Food services are difficult enough with their fast-paced nature and stressful work environment. Some Starbucks employees may hate certain customers for many reasons. Complicated orders, last-minute order changes, and customer rudeness are just some of the things that grind their gears. Don’t be the customer that all the baristas hate and dread servicing, and show some consideration. Here are 10 customer habits Starbucks baristas dislike. Don’t be that guy.
Overly Complicated Orders
Though Starbucks is known for its specialty coffee drinks, some baristas loathe overly particular customers who customize their drinks. They may ask for certain milks, sweeteners, and toppings that take extra time to make. When the coffee shop is bustling in the morning, their long and overly complicated order slows down the workflow. It often takes more time and effort to fulfill the customer’s orders, and with its many variables, the potential for errors increases. Be courteous. Read the room and simplify your order.
Last-Minute Order Changes
Baristas usually like to get a head start on orders so they can keep up with the rush of customers. After you submit your order, someone has likely already begun making your drink. That’s why you might get dirty looks if you change your order. Employees especially get frustrated with customers who change their orders in the drive-thru. You wasted resources and the employee’s time. Even if you wanted something different, once you place your order, change it right away before it becomes a burden.
Lack of Preparation and Payment Readiness
Depending on the time of day, Starbucks can be busy with a line of customers. That’s why Starbucks baristas hate when customers are unprepared to order or pay. Working through the rush can be stressful and fast-paced, and employees usually want to get a jump on things. If you are holding up the line because you don’t know what to order or you don’t have your payment ready, step aside and let the person behind you go. When you notice the coffee shop is crowded and hectic, make it easier on the barista and be ready to order.
Not Providing a Name for Mobile Orders
Some Starbucks employees get frustrated when customers don’t include their name with their mobile order. Why? It makes it hard for them to identify a drink’s recipient. If you don’t put your name on your order, your drink could end up going to someone else. When there are a lot of customers, you may not hear your drink called. It’s best practice to include your name with your mobile orders, that way you’ll get your drink even if they spell your name wrong.
General Impatience and Rudeness
Anyone who’s worked a customer service job knows that rude and impatient customers are the worst. Many Starbucks baristas dislike working with these types of customers because they can ruin the mood. The employees could become flustered and make a mistake with your drink. Treat them with the respect they deserve. They are making your drink after all.
Dirty Reusable Cups
Starbucks offers a discount for customers who bring in their reusable cups. The promotion is part of the company’s initiative to become more sustainable. However, some Starbucks employees don’t like using customers’ reusable cups. It usually takes more time to complete the order. Hygiene is also a concern. If you bring your reusable cup to Starbucks, ensure it is clean. That’s likely the least you can do for the minor inconvenience.
Incorrect Trash Disposal
Many Starbucks employees and general fast-food workers hate when customers leave a big mess at their tables. Someone will have to spend time cleaning it up when they could be completing orders. Not to mention, it is gross cleaning up someone’s food and drink garbage. Before you leave, take the time to throw your trash away. Honestly, it should go without saying.
Waiting at the Counter
After you order your drink, wait in the designated space near the coffee bar; don’t wait up at the front counter. Other customers are trying to order and you’ll be in their way. Be patient, especially if the store is busy. Sit at a table nearby, don’t hold up the line, and wait for your drink at the front. It will make it look like you’ve never been to a Starbucks, let alone ordered coffee from a café.
Not Tipping
As problematic as tipping is in America, many establishments supplement employee income with earned tips. After you put in your card, the screen will ask if you’d like to tip. Tipping at least 10% of your bill is a nice gesture. Starbucks employees don’t like it when customers don’t tip. Not only do they have to work a stressful, fast-paced job, but they also don’t get paid really well. By tipping their employees, you are helping them meet the minimum living wage.
Expecting a Barista to Know Your Order
Starbucks employees do not like having to guess what you want. They see hundreds of faces and ring up hundreds of orders each day, so they won’t remember you unless you are there every day. Besides, the brief pause waiting for the barista to respond will hold up the line and mess up the rhythm. Unless you are a frequent customer and have become friendly with the barista, don’t expect them to know which drink you want. They can’t order for you.
