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Any job is difficult if you care about its outcome. But not every worker has to hear about it from customers. Baristas are one of the "lucky" ones that do.
As Gowri Chandra has beautifully put it, we Americans worship at the altar of craft coffee, reveling in its complexity and revering its art form. But we've still managed to commodify the very people who make it: the baristas. So if we believe in the artistry of baristas — and it looks like we do — why are we treating them as unskilled, expendable labor?
From everything baristas are posting online about their job, it's clear that we, the clients, are the main cause of their headaches. Of course, they have other problems too, but probably none can screw up their day as we do. Continue scrolling to learn what trials and tribulations await baristas every single day, and who knows, maybe if their confessions get plenty of attention, people will be kinder to them? Let's hope so.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Really Good Mask Sign
Tye Dye Llama 5 years ago
I know, right! I saw one that said “Wear a mask or you give us the right to yell at you.”
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Dre Mosley 5 years ago
An Anti-masker, QAnon follower, and a conspiracy theorist walk into a bar. Nope, this isn't three separate people, it's all one person.
Ariel 5 years ago
Is this inferring that people with valid exemptions shouldn’t be putting themselves at risk going out and/or that they shouldn’t be putting other people at risk by going out without a mask? Not every valid reason for exemption is because of a medical condition that would put the person in the higher risk group for complications or very serious illness should they catch Covid19. The UK government, at least, has not said that people who genuinely cannot wear masks aren’t allowed to, or shouldn’t go, places. The part of the sign underlined in red seems aggressive and accusatory in my opinion.
Monika Soffronow 5 years ago
... and then that person has a coughing fit ... Are you implying that "people who genuinely cannot wear masks" cannot spread the virus? They are potentially dangerous both to themselves as well as to others.
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Jane Moore 5 years ago
Unless you are going into Spar in my town - apparently they have been instructed by their boss not to do challange people
All of these experiences might seem scary and really demanding when you're just starting out. "Many service industry roles aren't full-time, which often means you're ineligible for most employer-sponsored benefits," former Starbucks barista Mekita Rivas explained. "Calling out sick can have negative consequences in the workplace, especially one where you can't just 'work from home.'"
RELATED:
#2
It’s Called Etiquette
Aunt Messy 5 years ago
In most countries other than the US, you are NOT ALLOWED to put money or a credit card in the cashier's hand. You either put it on the counter or in a tray that's there for that very purpose. Why? It's fraud prevention. ...///... If the money or card is always in full view of the customer, then they can't try to pretend that they gave a larger bill than they did (a classic, there's always some asshole who tries this) or claim that the cashier "copied" their card.
Some Cool Guy 5 years ago
When they did that to me I want put their change on the counter too. The look of mild shock or even occasional understanding was worth it.
Nela Rothenbach 5 years ago
Sorry, but I disagree....I don't want to accidentally touch your hand or the other way round...
Samantha Lomb 5 years ago
In some cultures it is considered rude/ dirty to do this. In Russia they have little dishes where you are supposed to put your money for the cashier and of course now they are encouraging people to just use card
Mary Peace 5 years ago
There is a difference between putting money down on the counter, maybe to avoid touching someone's hands because of COVID, and just tossing it on the counter because you can't be bothered to be polite.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 5 years ago (edited)
This. I worked retail for years. People would grab sweaty money from their bra and toss it on the counter. Or just a wadded up and toss it on the counter. Every time I would look them in the eyes as I gather it up.
Mike Kozubski 5 years ago
Will still put it in the counter, you can pick it up there. And please don't put it in my hand put it on the counter and I will pick it up. Your way is not the right way, I worked retail haly.my life. Counter is faster and easier then 500 people a day dropping it and having to pick it up and hood up the line.
However, the job can also prepare you for the future. Now, Rivas is balancing a full-time day job, a growing freelance business, relationships with loved ones, as well as her other needs and goals. That sounds like a lot, but she said it's within her energy levels. "Although working my way through school was challenging, my hustle is what got me my degree," she said.
That job has helped her understand that 'work-life balance' means whatever you want it to. "It's whatever makes you feel comfortable and in control. I am still trying to decipher what that looks like for this chapter in my life, but I know I'm on my way to figuring it out."
#3
Every Peak At Least 5 Times
Viviane 5 years ago
Oh dear, I have been that person in line. I could blame my shyness, ADD (attention-deficit disorder) and crappy hearing, but to some strangers, I'm just another idiot who doesn't listen. I'm grateful that the employees at my local grocery just nod and wave, as if to say "Yes - YOU! You won the grand prize of being served by this lovely cashier!" Awwww, now they're making me all verklempt at their kindness.
