didn’t think anything of it.
Today she said the same thing and I asked “are you telling me not to use the app? To just order at the drive thru?” And she said yes.
Why does she care how the order is placed?
No other barista has commented.
All I’m ordering is coffee with cream and Splenda. Sometimes a sandwich.
Twice now I’ve been scolded by the drive thru barista for placing a mobile order. She has told be both times that I essentially arrived to early and I need to follow the advised ready time. There is nobody else in line at this Starbucks at 550am.
The first time she told me this she made it sound like she just didn’t want me to be inconvenienced. “Oh we are finishing your order, it just came in…” I didn’t think anything of it.
Today she said the same thing and I asked “are you telling me not to use the app? To just order at the drive thru?” And she said yes.
Why does she care how the order is placed?
No other barista has commented.
All I’m ordering is coffee with cream and Splenda. Sometimes a sandwich.
Agreeable-Shock7306 350 points 11m ago
I saw the other replies and I’m not going to continue to state what’s already been said. You can still place a mobile order — just do it as you’re getting dressed or about 3-5 minutes earlier than you leaving your driveway.
Tdawwg78 308 points 11m ago
District managers and store managers pressure shift supervisors who pressure baristas to have good drive thru times. When you place the order and arrive early (or almost immediately after placing it), it means you are sitting by the window longer than necessary while we make your drink and you wait.
Sure, if you had placed the order at the speaker the wait would probably be similar from your perspective , but if you came to pick up your mobile when the app says it will be ready instead of immediately after placing it, it will give us a quick boost in our average “out the window” time.
Also, some customers will do this during a busy time as well, and that makes it worse because we have to fidget through stickers and expedite their order making others in cafe wait longer or have them ruin our times.
If you were seeing a completely dead drive thru and there are others in cafe waiting for their orders, we would have to do the same, expedite your order making them wait longer or suffer long drive thru times.
Even if your actions affect the store minimally at that early hour, it’s good practice not to mobile order and immediately show up at the speaker.
Ordering warmed food can also cause a backlog especially if there are others in cafe ordering food. The stickers for food and beverages get printed in different areas.
Sure, if you had placed the order at the speaker the wait would probably be similar from your perspective , but if you came to pick up your mobile when the app says it will be ready instead of immediately after placing it, it will give us a quick boost in our average “out the window” time.
Also, some customers will do this during a busy time as well, and that makes it worse because we have to fidget through stickers and expedite their order making others in cafe wait longer or have them ruin our times.
If you were seeing a completely dead drive thru and there are others in cafe waiting for their orders, we would have to do the same, expedite your order making them wait longer or suffer long drive thru times.
Even if your actions affect the store minimally at that early hour, it’s good practice not to mobile order and immediately show up at the speaker.
Ordering warmed food can also cause a backlog especially if there are others in cafe ordering food. The stickers for food and beverages get printed in different areas.
cheeseburgerandfry [OP] 74 points 11m ago
Got it, makes sense. Thanks!
alphabet_order_bot 114 points 11m ago
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.
I have checked 949,313,491 comments, and only 189,250 of them were in alphabetical order.
I have checked 949,313,491 comments, and only 189,250 of them were in alphabetical order.
Playful_Sector 31 points 11m ago
Bot good
misscerh 17 points 11m ago
Good bot
Kivic 9 points 11m ago
Got It, makes sense. Thanks!
cuseisalive 0 points 11m ago
Got it, makes sense. thank you
sweatshirtsweatpants 1 points 11m ago
Yes, 💯on drive thru times. There is pressure to keep them under 30 seconds. Waiting at the window for your birthday order adds time to drive thru times. Or the barista could say, “please park up front and we’ll meet you with your orders” if you’re early.
Enkeria92 -11 points 11m ago
I mean yeah, but peak doesn’t start until 7 am and that’s usually what they care about the most.
dylsWRLD740 10 points 11m ago
it’s easier to have a good peak when you can start off already below benchmark
Enkeria92 -8 points 11m ago
But the time resets at 7 am 😂 there’s a reason there’s supposed to be at least 6 people during peak
dylsWRLD740 7 points 11m ago
at LEAST 6? i consistently run 5 man peaks at my store that must be nice
highspeed06 199 points 11m ago
it often takes a couple minutes for the sticker to even get to our printers and if it’s busy inside then another couple minutes for us to make your order.
if it’s not busy in the drive through, we start making your order as soon as you say it, before you are even told the total.
