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Let’s have a big round of applause for all the baristas out there who smilingly greet us grumpy in the mornings and send us off with a great start to the day, aka the morning cup of coffee, on which everything that waits ahead relies. Meetings, dates, calls, you name it.
So let’s just all imagine the uncaffeinated bunch of clients Starbucks workers see every day. In fact, we don’t need to imagine that, thanks to the Reddit community which goes by the same name, r/Starbucks. Here, the employees of the popular coffeehouse chain spill it all, the good and the bad.
Below, you'll find the stories they shared about the most awful clients, craziest orders and everything they had to deal with at work and it’s just pure madness. After you're done reading this one, be sure to check out part 1 with more Starbucks horror stories.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Dog Passed And They Told Me To Come To Work Anyway So I Quit. Her Name Is Eva
RELATED:
#2
Support The Workers
#3
This Would Be A Great Stress Relief Practice
Puppeteer Saint 3 years ago
Go watch "Clerks" or "Fight Club".. You're not your job.. Your job doesn't dictate your behavior.. Just know there may be consequences for your actions.. You may get fired or you may gain the respect of people worldwide.. You never know.
According to Starbucks' careers website, baristas are the face of Starbucks. The popular coffeehouse chain states that “They are an important part of our customers’ days, and experts in handcrafting delicious, perfect beverages.” Moreover, “Baristas personally connect and create moments that make a difference and work together to create a welcoming store environment,” says the company’s website. Starbucks argues that baristas are the ones who bring their mission and values to life “while proudly wearing the green apron.”
#4
Pouring One Out
Francisco Manuel Teruel Gutiérrez 3 years ago
You just need to be polite and reasonable. That works everywhere.
#5
An Inspiration To Us All
#6
If Only All Customers Were Like This
So what exactly is the company looking for in the people who greet customers every day? Well, Starbucks argues that you’d make a great barista if you are a “people person,” and enjoy meeting others, love working as a team and appreciate the chance to collaborate, understand how to create a great customer service experience, have a focus on quality and take pride in your work. So if you press apply for a barista position on their website, you’d be surprised how much importance they put on social and interpersonal skills. No wonder why, when you look at the clients they have to deal with on a daily basis.
#7
*ehem*
#8
“Please Don’t Verbally Assault The Baristas”
#9
"Managers Favorite" Lmao
Random Person 3 years ago
honestly calling it the "ghost refresher" is pretty cool. Also great that they're giving it for free
On the other hand, working as a barista at Starbucks is still viewed as a first job for college students since the company is flexible with working hours and has many locations to meet your needs. According to Indeed.com, average Starbucks barista hourly pay in the United States is approximately $12.55, which meets the national average.
However, like many companies, Starbucks faced labor shortage in 2021 and announced it was raising their average pay up to $17 an hour starting late January 2022. Around the same time, the company also announced that it was investing in training, as well as redesigning its "Barista Basics" guide and adding more training time.
#10
When They Drive/Walk Past The Tip Jar
#11
Working Thanksgiving Sucks, So I Made All My Baristas Gift Bags! Thank You For Everything You Do
Random Person 3 years ago
these gift bags honestly look really nice, a card, a cup, and whatever else you put down in there. Definitely made thanksgiving better.
#12
Truth
#13
Somebody Backed Into Our Window On Friday, And This Was Presented To Us Today. Sometimes Work Is Okay
#15
Starbucks: We Are Forced To Raise Prices Due To Inflation And Supply-Chain Issues. Also Starbucks: Our Profit Just Went Up 31% And We Gave Our CEO A 39% Raise To $20.4 Million
#16
Some People Live In The Purge
#17
Telling Customers We're Out Of Product
#18
Again? What Is This?!
#19
Somebody Literally Set Our Store On Fire Sunday And My Coworkers And I Didn’t Know What To Do So We Just Kept Making Drinks
#21
👀👀👀
#22
Walked Into My Store And Burst Into Laughter. Gotta Love These Shortages
#23
Me Watching Karen’s Card Get Declined
Claire Stanfield 3 years ago
*sputters, red in the face* "I have MONEY in there!!!!! Try it again" *still declines* *unintelligible frustration noises* *fishes around in purse for other card to use* *finally clears* Whew.