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
Verklempt is one of the small handful of German words I know and the very best one because it means what it sounds like!
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Leo Domitrix 5 years ago
Oh God, the times I've had to nudge Hubby to get his butt up in line before it got to that last bit....
M Kate McCulloch 5 years ago
To be fair... sometimes the music is loud and the voice is soft... Eye contact works wonders
Mike Kozubski 5 years ago
Yeah you're working and I am not, no one here is in a rush and we're the ones paying. Literally no one cares if you want .sit there and earn your money and we will get there when we get there.
#4
Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too
Mary Peace 5 years ago
Sorry to be awkward, but the credit card cannot decline, it gets declined. I was at work today in a shop, and it happened 5 times, each time it was only because the customer needed to put their card in and enter their PIN.
Mike Kozubski 5 years ago
No, their attitude when you talk to them is. It's their job to repeat store policy 500 times if needed. Not be rude and ignorant. It is their responsibility depending on their attitude. Act like an ass and get treated like one. We will come and you are paid to inform us with a damn smile and not be rude simply because you heard it before..yeah you heard it before because it's your job and their ate hundreds of thousands of people in your city Smarten up, it's you who are the problem no one who doesn't work their has responsibility to just know your job for you ..it's your job to answer their inquiries.
#5
Me When Peak Lasts My Whole Shift
Haroon Hussein 5 years ago
Made me laugh my head off so let me go pick it...
Load More Replies... Martha Meyer 5 years ago
I find it a huge red flag when job interviewers demand to know whether I can work under pressure.
#6
I Tried Hard To Cheer Up My Regular Karen And She Grabbed A Straw And Mixed My Little Art And Her Ungrateful Ass Said:i Dint Ask For No Stupid Drawing
Láďa Durchánek 5 years ago
This would cheer up even a dead person, but apparently not this Karen.
Another loser 5 years ago (edited)
Ur art is pretty, I would have LOVED having that on my drink
SykesDaMan 5 years ago
It"s like a millefeuile pastry in a coffee cup!! Very beautiful. (A picture of an actual millefeuille for the ref). mf-5f91e576d2c28.jpg 
Eredyn IreMist 5 years ago
Oooooh so pretty!!! If I got that I would add more to my usual tip!!!
#7
And Thats On Period
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
If someone walks into my Culver’s and tells me to empty the cash register into their sack, I will do so, open the company safe and give them the money in there, and make them a sundae. I’m not dying for $10.50 an hour.
Joshua Seaman 5 years ago
When the person doing the titles is ESL, and mistakes "on point" for "on period" 😳😂
deanna woods 5 years ago
I will not die for these pizzas or the money. If I am on a delivery and someone demands the pizzas and money they can have it.
#8
Mental Health In The Workplace
deanna woods 5 years ago
At one place I worked at, I told my manager that at least once a week, I would need to leave to go to therapy. She would always find something for me to do at the time that I was supposed to leave and then I would have to cancel my therapy appointment.
Viviane 5 years ago
Effing sabotaging bitch; she had alternatives, such as asking you to make up the missing hours the rest of the week, leave instructions for someone replacing you, etc. I hope you've found better workplaces since. I told one potential employer I was doing physiotherapy. My present employer is great -- I've joked about my therapist in team meetings.
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M Kate McCulloch 5 years ago
We'll offer three sessions with a therapist at no cost. But you can't go during work hours. Your hours are 4 am to midnight 6 days a week. !/2 hour lunch. Aren't we nice???
#9
Just A Psa To The Customers:
earringnut 5 years ago
Conversely, why would you want to be rude to the person responsible for getting you that mid holiday rush pick-me-up?
Danielle Yeomans 5 years ago
Same goes the other way around though. I’m nice to every server and cashier. I can’t tell you how many times they have let their bad day/attitude ruin my experience at their establishment.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 5 years ago
According to my personal experience holidays are the worst time for retail workers. So many rude and nasty people.
Rachael Marrast 5 years ago
It costs $0 to be nice to people at ANY time. Your yelling, your opinion, your bickering, etc will not change anyone's mind, make them feel better, make them BE better, etc.
Janelle Collard 5 years ago
I've never figured out why you would be nasty to someone who is waiting on you, helping you, doing you a favor, etc. Am I missing something?
Celtic Pirate Queen 5 years ago
I literally got up and walked out on a first date because he was rude & condescending to our waiter. He actually thought I was the rude one for leaving! I told him (on the phone later) in no uncertain terms that I thought he was a complete jackass & his behavior was really indicative of his character - oh and lose my number.