If you come through with a mobile that was just placed, we often have to hunt through our tickets to prioritize your order which only causes a delay for you and messed up the rhythm of our baristas.
TBH, it’s not a super big deal when it’s not busy, and baristas shouldn’t be rude about it, but it is harder to deal with. If someone came through everyday and did that i’d probably explain to them why it’s better to just order in the drive through.
Otherwise, just place your order a couple minutes earlier, perhaps just before you go out to your car. just give us enough time to get your order ready so you aren’t having to wait at the window, which hurts us.
if it’s not busy in the drive through, we start making your order as soon as you say it, before you are even told the total.
If you come through with a mobile that was just placed, we often have to hunt through our tickets to prioritize your order which only causes a delay for you and messed up the rhythm of our baristas.
TBH, it’s not a super big deal when it’s not busy, and baristas shouldn’t be rude about it, but it is harder to deal with. If someone came through everyday and did that i’d probably explain to them why it’s better to just order in the drive through.
Otherwise, just place your order a couple minutes earlier, perhaps just before you go out to your car. just give us enough time to get your order ready so you aren’t having to wait at the window, which hurts us.
CasuallyLee 169 points 11m ago
As a barista it frustrates me with the lack of common sense. If you just placed it, why would you expect it to be ready within a minute? If there are no other cars in the drive thru at the time you go, why not just order at the speaker? You’re not the only person that places mobiles. When you show up without giving us time to make the order, we have to stop what we’re doing, find your order, which delays cafe/ mobile bar, and puts us behind because mobiles are non stop at our store. So there could be 10 people ahead of you even if it seems like we’re not busy. Then we get scolded by management for delayed window times when it’s out of our control.
zydr8te 46 points 11m ago
So much this. Mobile orders aren't prioritized over other orders. it jus helps expedite the payment process for you.
Apprehensive-You5261 3 points 11m ago
thank you!!! Our manager and shifts at my store consistently tells us not to prioritise mobiles. Sometimes we only have 4 people on at peak because we’re understaffed we can’t do it all
lilminch 26 points 11m ago
I think for some people (not specifically saying the OP) but there is definitely a mental disconnect when it comes to mobile ordering. It's like there's a layer of separation. When we take orders in person, we are asking them "what can we make for you?" so people are more likely to think about the process of an actual person making their drink.
For a lot of mobile orderers, that lack of in-person contact makes them more likely to assume when they place the order, it's just instantly ready to go. That's why so many people will pull up and say "I have a mobile order" and act shocked when you ask for their name. They aren't thinking about the whole process.
Again, most people aren't really like this, but for people who haven't worked customer service jobs before, they just don't really get it.
For a lot of mobile orderers, that lack of in-person contact makes them more likely to assume when they place the order, it's just instantly ready to go. That's why so many people will pull up and say "I have a mobile order" and act shocked when you ask for their name. They aren't thinking about the whole process.
Again, most people aren't really like this, but for people who haven't worked customer service jobs before, they just don't really get it.
streetratroadie 11 points 11m ago
When people drive past the speaker and show up at the window like “I have a mobile 💁🏻♀️” like ok… for who and why didn’t you stop to let us know?
The disconnect is real.
The disconnect is real.
sweatshirtsweatpants 1 points 11m ago
YESSSS 💯
ontether 1 points 11m ago
I don’t think anyone really expects it to be done that quickly (ok never mind there are) but I think it’s that no one sees the harm in being early.
streetratroadie 3 points 11m ago
Unfortunately most people don’t care or don’t understand how food service/numbers works unless they’ve worked in it. 😞
fuwaldah 101 points 11m ago
It's impossible to tell if she's being rude or if you are overly sensitive.
"We are just finishing your order" does not sound rude to me.
"We are just finishing your order" does not sound rude to me.
trousersquid 11 points 11m ago
Tone is a big factor. Sometimes I'll tell folks that because I want them to know it's super fresh! I've heard folks use it like a scolding though, like "okay, chill, it just came through, we'll get to it when we can" kind of tone.
IcyColdBrew 9 points 11m ago
But they do need to chill for real! Instant gratification does not build good character or common sense!
Responsible_Snow7109 85 points 11m ago
Her saying "we are finishing ur order...it just came in" is not rude. Shes just informing u that its not ready and that its almost done. If shes said that to u more than once, it doesnt mean mobile orders frustrate them, shes just telling u its not ready if u show up earlier than the app says to.
