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caithreamThe end of September marks my three year "anniversary" of working at Starbucks. I was never a customer before I starting working there, and even now I don't really drink anything while I'm on or off work. I can tell you this: behind the counter, we gossip about customers a LOT. If you're a regular, you tip often, and are generally really nice, we'll bend over backwards to do pretty much anything for you. If you treat us like coffee robots, don't acknowledge us when we greet you, talk down to us, or are just plain rude, you're more than likely getting decaf'ed.
But because I've been behind the counter for three years now, and never really a customer, I want to know what it's like, for you, being a customer. What's your drink of choice? How often do you visit? When you walk in, do baristas say hey and start your drink for you automatically or already have it ready to go? Do you want to punch the register person in the face when they try to up-sell (asking to add an extra shot of espresso, buy a pound of coffee, etc)? Have you had any really bad experiences at Starbucks? Any really good ones that stand out in your mind? Is there anything that really bugs you about some baristas? What do you absolutely LOVE about certain baristas? Or anything else you'd like to add. (Keep in mind that Starbucks in Targets, airports, grocery stores, or anyplace else aren't really "ours," as they're franchised out.) I'm just honestly curious because I never really get any feedback from anyone who isn't my boss, heh.
SPEAKING of work, I was told this morning that I pretty much gonna be promoted to a shift manager. Heh. Raise = good, acting like I think this company is the end all, be all = ungood. Oh well. I'll make it work. I've even had managers from OTHER stores recommend me to be a shift manager, so it was high time for the jump up, I guess.
Also, pumpkin spice came out two days ago, UNGGHH. If you like your drinks pretty sweet, try a pumpkin spice soy chai. So UNFalicious.
But because I've been behind the counter for three years now, and never really a customer, I want to know what it's like, for you, being a customer. What's your drink of choice? How often do you visit? When you walk in, do baristas say hey and start your drink for you automatically or already have it ready to go? Do you want to punch the register person in the face when they try to up-sell (asking to add an extra shot of espresso, buy a pound of coffee, etc)? Have you had any really bad experiences at Starbucks? Any really good ones that stand out in your mind? Is there anything that really bugs you about some baristas? What do you absolutely LOVE about certain baristas? Or anything else you'd like to add. (Keep in mind that Starbucks in Targets, airports, grocery stores, or anyplace else aren't really "ours," as they're franchised out.) I'm just honestly curious because I never really get any feedback from anyone who isn't my boss, heh.
SPEAKING of work, I was told this morning that I pretty much gonna be promoted to a shift manager. Heh. Raise = good, acting like I think this company is the end all, be all = ungood. Oh well. I'll make it work. I've even had managers from OTHER stores recommend me to be a shift manager, so it was high time for the jump up, I guess.
Also, pumpkin spice came out two days ago, UNGGHH. If you like your drinks pretty sweet, try a pumpkin spice soy chai. So UNFalicious.
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Date: 2009-09-03 02:42 pm (UTC)We know the baristas by name, we know who makes the best coffee and who to avoid. We don't tip here in Australia by nature, so whenever we have change, we put it in the tip bowl. But they get our return business because they're good at what they do, their coffee is great, and they treat their customers like friends.
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Date: 2009-09-04 02:02 am (UTC)But they get our return business because they're good at what they do, their coffee is great, and they treat their customers like friends.
That is EXACTLY what we (baristas) and managers want to hear. That's awesome! Before I started working at Starbucks I thought tipping baristas was stupid because it's not like you're in a restaurant, but it's honestly more like tipping a bartender who makes good conversation and a damn good drink. Which is definitely what I specialize it. ;D
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:11 pm (UTC)Oh they have a website.
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:31 pm (UTC)And that website is awesome! Next time I find myself in Australia, I am SO going there. ;D
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-04 04:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-04 04:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-03 02:48 pm (UTC)I order Venti Latte Extra shot, EVERY TIME. I am not SUPER regular at either of the 3 I visit often, and too be honest I don't think any of them keep staff very long.
Never really have people try and upsell me, maybe since I order extra. At least not beyond the "is there anything else?" Once in a while they may ask if I need a bag of coffee, sometimes it's nice (mostly when I forget that I need it)
The most annoying thing baristas do? Being too extreme in either direction. I think I am more critical since I have done it.
