Barista Life

Can I just have a _____ ?

Some customers are super troll-like. Can I just have a ... (followed by never ending list of drinks)

How I hate working Sundays

Working Sundays (and quieter days of the week) is no fun as a barista, and it has nothing to do with working at the weekend, here is why.

Assertively getting customers to accept responsibility for their mistakes

As a barista it is important that you own mistakes you make and use great customer service to solve any problems when things don't go smoothly to plan. Sometimes it actually builds a better connection with customers than if everything went well. Sometimes customers have regrets that they didn't order a different drink - and this is more common when customers come in pairs. Be assertive enough to enforce customers accepting responsibility for their mistake ordering whilst also offering to make the other drink for them.

Is there time to make a ______? (Maybe if you hurry up!)

What has become a widespread issue is people so unaware that ordering taking longer means the longer it will take to get the drink. You are in a rush, you didn't fore plan your need for this drink and we could maybe help... this is not the time to be asking several questions, indecisive about what cup size, can't find the cash or unable to get your payment app up on your phone.

Do you sell this drink?

In short... that common Starbucks drink you see on social media with the Starbucks label, we do sell... but we don't sell after we have closed. The full width metal shutters being half-way down is a big clue that we are closed.

Baristas are just like gum on a shoe?

I was polite and professional all the way through, why would he treat me in such a way?

Take my order, I need my coffee

Not everybody understands the logistics behind the scenes and not everybody cares. There is something extraordinary about a customer that complains vocally about a barista refilling the coffee machine hopper with espresso beans to enable her to have her drink of coffee that she wishes to order, but is arrogant enough to insist her order is promptly taken and willing to argue afterwards instead of making that order which she claims she is in a rush for.

Being accused of drink tampering

Woman orders a drink and two free kids drinks, gets cold feet and accuses the team of doing something to their drinks

Meet the Strawless Lid

We are continuously asked "Can I have a straw?" or "Where are the straws?" Most certainly you can, especially for the price you have paid for that drink, but straws are rather unnecessary for these particular lids.

Thank You or You're Welcome?