But she said "we are finishing ur order...it just came in" ......how are u getting "are u telling me not to use the app?" from that? ...and her saying yes to ur question about if u should order at the drive thru, idk the context to all that and what was said. Im guna assume she didnt just say "yes" and thats it. She had to have explained to u that its because its not ready when ur showing up early on more than one occasion so ordering at drive thru would be quicker because they start making ur drinks right away. Thats why the employees at drive thrus wear headsets. But if u go there and u dont see anyone in the drive thru, doesnt mean theyre not busy. Going there that early, they may have opened up not long prior and still are doing opening tasks or could have a bunch of mobile or in-store orders theyre working on. I dont think she was being rude because theres more to the conversation obviously like some context that we dont know about.
But she said "we are finishing ur order...it just came in" ......how are u getting "are u telling me not to use the app?" from that? ...and her saying yes to ur question about if u should order at the drive thru, idk the context to all that and what was said. Im guna assume she didnt just say "yes" and thats it. She had to have explained to u that its because its not ready when ur showing up early on more than one occasion so ordering at drive thru would be quicker because they start making ur drinks right away. Thats why the employees at drive thrus wear headsets. But if u go there and u dont see anyone in the drive thru, doesnt mean theyre not busy. Going there that early, they may have opened up not long prior and still are doing opening tasks or could have a bunch of mobile or in-store orders theyre working on. I dont think she was being rude because theres more to the conversation obviously like some context that we dont know about.
AcceptableJump7088 62 points 11m ago
Coming from a morning opener, it’s a little aggravating when you just place an order and come thru. Not only is there a possibility that there’s other mobile orders but there’s usually only 2-3 people on the floor. They’re trying to prep for the day, clean, finishing opening etc. it also takes a while for tickets to come through sometimes! I’m sure it can get aggravating for you too! As one the purposes of mobile ordering is to not wait but you still have to wait cause they haven’t started on it.
TLDR: just give them a little more time. Order when you’re getting ready or at least give them a minimum of 5 minutes. Goodluck :)
TLDR: just give them a little more time. Order when you’re getting ready or at least give them a minimum of 5 minutes. Goodluck :)
badatlife15 18 points 11m ago
This!! I’m also an opener/early morning. At my store, it’s usually one person doing all of drive and all bar, so while the drive thru line might not be busy, it’s quite possible the barista is then playing catch up to do mobiles and/or making preps and getting things ready for it to become busier. It’s super easy to have it go from no drinks to be made go try and grab a few things to all of a sudden having multiple mobile orders and then get drive thru customers. And to the OP, even if you weren’t rude or upset that the items weren’t ready right away, we are conditioned to have people mad at us if their mobile orders aren’t ready right when they arrive, so we try to make sure people are giving themselves enough time so everyone is satisfied.
sweatshirtsweatpants 1 points 11m ago
YES! 💯 is former morning opener, too !
3aTroop 57 points 11m ago
Turn your Starbucks notifications on so you’ll be alerted to when it is ready. An eta is obviously just an “estimate” when it should be done. Just because there is nobody in the line doesn’t mean we are not doing anything.
trousersquid 30 points 11m ago
Eh, not all stores can update when it's ready. Our system hasn't worked in ages to let us do that.
puttybutty 54 points 11m ago
OK but how did a customer get into this subreddit?
[deleted] 9 points 11m ago
My thoughts exactly😂
HappyBarista 47 points 11m ago
First off, I’m sorry your experience was anything besides pleasant. Hopefully I can help.
I wouldn’t tell you not to use the app. For your situation I would say “Is it possible for you to place your order a couple min earlier next time?”
Corporate is super strict on us about how quickly we can get customers through the drive through. We’re supposed to be taking the order at the speaker box in 30 seconds or less. We’re supposed to be cashing out and giving you everything at the window in 45 seconds or less. This has become a huge priority. At the same time, we are also supposed to be making “customer connections” with every customer in the drive through. We receive a score based on surveys filled out by customers. At my store both of those numbers (drive times and customer connection score) are printed out and posted every week. In our meetings that’s all we hear about, every single time. I can only assume that was the reason why they said that. Again, I would just ask you to place your order a little earlier so we have a few more min to get it ready. That way we have it when you pull up and we can get you on your way quickly. I truly hope this helps.