#24
It’s Happening
#25
Some Whiteout Poetry Dedicated To Being A Partner
#26
This Is Just… A Lot
Francisco Manuel Teruel Gutiérrez 3 years ago (edited)
Good costumer, actually. I would love all my clients having so clear ideas.
#27
Find A Lizard?
JACKSON NIESE 3 years ago
These aren't actual orders the baristas just find a mantis and catch it with a cup and think"you know what would be funny"
#28
It’s Starting To Get To Me
Louloubelle 3 years ago
I'm more concerned about the fact that the little hovering dog has casts on both of it's front legs.
#29
The Bucks Be Draining Yo
Random Person 3 years ago
100% - i don't get how people workout, go out to eat, or do anything after work
#30
Emily Jones 3 years ago
the motivation and will to live parts really got me also they only have tears
Martha B. Higgins 3 years ago
I see they have no crissants, I wonder if they have any croissants?
CrystalM Albert 3 years ago
Ahh, waitressing! Got me to focus on something horrifying other than having a student loan back in the day!
colin dinsdale 3 years ago
Maybe they closed for the day until they got a full stock of supplies
O'Dessa Bourque 3 years ago
"I'll take whatever tears you have left, so you can close early..."
Doesn’t Care 3 years ago
I'm surprised coffee isn't on the list.... Oh wait, that's right. They don't sell coffee. They only sell "beyond coffee", or "impossible coffee".
Lynne Stankard 3 years ago
Tiny voice - "Could I have a little cappacino please" - that's me happy.
Vicki Thill 3 years ago
I went to Starbucks and the barista was "out" of everything I asked for, finally it dawned on me that she doesn't want to make any more drinks, so I laughed and asked her for a cup of hot water and that I have my own tea bag. She dead pan stared at me while I paid whatever she charged me, tipped her, and walked off. Love that girl.
LoveLive Laugh 3 years ago
At this point they should just make a "What we have left. Anything not on this list is out"
Qibli of the SandWings 3 years ago
The first thing I saw was the will to live part idek how it just happened
#31
The Life Of An Opener
kath morgan 3 years ago
They do that every where lol At my shop they’ll be knocking at the door *mystified* that they can’t get in at five-to. It’s ok, they’re cute.
#32
I Am So Tired
#33
Dead Inside
#34
60 Frappuccinos With No Tip… $279
#36
How Today Is Going. Happy Sunday!
#37
Got This Order Today...
#38
Can I Get A Wandavision Frappuccino?
#39
After A Full Week Of Telling Customers “Sorry, We’re All Out Of Food”… Behold, The Food Delivery Mattress
#40
Yes. “Simple”
#41
I’m No Longer A Starbucks Barista! I Drew How I Felt Most Of The Time
Qibli of the SandWings 3 years ago
I have died laughing from this and have ascended into heaven
#42
How Dads Think They Look When Ordering Pink Drinks
twoflowerAUT 3 years ago
I don't get it. What ia wrong wih pink drinks? They will not change your personality. They are usually fruity and nomnom.
#43
Blursed Order
Benita Valdez 3 years ago
I'm thinking that the option for certains things aren't available normally on the menu with online ordering but pop up as an option for a cup of water
#44
Uber Eats Customers Ordering Their Concoctions Like:
#45
Love You All Xoxo
AngelWingsYT 3 years ago
Worked fast food n DM would always get mad our drive times werent fast enough (no more than 3 mins) and he got mad at US! Not the customers that pull up to the speaker and sit there for 5 mins deciding what they want!
#47
How It Feels When Ur On Cafe/Mobile Bar And The Stickers Won’t Stop Coming Through
Davo gifman 3 years ago
All that wasted food, and money; just so someone can get a photo to put out on the internet. 😑
#48
GlitterQueen541 3 years ago
I'm just gonna comment about how nice and fluffy those eggs are to try an burry the stupid spam comment below.
