Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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How do you guys start conversations with regulars? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by alwaystiredtbh
Basically what the title says! I have anxiety so sometimes getting out of my comfort zone can be a challenge. I see so many regulars on a daily basis and I can usually remember their name & order, but nothing really outside that.
So my question is: How do you push forward a conversation with regulars you’ve seen many times but have never truly talked to before? Or even get the energy to make meaningful connections? It happens so naturally for me with coworkers, but not customers.
Thanks! :)
So my question is: How do you push forward a conversation with regulars you’ve seen many times but have never truly talked to before? Or even get the energy to make meaningful connections? It happens so naturally for me with coworkers, but not customers.
Thanks! :)
Comfortable-Plane944 6 points 8m ago
I usually say hi to them and ask them how their day/week or family/kids have been
alwaystiredtbh [OP] 2 points 8m ago
What about when we’re busy? I’m also a SSV so it can be hard to find time to talk to people when I’m constantly worried about other things🥲
Comfortable-Plane944 2 points 8m ago
I know it’s harder for ssvs. I’m usually on cafe/mobile so it’s easier for me to talk to regulars while they’re picking up or waiting for their drinks
istolehannah 4 points 8m ago
I always ask them if they are doing anything fun today. Or if they have plans for… fill in the blank with something that’s happening soon. Leads to all sorts of conversations but let’s them tell me as much as they want to. It’s surprising how many people open up from that but if they aren’t into it they don’t have to engage. Then with some of those regulars you are actually getting to know try to follow up the next time they visit with what you talked about.
SomeCherryBlossomTea 3 points 8m ago
Scarred by that because one time a lady had her dog in the car, and I asked her if she had any plans for the day —
Turns out she stopped to get him a pup cup before he was going to be put down….
Turns out she stopped to get him a pup cup before he was going to be put down….
shittalkingbeanpole 2 points 8m ago
this is my worst nightmare. i try to be so personable in the drive thru and sometimes the conversation blows up in my face.
one time a family came through very smartly dressed and i asked where they were headed all dressed up.
they were on their way to their sons funeral.
one time a family came through very smartly dressed and i asked where they were headed all dressed up.
they were on their way to their sons funeral.
SomeCherryBlossomTea 2 points 8m ago
omg. the same thing happened to me, I thought they were going to a wedding (they weren’t all wearing black)…
I hate having to do “customer connections”sometimes
I hate having to do “customer connections”sometimes
shittalkingbeanpole 2 points 8m ago
a fun hack is having cool hair/makeup/etc.
i have had pink hair for almost 3 years now and people love to ask me questions about it. from there it’s very easy to segue into engaging with them and asking about what their plans for the day are, complementing something i like about their outfit, etc.
for regulars you see almost every shift i try give them a very fun and engaging ordering experience to make them feel like they’re special. if you already know their order you can focus on asking them some questions about their commute or their kids or whatever while you ring them up.
if a woman has some nails on that look like she spent a lot of time or money on i always make a point to complement their manicure.
i have had pink hair for almost 3 years now and people love to ask me questions about it. from there it’s very easy to segue into engaging with them and asking about what their plans for the day are, complementing something i like about their outfit, etc.
for regulars you see almost every shift i try give them a very fun and engaging ordering experience to make them feel like they’re special. if you already know their order you can focus on asking them some questions about their commute or their kids or whatever while you ring them up.
if a woman has some nails on that look like she spent a lot of time or money on i always make a point to complement their manicure.
Welcome_Low 2 points 8m ago
I always try to remember their drink and when I see them walking up I always say welcome back (their name) so that they feel more inclined to talk😂. Ask if they’re working today or what brings them to your Starbucks everyday.
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