I wouldn’t tell you not to use the app. For your situation I would say “Is it possible for you to place your order a couple min earlier next time?”
Corporate is super strict on us about how quickly we can get customers through the drive through. We’re supposed to be taking the order at the speaker box in 30 seconds or less. We’re supposed to be cashing out and giving you everything at the window in 45 seconds or less. This has become a huge priority. At the same time, we are also supposed to be making “customer connections” with every customer in the drive through. We receive a score based on surveys filled out by customers. At my store both of those numbers (drive times and customer connection score) are printed out and posted every week. In our meetings that’s all we hear about, every single time. I can only assume that was the reason why they said that. Again, I would just ask you to place your order a little earlier so we have a few more min to get it ready. That way we have it when you pull up and we can get you on your way quickly. I truly hope this helps.
cheeseburgerandfry [OP] 19 points 11m ago
Yeah I mean that’s basically how she said it! I just didn’t understand why. But it makes sense. I’ll just order at the drive thru from now on.
I started doing this bc it usually had a better success rate in getting the order right. Can’t tell you how many times they forget the Splenda or the cream. And that drives me crazy!
I started doing this bc it usually had a better success rate in getting the order right. Can’t tell you how many times they forget the Splenda or the cream. And that drives me crazy!
taralyy 46 points 11m ago
you can still order one the app! just give them a bit more time before you pick it up!
HappyBarista 9 points 11m ago
It’s pretty concerning that if they aren’t busy that they would forget about something as simple as adding cream and Splenda to a coffee. I can tell you that if you order at the store you can ask for the cream and Splenda on the side. That way you can see they gave it to you. I know that would mean you have to put it in but at least you know you have it. Just an option.
writingqueen22 30 points 11m ago
Your drinks are being made by human beings, not robots. You need to give them time to make your order. Of course they’re annoyed with you! They have to get you out of their drive thru in 45 seconds or less. Some people have never worked fast food and it shows… be more patient with your baristas.
cheeseburgerandfry [OP] -47 points 11m ago
I wasn’t impatient! I never made any comment about the speed. But she took a considerable amount of her time to tell me I shouldn’t order through the app unless I was going to wait until the ETA to arrive. She never explained the whole “managers want us to move people through the drive thru in 45 seconds” aspect of this whole thing. Or the fact that the mobile orders may be piling up or complicating the order of orders. She just made it sound like it was a major inconvenience to her and I was a bad customer. I didn’t do anything!
Responsible_Snow7109 13 points 11m ago
>She never explained the whole “managers want us to move people through the drive thru in 45 seconds” aspect of this whole thing. Or the fact that the mobile orders may be piling up or complicating the order of orders. She just made it sound like it was a major inconvenience to her and I was a bad customer.
U said she didnt explain all those things and made it seem like it was a major inconvenience. If she did mention all those things, then maybe it would make it seem like that so thats why she didnt. Shes not guna sit there and unload all that on a customer and complain about it. And the last part where u said "she just made it sound like it was a major inconvenience to her and i was a bad customer"......i think ur taking it very personal. She didnt tell u not to mobile order. U said she told u that she they were finishing up ur order since it just came in and the question u asked her after that was just abrupt because shes quite literally just telling u that theyre finishing up ur order since it just came in so that ur not left wondering whats going on. Then she tried to help u and all parties involved to save more time by telling u that drive thru ordering will probably be better for u. Because if ur showing up early multiple times before ur order is ready then shes just giving u another option because if u mobile order, it falls into a different queue of orders versus drive thru and in store ordering. Drive thru is priority since customer is right there at the window and drive-thru is meant to be faster. The second next priority is in store ordering and then mobile is last cuz they dont expect u to show up like less than 5 minutes later. I really think ur taking it personal. She wasnt rude. When people order in store and afe waiting a certain amount of time, i always tell them "Jane ur drink will be right out. Im just finishing up on it. We just got a little backed up" and theyre fine with it and more at ease cuz at least they know whats goin on with their order. Thats what ur barista was doing when they told u theyre finishing it up since they just got it in