#49
Needless To Say We’ve Been Verbally Abused A Lot
#51
Still Haven't Figured Out How To Milk An Oat
#52
Got Asked Today Why We’re Out Of Oatmilk And Caramel Everything
#53
This Made Me Smile
#55
This Is Insanity. Too Many Pumps!
#56
In Honor Of The Usual That Only Comes In To Shout At Us (T_t)
#58
When Mcdonald’s Customers Come To Starbucks And Order A “French Vanilla”
#59
Sarah Once Again Woke Up And Chose Violence, 85 Item Order. Total Was $329 (Uber Eats)
#61
Yoooooo I Love This
#63
Bill Are You Ok
#64
Cheerleading Competition
#65
When You’re On Bar, Hand Out A Drink And The Customer Says “I Had Egg Bites”
#66
That nerd Zoe ️🇺🇲🇺🇦 3 years ago
Read the person's username under the post because it is very true ✨💅👄
#67
Someone Ordered 40 Triple Espressos At The Beginning Of Peak
#68
Promoted Myself To Customer After 3.5 Long Years
#70
So I Went To Starbucks And...
#71
We Had A $840 Traveler Order Due At 5 A.m.
#72
And People Wonder Why Their Orders Take So Long...
#73
What's A Fizzio??
#74
My Shift Today Calling Every Store In The District Like
#75
Fact Check: True
Lynette Foxen 3 years ago
The Real issue with a drive-thru at a coffee shop is that everything hot is made to order. This means that there is No getting around having to wait. The entire Concept of using the drive-thru goes against waiting so this spells disaster from the jump. Now, I haven't worked for Starbucks since the 90's and even though I had subjected myself to the literal Two Week brainwashing training course they required. I only spent ONE shift actually working in the store. I quit simply because you have to set a timer Every Time you pour a shot and if it's off you have to wait for a manager to finish whatever to come calibrate the machine. Add THAT to the drive-thru wait and here we are today, finding the tipping point that could possibly be the birth place of half the world's Karens.
#76
Honestly About To Put In My Two Weeks After Seeing This
Alison Marchand 3 years ago
What is this whole "partner" thing I keep seeing on here? Definitely sounds like some BS but that's all I've been able to ascertain so far 🤔
#78
Last Sunday I Had To Make 11 Travelers In Less Than An Hour. I Still Haven’t Mentally Recovered.
#79
Hi I Open
#81
Clocking On During The Fall Be Like
#82
No One At My Store Liked My Meme, Maybe You Guys Will
#83
Yuck!
Claire Stanfield 3 years ago
Serious question: Is this just extra sugar syrup? Added to lemonade?
#86
Meme Request Fulfilled
Add New Image
What do you think ?
DrNefariousMcFarious 3 years ago
I blame Starbucks management for not setting limits on insane orders
kath morgan 3 years ago
Customers can be hard work, but most of this is an issue with Starbucks as a company. People order complicated drinks and 50 boxes for 5am because they are told by Starbucks that this is reasonable and ok.
Mr. Jones 3 years ago
I'm not a coffee drinker and I will never understand the assholes who put in such ridiculous orders. If you order coffee like this, you are an a*****e. If you bring your own sticker, you are an a*****e. If you berate people in the service industry, you are an a*****e. Starbucks shouldn't have to set limits, people should just stop being assholes.
Lobo 3 years ago
So if you bring in a preprinted sticker to make an order easier and quicker to make, you're an ahole?? Foh with that ignorance. They could be hearing impaired, or have another disability, or, in that case, just be a more complex order. Stop being a fn d*ck for no reason.
Load More Replies...
Louise Platiel 3 years ago (edited)
I can't ever be mean to my baristas they give me the juice of life and it's the best part of my day. They are the bringers of joy and all things wonderful.
Dre Mosley 3 years ago (edited)
Unless I'm a passenger in someone's vehicle who wants to swing by the Starbucks drive-thru, I never go there. I swear some people put in such pretentious coffee orders just because they can get away with it and they're borderline sadists.
Timika Harris 3 years ago
Treat others as you would want to be treated. If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all. Simple words to live by. People are so entitled that respect for others is impossible you literally have to go out of your way to be so toxic.