Worst experience... http://www.yelp.com/biz/starbucks-coffee-glen-cove (I am the only review there)
Fall lattes are nothing, BRING ON THE WINTER ONES!!
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:35 pm (UTC)(I'm sure you're probably aware, but you do know you can get peppermint mochas anytime of the year, right? RIGHT? *Clings to PMs!!!*)
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:57 pm (UTC)But honestly it's a good thing they are seasonal or I would have bigger problems.
That visit was the day of my grandmother's funeral, so I was in a mood. BUT SERIOUSLY!! Don't fight with me!! I just took the tall latte and left, I would have started a big scene if I didn't.
I worked for Seattle's Best and a little cafe the video store I worked at had upstairs. I think total I was a barista & manager for about 5 years. Before I came to Comcast I was offered a assistant manager job at the 'Bucks and turned it down, I HATE getting up at 4 am and the location was kinda hard to get to.
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:32 pm (UTC)OH WOW! That's so cool! Yeah, ASMs are actually paid LESS than shift managers, because I think they only are scheduled 37 hours a week or so and get paid salary. So I think you made the best choice, ha.
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Date: 2009-09-03 02:53 pm (UTC)Iced
Quad
Venti
Non-Fat
No Whip
2-pump
Mocha
He is ridiculous
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Date: 2009-09-03 03:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-03 03:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-04 04:41 pm (UTC)who I wanted to punch in the faceand order a venti seven pump soy no water extra hot no foam extra stirred with cinnamon chai. Seriously, if you're that particular, you should be making your own damn drinks.(Though if you're really really nice about it, which it sounds like your husband is, it's not a problem. Oh man, I feel like I'm some fickle middle-schooler who chooses best friends just on how they treat ME.)
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Date: 2009-09-04 04:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-03 03:02 pm (UTC)I don't often go to Starbucks around town; I can't afford it. But when I do, I go to the one by my house where the baristas are nice and friendly and un-pretentious, as opposed to the one near my hair salon where a bunch of malcontent art kids stand around pouting and gossiping and then sneer at you when you don't speak Starbuckease.
Since I spent so long in customer service, I guess I expect people to treat me the way I treated my customers: friendly, helpful, and chipper, but not fake, aggressive, or condescending. I'm a pretty easy going customer, because I know the crap they have to put up with.
mm coffee.
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Date: 2009-09-04 05:02 pm (UTC)Omg you would be my favorite kind of customer. And some coworkers (my manager, for one) are so overly chipper and gratingly annoying it's a wonder some people haven't reached over the counter to punch her. And yeah, exactly, I can't stand it when I'm treated like that at other places, so why would I treat my customers that way? (It's probably why I'm one of our customer's favorites. Shh, tell no one. ;D)
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Date: 2009-09-03 03:51 pm (UTC)I wish I could come to your store... I'd be a regular just for you!
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:35 pm (UTC)AWW, I wish you were my regular too! So much! We could sit and gossip together for HOURS. :DDDD
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Date: 2009-09-03 04:01 pm (UTC)I've always had very good experiences with the baristas. In fact, if anything, I would say that they are sometimes too accommodating. Like, if they happen to screw up my drink a little, they always just bend over backwards trying to offer me free drink coupons and making me a new drink but letting me have the messed up drink for free etc etc like I'll devour them whole if they don't. It's CRAZY. I'm always like, "lol, it's totally OK, guys. REALLY" and they never believe me. I will drink the accidental drink instead! It's a just as good, if not BETTER, alternative to what I actually ordered! It just makes me laaaaaugh ♥
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:43 pm (UTC)Haaa, yeah, that happens quite a bit. I think 'cause they drill it into our heads to be a "just say yes" company and whatnot. Mostly if I make a mistake or if the customer just orders wrong, I'll give them a Look and say "Are you suuuuure?" and just try not to hound them and stuff. I know that can get awkward, haha.
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Date: 2009-09-03 06:22 pm (UTC)Carmel Frapps (no whip, extra caramel sauce)
Nonfat Vanilla Lattes
Soy Toffeenut Latte
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:44 pm (UTC)Re: I feel unclean talking this much about work when I'm off.
Date: 2009-09-03 06:44 pm (UTC)Re: I feel unclean talking this much about work when I'm off.