U said she didnt explain all those things and made it seem like it was a major inconvenience. If she did mention all those things, then maybe it would make it seem like that so thats why she didnt. Shes not guna sit there and unload all that on a customer and complain about it. And the last part where u said "she just made it sound like it was a major inconvenience to her and i was a bad customer"......i think ur taking it very personal. She didnt tell u not to mobile order. U said she told u that she they were finishing up ur order since it just came in and the question u asked her after that was just abrupt because shes quite literally just telling u that theyre finishing up ur order since it just came in so that ur not left wondering whats going on. Then she tried to help u and all parties involved to save more time by telling u that drive thru ordering will probably be better for u. Because if ur showing up early multiple times before ur order is ready then shes just giving u another option because if u mobile order, it falls into a different queue of orders versus drive thru and in store ordering. Drive thru is priority since customer is right there at the window and drive-thru is meant to be faster. The second next priority is in store ordering and then mobile is last cuz they dont expect u to show up like less than 5 minutes later. I really think ur taking it personal. She wasnt rude. When people order in store and afe waiting a certain amount of time, i always tell them "Jane ur drink will be right out. Im just finishing up on it. We just got a little backed up" and theyre fine with it and more at ease cuz at least they know whats goin on with their order. Thats what ur barista was doing when they told u theyre finishing it up since they just got it in
ardentAmbivalence 5 points 11m ago
I don't think we're supposed to explain the timing thing to customers, so that may be why she didn't tell you that lol. But I'm also new so that may be wrong. I just know that people like to place orders while they're sitting in the drive through waiting a lot at our store and it messes up our times and our tickets badly. See, the Starbucks ticket system (at least at my store) is kind of wack, and there's only two ways to know someone's mobile order. The first is to pull mobile tickets until you find the name for the order, which then indicates to the manager that we don't need as many employees on the floor, because one person can make 6 drinks (or however many mobile tickets that had to be pulled to find your order) in 60 seconds, and I doubt there is any store where that is true. The second option is for us to ask you your order, which defeats the purpose of mobile ordering. It's not that you yourself are an inconvenience, it's that our mobile ticketing system is like that and that is an inconvenience. We can't see what your order was on the screen, it only says your name. And it takes about 10 minutes for the machine to print your order ticket, so she was probably just annoyed that they had to mess up any mobiles in front of yours, or annoyed that she had to make you wait, or annoyed that they were starting out the day with the times messed up. I doubt she was annoyed at you personally, it just may have seemed that way and I apologize that you experienced that.
kaynist 25 points 11m ago
when you order on the app it literally tells you to allow at least 10 minutes before arriving to pick up ur order. we are not magicians. drinks take at least a minute to make, IF theres no other orders ahead of them. food takes even longer. if your gonna show up right after placing ur order, ur cutting ahead of the other in house orders and mobile orders. its rude. just place the order at drive thru, or wait like you're supposed to.
also, side note, this is a thread for employees, not customers. im not sure why you felt the need to intrude on a community thats not for you to try and get validation for your own wrong doing ????
also, side note, this is a thread for employees, not customers. im not sure why you felt the need to intrude on a community thats not for you to try and get validation for your own wrong doing ????
sweatshirtsweatpants 1 points 11m ago
👏👏👏
Easy_Appointment_828 -4 points 11m ago
he clearly tried to come to a place where he could find baristas in order to politely ask a genuine question. chill out, don’t be rude.
kaynist 4 points 11m ago
op wasnt polite or genuine tho ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ this is a persistent issue with customers and its exhausting. its pretty common sense that an order takes more than a minute to fullfill, and when we ask them to allow us the time that they are literally told to give us when they place a mobile order, somehow we're the ones who are rude?
also, posting it in a community where baristas go in their off hours to find solidarity w other partners? abt this kind of stuff specifically? that doesnt sit right with me at all.
also, posting it in a community where baristas go in their off hours to find solidarity w other partners? abt this kind of stuff specifically? that doesnt sit right with me at all.
Aware-Vehicle1926 19 points 11m ago
It’s literally just coffee… just say you’re okay with waiting two seconds more than usual to get your order in the drive thru. Sometimes it’s only two ppl on the floor rushing around at 5-6am still needing to do opening tasks…
siriushendrix 17 points 11m ago
None of us were trained, or encouraged, to give you a rundown of the corporate pressure. I understand both perspectives a lot. But order it sooner than you leave. My mom and I did coffee stops for four years in high school. It wouldn’t be till I was almost done getting ready that she would order it and even then we lived 5 minutes away. And this goes for all customer service workers, try to see you through their eyes. And then x100 + tasks that need to be done around the store.
Compassion and understanding goes a long way.