Tris Hunt 3 years ago
This is what we need in the world. Thank you for posting this.
Load More Replies...
Stefan 3 years ago
A coffee is a coffee. When you start to put anything in it is something else.
Muntean Stefan 3 years ago
Pretty much, i only put like 10% of the cup milk, to protect my stomach
Load More Replies...
Claudia Lorenz 3 years ago
Starbucks coffee is vile. People who drink it have no clue how real coffee tastes.
Steph Maule 3 years ago
This article is poorly titled. It's just a bunch of memes you pulled into an article to get views. :(
Ciana Hellan 3 years ago
The biggest problem with Starbucks is that their POS system doesn’t allow you to leave a tip on a card so you have to bring cash. It’s extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Customers and employees have complained about it for years but SB refuses to change or fix it.
Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Get OUT of this horrible 'tipping' culture. It is like third work countries. Pay the staff a decent wage. We only pay tip her for service above and beyond the call of duty. And when the staff are well paid the service is far better, the staff happier and the customers happier,
Terka Červeňáková 3 years ago
I personaly don't see a problem with #26... When you know your order Is complicated, or you have comunication issues, why not print your order upfront and avoid misunderstanding?
Frankenfrog 3 years ago
Stop writing my name wrong on purpose then. You can't expect people to treat you with kindness and glorifying praise when you purposely write names wrong. That fad is over. No one thinks it's funny or quirky anymore. And no, I'd never treat a person working in this business bad, but this grinds my gears
Yasmin Chaudhary 3 years ago
If you want a complicated drink invest in a coffee maker, and blender to do this yourself.
Mose1 3 years ago
These seem mostly like a problem with the employees judging the customers... if you want a water with raw cocoa beans and vanilla extract, that's the customer's choice. If the customer is rude to me, you may just be having a bad day and I will let it go once or twice. If I choose to work on a holiday, that's on ME, and it sucks but it pays. If you want to try and make a complicated drink order for your social media clout while filming me, you will get a water or something like your order(but not really)
Panda en Pyjama 3 years ago
It's been several years since I've set a foot in a Starbucks, but are there really people who make such orders or is it a big "joke"? There are requests so crazy they could kill you just reading them...
Honu 3 years ago
When I first started seeing those, I assumed it was some sort of prank so they can take a picture of it and post it on social. Though it's not that funny and it's now been done over and over. I'd still rather believe these people are astoundingly lacking in creativity than believe someone actually drank one of those, though.
Load More Replies...
Mud spider 3 years ago
Someday I wanna be a Starbucks barista JUST so I can call out a Karen’s actual name, then the CUP says “Karen” or “douchebag”
Sandra Lorenzo 3 years ago
If I’m paying $8 for a cup of coffee I deserve to have it the way I enjoy it. Just don’t be rude and learn how to efficiently order, be nice, and tip generously.
Lea S. 3 years ago
The problem is 'the customer is always right,' policy. I worked at a Starbucks for a few years and a Perkins for ten. Whenever I followed Perkins policy and tried to handle something - the manager above me would go and undo it. Over the years I fed people who came in drunk, stole food, drank in the restaurant, shouted racial slurs at others, came in shirtless, called in and demanded reservations (it said in the book we DIDN'T do this). If you let them run all over you - they fuckn run all over you.
DrNefariousMcFarious 3 years ago
I blame Starbucks management for not setting limits on insane orders
kath morgan 3 years ago
Customers can be hard work, but most of this is an issue with Starbucks as a company. People order complicated drinks and 50 boxes for 5am because they are told by Starbucks that this is reasonable and ok.
Mr. Jones 3 years ago
I'm not a coffee drinker and I will never understand the assholes who put in such ridiculous orders. If you order coffee like this, you are an a*****e. If you bring your own sticker, you are an a*****e. If you berate people in the service industry, you are an a*****e. Starbucks shouldn't have to set limits, people should just stop being assholes.
