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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.

#1

My Dog Passed And They Told Me To Come To Work Anyway So I Quit. Her Name Is Eva

My Dog Passed And They Told Me To Come To Work Anyway So I Quit. Her Name Is Eva

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Kiki
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eva is beautiful! And as a member of the family she obviously deserves to be mourned <3

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#2

Support The Workers

Support The Workers

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#3

This Would Be A Great Stress Relief Practice

This Would Be A Great Stress Relief Practice

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Puppeteer Saint
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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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.”

#5

An Inspiration To Us All

An Inspiration To Us All

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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.

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#7

*ehem*

*ehem*

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#8

“Please Don’t Verbally Assault The Baristas”

“Please Don’t Verbally Assault The Baristas”

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#9

"Managers Favorite" Lmao

"Managers Favorite" Lmao

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Random Person
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

honestly calling it the "ghost refresher" is pretty cool. Also great that they're giving it for free

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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.

#11

Working Thanksgiving Sucks, So I Made All My Baristas Gift Bags! Thank You For Everything You Do

Working Thanksgiving Sucks, So I Made All My Baristas Gift Bags! Thank You For Everything You Do

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Random Person
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these gift bags honestly look really nice, a card, a cup, and whatever else you put down in there. Definitely made thanksgiving better.

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#13

Somebody Backed Into Our Window On Friday, And This Was Presented To Us Today. Sometimes Work Is Okay

Somebody Backed Into Our Window On Friday, And This Was Presented To Us Today. Sometimes Work Is Okay

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#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

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

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AB Games
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and still ppl go there and buy their overpriced stuff ... *shaking head

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#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

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

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#21

👀👀👀

👀👀👀

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The slice of bread in the bottom right corner looks like a Pac-Man ghost

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#22

Walked Into My Store And Burst Into Laughter. Gotta Love These Shortages

Walked Into My Store And Burst Into Laughter. Gotta Love These Shortages

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#23

Me Watching Karen’s Card Get Declined

Me Watching Karen’s Card Get Declined

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Claire Stanfield
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*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.

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#24

It’s Happening

It’s Happening

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#25

Some Whiteout Poetry Dedicated To Being A Partner

Some Whiteout Poetry Dedicated To Being A Partner

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oli
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is same for certainly more then 90% of the companies! I never felt that i was more then just an employee until i work for me...

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#26

This Is Just… A Lot

This Is Just… A Lot

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Fiery Llama
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what if one of their clear ideas was stupid? Like, for example, demanding the insane amount of sugar here to be pumped slowly?

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Apachebathmat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I too prefer seven slow, full pumps,” defo better than six, I said to my husband

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Fiery Llama
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing Cheryl went for the nonfat option. Wouldn't want the 7 pumps of sugar drink to be unhealthy.

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Seanette Blaylock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sugar-free syrups do exist. Granted, Her Majesty did not specify a sugar-free variety.

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Pam Humphries
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With the mask making it difficult to hear & understand each other it's really a nice idea. Or she could be hearing impaired.

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Hel Fyre
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love when customers hand me a detailed list with modifications, or show me their usual on the app, or legit bring an old sticker. Makes everything easier.

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LeilaOdinis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when the pandemic started, I wrote in big letters on my phone's note pad and showed the barista. it was better than going Huh? *muffled order* huh? *more muffled order*

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Lynne Stankard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait!!!!!!! I live in the UK, we CANNOT make tea without water. What is this drink? Pretty please xx

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ByTheWindSailor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starbucks makes their chai from concentrate, so she wants chai concentrate with hot milk only.

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Chad Kook
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm, I am on the fence on this... on the one hand good... she has clear instructions as to what she wants in her drink on the other the way that slow and full are in red makes me think that she will watch you make the drink and berate you if she feels you haven't pumped slow enough or full enough to her satisfaction...

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Jennifer Livinlaughinlovin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously Cheryl doesnt understand that the same amount comes out whether you pump fast or slow....

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Jennifer Doscher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for her. Honestly - brava. But...that drink sounds disGUUUSTing.

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Tsadik Ngash
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a restaurant yesterday, and they started bringing out everything they knew I always ask for.

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Joe Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you make tea or latte WITHOUT water? Do they just wants tea leaves and coffee grinds?

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Peter Trudell Jr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I can't complain about this. No mixup, no confusion. Gods, to have such clarity, no words spoken, just hand the sticker, smile, pay and tip. Wave at me or call my name when it's ready.

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Danielle Arroyo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i say no foam! my drinks cost at least 750 so if I want no f*****g foam! I want no f*****g foam! i was a barista for years.. just take the big spoon and put it in front of the foam! u dont like working there leave!!!

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Naomi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this bad? I haven't done this but I've thought about it before because I feel annoying trying to describe a drink to the barista.

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Lobo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If ANY barista has a problem with something like this, they need slapped square in the face and told to fn get over themselves. And to stop being a worthless waste of fn air.

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Dani Pret
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see this as rude, I think it is efficient and saves time however it does depend on the attitude in which the customer hands it over

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Ghost
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FROM EXPERIENCE..I pay extra..extra for more chai and its always different so I get this. YOU DON'T ADD WATER TO ICED CHAI TO FILL THE CUP. It's unbelievably frustrating to tell them and get attitude saying they don't..LITERALLY watched them multiple times adding water and then I politely ask for a correct order.

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Doesn’t Care
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cheryl is obviously a teacher. She knows you have the intelligence of her 4 year old in kindergarten.

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Skylar Jaxx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Regardless of the complaints this is genius. Now u don't have to talk to anyone. EVERYONE should do this

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SW Dad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think folks in the comments are missing the "slow, full pumps" part. This isn't helpful, it's telling the barista how to do their job.

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Tails
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am reading this and trying to decipher the code. Vente should be large, chai is tea, tea is tea and latte means coffee with milk? Is mixing coffee milk and tea any good?

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Kel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if they were a barista, bc a slow pump won't get you more. But the Chai pumps are notorious for being messy bc the pumps are made for things like thick mocha and that chai just shoots out everywhere.

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HK Hoel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I crazy or do you need water to make tea/coffee... maybe she wants the tea/beans to steep in the 7 pumps of flavoring lol

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Lena Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was honestly too focused on the fact that she spelled Venti wrong. Unless it's spelled that way somewhere else?

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Hovawart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aside from the seven full pumps, which is flirting with diabetic coma, this label-provider is a woman after my own heart.

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AmazingAmazon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think Cheryl would make it out the door unbloodied if I worked there.

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#27

Find A Lizard?

Find A Lizard?

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JACKSON NIESE
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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"

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#28

It’s Starting To Get To Me

It’s Starting To Get To Me

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Louloubelle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm more concerned about the fact that the little hovering dog has casts on both of it's front legs.

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#29

The Bucks Be Draining Yo

The Bucks Be Draining Yo

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Random Person
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100% - i don't get how people workout, go out to eat, or do anything after work

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#30

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Emily Jones
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the motivation and will to live parts really got me also they only have tears

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#31

The Life Of An Opener

The Life Of An Opener

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kath morgan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#32

I Am So Tired

I Am So Tired

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Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a catch 22. People will go because it's open so the following year it's open because people went the previous year.

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#34

60 Frappuccinos With No Tip… $279

60 Frappuccinos With No Tip… $279

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El Dee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country tipping is unusual. Staff are paid enough so they don't have to depend on it..

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#35

Water And Whip No

Water And Whip No

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Note: this post originally had 88 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.