Compassion and understanding goes a long way.
sweatshirtsweatpants 2 points 11m ago
💯! Exactly, it’s clear OP has never worked in food service.
Gameb0i6 13 points 11m ago
Cuz we all low key hate the Mobile app.
streetratroadie 6 points 11m ago
Idk what you mean. I love getting a mobile for 6 complicated drinks while our drive thru is getting backed up and mgmt is yelling about what they’re waiting on, and then having to pick sticker by sticker to even know what’s behind the next one. It’s great (nacho libre smile)
Popular-Ad-2954 1 points 11m ago
Your manager is on the floor?! Mines always sitting in the lobby 😂
im-notyoursupervisor 10 points 11m ago
It would probably be way less stressful for the baristas if go inside the store to pick up your coffee instead of going into the drive through.
navkabar 8 points 11m ago
if you only put your mobile in like a minute before arriving at the drive thru, why dont u just order in the drive thru? if youre going to mobile, i'd advise giving baristas the 10 minutes that the app recommends
scmfckwaido 5 points 11m ago
It’s just annoying if u come 2 min after u place it. Many times we have plenty of other orders already in front of urs. I suggest placing it 5-10 min before you think you’ll be there. I always place mine before I leave my house, which is 15 min away, and it’s almost always ready.
I get some ppl just don’t know, bc some fast food places wait until you’ve arrived, but I told a regular to just give us a few more minutes next time before coming to pick up and since then she’s always come a lil bit later so its ready for her.
I get some ppl just don’t know, bc some fast food places wait until you’ve arrived, but I told a regular to just give us a few more minutes next time before coming to pick up and since then she’s always come a lil bit later so its ready for her.
PlantVader 5 points 11m ago
Just know that opening can be stressful when sometimes dealing with cleaning up after night shift and prepping for the morning rush. Their main worry is probably not having it ready when you show up because there isn’t a notification for us that a mobile order comes in.
sweatshirtsweatpants 2 points 11m ago
Yes, 💯 !
bingethinker16 5 points 11m ago
Not sure if this has been commented already
But it may be that the opening baristas prefer Drive Thru because they are running around getting ready for morning rush.
When someone comes thru drive they are notified there's a new customer thru their headset. Versus mobile you won't know until you see the order sticker which might be a few minutes if they're running from back to front.
Technically you should have someone watching bar but sometimes it's a crazy open.
But it may be that the opening baristas prefer Drive Thru because they are running around getting ready for morning rush.
When someone comes thru drive they are notified there's a new customer thru their headset. Versus mobile you won't know until you see the order sticker which might be a few minutes if they're running from back to front.
Technically you should have someone watching bar but sometimes it's a crazy open.
sweatshirtsweatpants 1 points 11m ago
💯
deeciphered 5 points 11m ago
I don't have a problem with mobile orders at all. I find it annoying when people mobile orders and are in the drive thru without giving us time to make the drink.
Generally like 5-10 ish minutes when we're not busy but later in the morning sorta during our rush time closer to 15-20 minutes.
Most stores have two different espresso machines each of which has a ticket printer. At my store we have Bar 1. Which is our drive thru bar. Only gets orders for drive thru.
Our bar 2 is our Cafe/mobile order bar so mobile orders are competing with other people that are coming inside the store as well as any other mobiles that come through.
A lot of the time if you moble order and then get in the drive thru line right after or order in the drive thru line it'd be a lot quicker for you to just order in the drive thru
Its by no means the end of the world its just frustrating when you get a ton of people who place their order in the line and then they pull up to the speaker box and we check our system and have to ask them "is this the order you placed 30 seconds ago"
Not the end of the world but a bit annoying.
Generally like 5-10 ish minutes when we're not busy but later in the morning sorta during our rush time closer to 15-20 minutes.
Most stores have two different espresso machines each of which has a ticket printer. At my store we have Bar 1. Which is our drive thru bar. Only gets orders for drive thru.
Our bar 2 is our Cafe/mobile order bar so mobile orders are competing with other people that are coming inside the store as well as any other mobiles that come through.