Lobo 3 years ago
So if you bring in a preprinted sticker to make an order easier and quicker to make, you're an ahole?? Foh with that ignorance. They could be hearing impaired, or have another disability, or, in that case, just be a more complex order. Stop being a fn d*ck for no reason.
Load More Replies... Louise Platiel 3 years ago (edited)
I can't ever be mean to my baristas they give me the juice of life and it's the best part of my day. They are the bringers of joy and all things wonderful.
Dre Mosley 3 years ago (edited)
Unless I'm a passenger in someone's vehicle who wants to swing by the Starbucks drive-thru, I never go there. I swear some people put in such pretentious coffee orders just because they can get away with it and they're borderline sadists.
Timika Harris 3 years ago
Treat others as you would want to be treated. If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all. Simple words to live by. People are so entitled that respect for others is impossible you literally have to go out of your way to be so toxic.
Tris Hunt 3 years ago
This is what we need in the world. Thank you for posting this.
Load More Replies... Stefan 3 years ago
A coffee is a coffee. When you start to put anything in it is something else.
Muntean Stefan 3 years ago
Pretty much, i only put like 10% of the cup milk, to protect my stomach
Load More Replies... Claudia Lorenz 3 years ago
Starbucks coffee is vile. People who drink it have no clue how real coffee tastes.
Steph Maule 3 years ago
This article is poorly titled. It's just a bunch of memes you pulled into an article to get views. :(
Ciana Hellan 3 years ago
The biggest problem with Starbucks is that their POS system doesn’t allow you to leave a tip on a card so you have to bring cash. It’s extremely frustrating and inconvenient. Customers and employees have complained about it for years but SB refuses to change or fix it.
Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Get OUT of this horrible 'tipping' culture. It is like third work countries. Pay the staff a decent wage. We only pay tip her for service above and beyond the call of duty. And when the staff are well paid the service is far better, the staff happier and the customers happier,
Terka Červeňáková 3 years ago
I personaly don't see a problem with #26... When you know your order Is complicated, or you have comunication issues, why not print your order upfront and avoid misunderstanding?
Frankenfrog 3 years ago
Stop writing my name wrong on purpose then. You can't expect people to treat you with kindness and glorifying praise when you purposely write names wrong. That fad is over. No one thinks it's funny or quirky anymore. And no, I'd never treat a person working in this business bad, but this grinds my gears
Yasmin Chaudhary 3 years ago
If you want a complicated drink invest in a coffee maker, and blender to do this yourself.
Mose1 3 years ago
These seem mostly like a problem with the employees judging the customers... if you want a water with raw cocoa beans and vanilla extract, that's the customer's choice. If the customer is rude to me, you may just be having a bad day and I will let it go once or twice. If I choose to work on a holiday, that's on ME, and it sucks but it pays. If you want to try and make a complicated drink order for your social media clout while filming me, you will get a water or something like your order(but not really)
Panda en Pyjama 3 years ago
It's been several years since I've set a foot in a Starbucks, but are there really people who make such orders or is it a big "joke"? There are requests so crazy they could kill you just reading them...
Honu 3 years ago
When I first started seeing those, I assumed it was some sort of prank so they can take a picture of it and post it on social. Though it's not that funny and it's now been done over and over. I'd still rather believe these people are astoundingly lacking in creativity than believe someone actually drank one of those, though.
Load More Replies... Mud spider 3 years ago
Someday I wanna be a Starbucks barista JUST so I can call out a Karen’s actual name, then the CUP says “Karen” or “douchebag”
Sandra Lorenzo 3 years ago
If I’m paying $8 for a cup of coffee I deserve to have it the way I enjoy it. Just don’t be rude and learn how to efficiently order, be nice, and tip generously.
Lea S. 3 years ago
The problem is 'the customer is always right,' policy. I worked at a Starbucks for a few years and a Perkins for ten. Whenever I followed Perkins policy and tried to handle something - the manager above me would go and undo it. Over the years I fed people who came in drunk, stole food, drank in the restaurant, shouted racial slurs at others, came in shirtless, called in and demanded reservations (it said in the book we DIDN'T do this). If you let them run all over you - they fuckn run all over you.
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