Date: 2009-09-05 07:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-03 08:38 pm (UTC)But I can honestly tell you I hate it when people try to make sales on me ANYWHERE, at any store. I hated it when I worked at Blockbuster and I'd have to try to sell something on someone. It's just business. I just say no thank you, politely. I try to be the nicest at all times, give an affirming smile and say thanks a lot because I think as long as you're nice, maybe you'll make someone's day a little better. You never know.
Nothing sticks out in my mind about service I've received, they all seem busy and well enough, not mean but I mean nothing overly superb, idk. My aunt used to go to this one location a lot on the way to work and apparently the drive thru guy was super nice and all 'Hey gurl, I got your muffins!~'. I think he was a gay black guy but that doesn't really play into anything, he was just really good with everyone, I think.
Whoo, raise!
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:49 pm (UTC)UGH, I KNOW RIGHT?? I HATE HATE HATE trying to sell to people (unfortunately, our managers push it on us to do so) and I hate being SOLD to, so it's just a lose-lose situation everytime, SIGH.
I think as long as you're nice, maybe you'll make someone's day a little better.
This is so true. I can go to work in a pretty good mood and then have that ONE customer who just ruins my day. Though the opposite is definitely true too. :D
HEY GURL I GOT YOUR MUFFINS. Hahaaa! That's awesome.
THANK YOU! :D
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Date: 2009-09-03 10:19 pm (UTC)If I did go to Starbucks (or when this happens in other stores), I don't mind when people try to upsell me stuff. I know it's part of their job, and sometimes they do have great suggestions. Like the time an associate from AE recommended a body cream that was a steal when I purchased a hand lotion. I usually don't go for it unless it's a steal, though.
Congrats on the promotion.
Yeah, we gossip about customers too. I think everyone in public service does that. *blush*
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:51 pm (UTC)Thanks so much! :D
HA, yeah, I definitely think so too! It's the best way to let out aggravation and make the day go by a little faster. ;)
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Date: 2009-09-04 01:55 am (UTC)And coffee...well, I have actually decided I don't really like the beans that Starbucks uses lol. I only started liking coffee a year ago & I only drink it when I feel like it, and I don't usually get the same thing lol - so no one knows my drink when I walk in. I usually get an Americano with chocolate and maybe something else & add a dash of non-fat. Depending how many shots the place includes, I usually have 2 in a tall and 3-4 in a grande.
I LOVE when baristas ask if, because they have two shots anyway, would I like the extra for free haha. I don't really care if they suggest I buy something else, so long as they take the "no" and don't keep trying.
Sidebar, I REALLY wish that Starbucks still had the molasses cookies because those were freaking amazing :-P
Generally, I like baristas (or anyone in customer service) who are friendly and not too abrupt (by which I mean say "what would you like" instead of "what do you want". Just little things like that)
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:54 pm (UTC)Ohh, yeah, you can only get that extra free shot of espresso if the store still has the older machine; it's forced to dispense two shots at a time, so if someone asks for three shots in a drink, we have to throw one away anyway. But we have the newer machines, which allows us to pull one single shot or three shots without wasting one.
Molasses cookies! I haven't seen those in years. They weren't too popular at my store. I don't know if they've been completely discontinued or that we just don't get them in this market!
Yeah, def. The snobby baristas just need to be punched in the face, QUITE HONESTLY.
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Date: 2009-09-06 12:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-04 04:59 am (UTC)And I rarely go through the drive-thru, unless I'm getting something straight forward, like a frap without any extras or something. I fear mangled drive-thru messages.
That probably doesn't help you with anything or answer any of your questions but this post just reminded me of that.
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:57 pm (UTC)Haha, I always tell people not to go to the drive-thru stores, 'cause they tend to mess up a LOT of orders, especially during rushes. I'm SO glad I don't work at a drive-thru store.
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Date: 2009-09-05 05:15 am (UTC)Let me know if you have any questions. Thinking you know what it'll be like is usually pretty different than how it actually is.
K.. well I know I'll talk to you about it tomorrow. lol
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Date: 2009-09-05 07:58 pm (UTC)Oh, I probably will. I'm a little terrified of the money-counting, quite honestly. Though everyone says you get the hang of it really quick.
Yay! We're here playing Dutch blitz. :p