A lot of the time if you moble order and then get in the drive thru line right after or order in the drive thru line it'd be a lot quicker for you to just order in the drive thru
Its by no means the end of the world its just frustrating when you get a ton of people who place their order in the line and then they pull up to the speaker box and we check our system and have to ask them "is this the order you placed 30 seconds ago"
Not the end of the world but a bit annoying.
jazzysoranio 4 points 11m ago
It’s frustrating when customers place mobile orders and immediately show up expecting it to be ready. But you’re still a minute away so it’s not like you just placed it and showed up two seconds later. The barista is probably just triggered from that happening so much that they didn’t stop to think about how your specific case isn’t really that inconvenient. Your case doesn’t seem like it should be an issue since you’re mostly just getting one of the easiest and quickest drinks to make. In all honesty, even if you ordered the sandwich it would still be faster than if you were to have ordered it in person in the drive thru.
TRoseee 11 points 11m ago
This isn’t necessarily true because at a store like mine our drive thru may look pretty empty at about 550 but since we open our cafe at 6 our mobiles are OFF THE CHART from like 545 on. We get so many in that fifteen minute time span and while Op drink may be simple it may also mean pulling up to ten or so tickets before I even get to their drink or sandwich would could cause stickers to be lost or drinks to be made out of sequence. It would still effect our entire floor even with an empty drive thru.
evviiieeee 3 points 11m ago
1. this reddit is for baristas, please go to r/starbucks for things like this 2. it severely messes up drive thru times when you’re sitting at the window while your order is being finished. if you’re mobile ordering so soon then yeah, it’s pointless not to just order at the drive thru.
Nya240 3 points 11m ago
If your order is placed at 5:50 don’t expect it be done immediately after it’s placed it goes to the back of the line with other mobiles and cafe orders. I always get “ I just placed a mobile a minute ago, it should be ready! “ no babe it’s behind the other 20 orders too. But I don’t feel bad anymore when they ask why they wait I simply explain that our sticker machine prints cafe, mobile, and delivery orders so if yours appears after 20 other drinks then it will be made after those 20 orders in order
Careless_Ad_3490 3 points 11m ago
Let me clarify so customers understand if you place a mobile place pay attention to the expected ready time. There are also other people placing mobiles and Uber’s that occur you’re not the only one in the queue so it’s like you’re essentially rushing us(baristas). Let your friends know that baristas don’t like this it’s so much easier to just order there if you’re that close we can just make it for you and you’ll be on your way.
sweatshirtsweatpants 2 points 11m ago
💯
olliesbees 3 points 11m ago
at least at my store, mobiles take at least 3 minutes to fully hit our system and print. that also doesn’t include if someone else placed a mobile (or 3) before yours. it’s not necessarily that your order is an inconvenience. it’s the fact of pulling stickers and then being able to start an order!
meowcowmoo 3 points 11m ago
I am an opener and even if there is no one in line we are likely making backup for the day or refilling whatever is missing. Tickets can sometimes take a few minutes to be printed. This is why they have an advised time. Please follow the recommended time frame and order a bit earlier. There is a lot of behind the scenes things going on, especially when we are not busy with customers. The point is we need a few minutes so please give us that at least. And for the love of god don’t roll skip the microphone and just roll up to the window.
happybowlita83 3 points 11m ago
Mobile orders don't frustrate us at all, they're great if you come in at a good time after placing the order. There might be other mobile orders ahead of yours that they were already working on and they have to essentially prioritize and find your order, push it to the front of the line and start it when they finally get to your sticker. So it makes sense that the barista would say it just came in and it's being worked on. As others have and just taste your drink before driving off to ensure it was made right. It allows the barista to make your drink as you're ordering and it'll be ready by the time you reach the window. What you're currently doing is, not to be mean, but selfish; you're in a way cutting someone off. If someone placed a mobile order before you but yours is being made first because you're at the store earlier it might make it so their order isn't ready on time. You wouldn't find it okay if you ordered inside our cafe and someone behind you in line got their order first because they said they had to be somewhere when you also have to be somewhere.
graylikesoap 3 points 11m ago
in total honesty it may be easier on you to order in drive if no one’s there, but it doesn’t even matter. it’s such a simple thing to ask for. but i understand sometimes it takes a minute for an order to print and some people order on the app when they’re in the drive line, so it can be a bit frustrating that they’d expect it to magically be finished just bc they used the app instead of speaking at the box. regardless, it is their job to make it for you and have a positive attitude when interacting with you. and to have such a simple order i can’t understand what they’re asking of you. /:
edit: i’ve seen a bunch of people suggesting to place it a minute or two mins earlier and that may solve the problem entirely tbh
just because it takes a minute to get to the store and print and whatnot
edit: i’ve seen a bunch of people suggesting to place it a minute or two mins earlier and that may solve the problem entirely tbh
just because it takes a minute to get to the store and print and whatnot
RutabagaSoft1973 2 points 11m ago
okay coming from a barista who works the opening shifts every morning. it takes anywhere from 1-7 minutes for a mobile order to actually go through . adding that to the actual time it takes to make your order it comes to about 10 minutes at most. what gets frustrating is there are people who will literally pull up to the speaker and place a mobile order and it will hold our dt up. not saying they were in the right but at the same time opens are stressful. just try placing it a little earlier and maybe tip them even if it’s just a dollar but every little thing helps.
