While I was in college, I worked as a Starbucks barista for a total of 14 months. These were some of the best months of my life so far and I've been able to meet and work with some exceptional people that I will share lasting friendships with. It's not all sunshine and rainbows at Starbucks Coffee, though. At most locations, you will be greeted with a smile and friendly hello but not all customers reciprocate that friendliness. As I've learned from experience, these are 20 sure fire ways to annoy your barista.
1. Whispering at the order screen
PLEASE SPEAK UP.
2. Not pulling up close enough to the pickup window
I am not the mom from "The Incredibles."
3. Walking away with out a thank you
That is just rude.
4. Asking what the drink on the bar is when the barista just called it out
Please, please, please, just listen.
5. Giving the "hold on finger" when you're on the phone
Really?
6. Commenting on the prices
We cannot help this. Either don't come or complain to corporate.
7. Asking the barista to add your Splenda when you can do it yourself at the counter
It also helps you control how much you want; it's a win-win.
8. Getting mad when we don't know the recipe for your secret menu drink
I can barely remember the regular menu.
9. Spilling your drink and not notifying someone
What. A. Mess.
10. Not answering at the order screen to say "one second please" if you haven't decided
I can't leave my headset on forever waiting for you to respond, I have to complain about you to my coworkers.
11. Ordering more than five drinks through the drive through
Way to hold the line up.
12. Ordering a coffee traveler on the spot then complaining about how long it takes
That is a lot of coffee to brew in one minute. Chill out.
13. Leaving your straw wrappers on the bar
Common courtesy people.
14. Not looking up from your phone when being spoken to.
I know Pokemon Go is important to you, but come on.
15. Drinking most of a drink then complaining about it.
Clearly, it wasn't that bad.
16. Asking to recharge your rewards card after your whole order has been rung up
Now I have to cancel everything, reload your card, then ring up everything again while hoping my memory doesn't fail me.
17. Complaining about expired coupons or rewards
Not my problem. Not like I can do anything for you, anyways.
18. Being angry when something is out of stock
I can't pull mocha syrup out of thin air. Barista, not a magician.
19. Saying the brewed coffee isn't hot enough
Starbucks Coffee is brewed at 200 degrees, it's not my fault you have a tongue of steel.
20. Fussing about how Pumpkin Spice isn't around for long enough
According to us, it's around way too long.
In the end, it's all about being polite and respectful. If you have a problem with your order, you have every right to have it fixed, especially considering the price you pay. As long as you are kind with your requests, your barista will be kind back. Well, if I was your barista, I would be kind back no matter what, but most likely cursing you out in my head.
