Compliment something they can control.
Makeup, hair, nails, car color, shirt ect.

Discuss the weather, traffic, or local events. My store was by a farmers market.

I shine on DTR because small talk is easy and nonpersonal for me. My friends say it's like I am an NPC. I start conversations about anything. However, when there is no counter between me and someone I revert back to being an introvert.

If you have a regular who orders the same thing every day ask them if they've ever tried xyz or tell them about your favorite thing.

Tell them about a bird or cute animal you saw. Talk about the sunrise.

If you look at someone’s forehead it’s close enough that people think you are making eye contact lol

Here goes my customer interaction list:
Is it close to the weekend? Ask them if they are looking forward to anything, be excited for neat things and if it’s a bummer like chores be a little bummed with them, say it hope it goes by quickly.

If it’s Monday/Tuesday ask how their weekend was.

I like to follow local insta/Facebook to see if there is anything fun going at the (botanical gardens, museum, town square, whatever) and talk about that.

“Hand off” customers to your Bar or Hand off barista, “You’ll be ready at the end of the bar with X! Thanks!”

When all else fails suggest something to go with their drink “oh my gosh you know what would go awesome with your chai? You should totally get a pumpkin scone, I’m like addicted to them”.

I’m not autistic so I don’t have a direct understanding of those struggles, so I’m sorry if these tips aren’t helpful.

If eye contact is hard maybe try looking at there mouth or forehead or somewhere adjacent to eyes. I also find throwing in enthusiastic words even without the enthusiasm in your voice can help a lot! I find myself saying “absolutely” or “you got it” when people order items! Sometimes the connections don’t have to be genuine connections about there day they can be made through filling gaps of silence so I will usually kinda say what I’m doing to the customer. Like when they finish ordering and I’m still typing it in I’ll say “alrighty I’m just typing that in real quick.” “Okay your total comes out to this, ____ paying with card alrighty! And do you need a recipes?” “Okay we will have that right out have a great day!”

Actually autistic customer service tips;
Eye contact --> look at their nose or just talk to them/read back the order while looking at the pos

***Plaster a smile to your face any time you're facing out towards customers***

Connections --> compliment something you can see (clothing, makeup, band on t shirt)
- I've also made fun connections while singing to music ('i love this song/movie/band/genre, what do you like to listen to?)
- if you recognize regulars ask if they want to try something different
- stressful or angry interactions with customers --> "I'm sorry you feel that way, your order will be ready with {handoff partner} at the end of the bar, I hope that {drink} makes your day a little better"
- L'ART of connecting (listen, acknowledge, reflect back {either by repeating their order or mirroring their sentiment}, and thank them for coming in)

***Anyone scanning a Starbucks card can get a customer connection survey so really emphasize connecting with those customers (ask if they have a Starbucks card to scan for points BEFORE they order)***