sweatshirtsweatpants 2 points 11m ago
You are arriving too early. Try to see it from the barista’s perspective. Working at Starbucks at the retail level is very hard. Most people couldn’t do this job. If it’s a high volume store, chances are there a lot of mobile orders coming in addition to yours. Baristas aren’t machines and the tickets are made in order in which they are received. I would either just order thru the drive thru since there is no line or place the mobile order 15 minutes early, not as you are about to leave the driveway and you’re a minute away. Or you could make your own coffee at home to save money (sorry I had to go there).
floofxs2 2 points 11m ago
Sometimes in the morning I was solo in the front and mobiles I didn’t see as fast, or sometimes I had to prioritize Drive thru/cafe orders with the assumption mobile orders would arrive later (when have to queue these type of things without a second barista it’s just the typical route). I might say nicely “sorry i just received your mobile order but I’ll get it started for you now”… I understand her line of thought if she’s nice about it, but you do what works for you. We had a regular who would order like 8 sandwiches and a bunch of pastries on mobile a couple times a week and come to the drive thru 30 seconds later - every time. It was so annoying that it was funny. I still never said anything rude about it though.
Sad_Artist8253 2 points 11m ago
You can still place the mobile order but at least wait 10 mins before leaving your house to give the barista time to make your order it will only make them pissy if you come 1 minute after placing your order. I know because I’m a barista and I get made sometimes when customers do this but I would never yell or be rude at the customers
strangechatter 2 points 11m ago
It is quicker for you and us if you place the order about 3-5 minutes before you leave rather than sitting at the box for it. It helps us with our window times, and it helps you save time because you won’t be waiting for an order you just placed :)
Latter-Guava-4734 2 points 11m ago
Like others have said, mobile orders take a little while to prepare. At my store (and probably others) mobile orders and cafe orders for drinks print at the same printer, and mobile food prints with cafe and drive thru. So there is often other tickets there as well. I know if I’m on bar or warming and go to the back for a few seconds to grab something and all of a sudden I have tickets for 2 mobiles, and then people come through drive-thru or cafe when I’m making those. So even if it does not look busy in the drive thru, it could still be busy inside. Best practice in my opinion would probably be placing it earlier, or placing your order at the speaker. Doing it at the speaker does help us because the baristas on bar and warming have headsets on so that as soon as a drink or a food item is said they can grab it and start preparing it while the rest of the order is being placed.
Tricky-Figure8373 1 points 11m ago
In my opinion, if it’s a simple order, I don’t get mad. Now if it’s a large order and you’re being rude that it’s not ready, then I get upset. But if you’re being polite and it’s a easy order then I don’t see the issue. It really isn’t that serious. Peak doesn’t start until 7am (depending on the store) so they would have plenty of time to prepare for peak. Regardless, it doesn’t give that barista the right to be rude and tell you that. I would never tell a customer how to order. If it’s easier for you to just mobile order it then do that. I find it more annoying when they order at the window and skip the speaker box.
[deleted] 1 points 11m ago
[removed]
[deleted] 1 points 11m ago
[deleted]
mrcupcake18 -4 points 11m ago
Ew, so sorry they were so rude first of all! I usually do not care even when it is busy, what does bother me is if you make a big stink about it like “ugh I just put it in so why is it not ready the second I put it in” then I have no problems what so ever. But yes as everyone else is saying just do it a few minutes before you know you are you going to leave. I’ve had people ask me this question and this is just me but I always tell them to do it 10 mins before to be safe. It gives the machines the chance to get the order to us and for us to make it and even a bit of time in case we are busy. And if we are busy and you get her I promise you we are working on it lol
Kaluskydrak -15 points 11m ago
They just don’t want to do their job. Maybe give it a few extra minutes though
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.