#10
“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”
Amarédesse Gemtree, SLYTHERIN 5 years ago
YOOOOOOOO! MALFOY LEFT THE TAP ON!
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natie marie 5 years ago
Ahaha.. also.. customers prefer to be ignored until they ask for help. Signed, all customers.
Suzanne Clark 5 years ago
I hate the survey question that asks if the barista made an effort to get to know me...what? ...at the drive up window? Yeah, like we got all touchy feely in the 30 seconds it took. I don't want the barista to "get to know me" and I sincerely doubt they want to either.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 5 years ago
That happens at some of our local convenience stores. You'll walk in the front door and suddenly from some unseen corner, you'll hear "Welcome to *******!!!" I can't help but wonder if I am expected to reply to an that unseen force (prior to their physical being showing up) and thus, stumble over my words. I suppose it's an understaffed store's way of letting you know that you are being watched but.... still creepy.
#11
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them
Sent From The Slytherin House 5 years ago (edited)
Me too. "With breast milk squeezed by the barista herself!" Especially since he's a guy.
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#12
Every Store Has One (Or Several)
Ranwa Sinno 5 years ago
I worked in Starbucks back in uni, and there was a regular who actually made me a "mixed" CD. Sooo creepy.. Not gonna say what the first song was, but please refrain from giving people you don't know a CD with carefully selected songs.
#13
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Hang Around Past Closing
Nubmaeme 5 years ago
You got that right! All retail has that problem. I left a woman in the dark at Penney's one night. The store was closed, the lights out, the registers emptied......and she still wanted to shop. I told management and let them deal with her.
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Henry Cheves 5 years ago
My dad used to work for a Kmart in Florida, and because their are usually a bunch of old people who dawdle getting out, he got permission to say "We are closing now, please exit the store. Security, release the hounds."
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
If you show up at my drive through at 21:58, I will ignore you for two minutes until the automated “We are now closed” comes on
Samantha Hurrell 5 years ago
Yes. We had a customer slowly wander over to the till 5 minutes after closing (We'd told her 5 minutes before she needed to make her way to the till) and refused any assisting packing her shopping, which she waited until my colleague had scanned all the items and taken payments to pack. Meanwhile we have to be swept and mopped in the less than 20 minutes and management cannot cash up because they're waiting for the till.
Cori 5 years ago
YES! As a former grocery store cashier, there is nothing more irritating than that person who walks through the door 5 mins before close and casually walks around filling their cart. It's like lady, I work 2 jobs just to survive. I walk everywhere because I don't have a car. Job #1 started at 6am. It is now 11pm. I can't start my closing procedures until AFTER I've rung up your groceries. I would very much like to walk my exhausted self home and eat the first proper meal I will have had all day, but instead, I get to stand here fuming while you casually peruse the ceral aisle.
deanna woods 5 years ago
This is true for pizza restaurants. You knew you were hungry long before the place is going to close. Otherwise make you a sandwich.
#14
Karen Strikes Again!
What's In Your Head? 5 years ago
In all fairness, while this is true to some extent, it doesn't necessarily work that way. I can only speak for myself, but I have no desire to visit any stores on holidays. However, if they happen to be open, it might actually come in handy sometimes and I might drop by. I will definitely feel sorry for the person working, but they are not open because I MUST shop there on said holiday. They are open because their asshat boss wants to scrape in some extra dough, even if there are hardly any customers.
Marcia Cash 5 years ago
STOP using my friend Karen's name as an insult. How would you like it if it were your name?
Bama Belle 5 years ago (edited)
I feel sorry for women named Karen, too. Don't co-opt some poor girls' name to use as an insult. Call rude people what they are, rude, self-entitled, arrogant, an asshole...
Load More Replies... pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
I would say this is more the companies fault than the customers :)
E Menendez 5 years ago (edited)
If no one went in the store, no one would stay open. People justify it as "if they weren't open I wouldn't go but since they are I might as well" and that is a cop out because OF COURSE you wouldn't go if they were closed because you CAN'T. In the U.S. We vote with our dollar. Where and when you spend your money is where your ethics lay.
Victoria 5 years ago
Somewhat in reverse, I once worked at a popular Canadian coffee chain that *GASP* actually closed on Christmas, and people were SO. FREAKIN. PISSED!!! Like erm.... sorry that we're human and would like to spend time with our families? Make your own damn coffee for ONE. EFFING. DAY!
Maxine Caroline 5 years ago
I loved working holidays in the restaurant industry. Either it was crazy busy with tips and or maybe I got paid more due to holiday pay and sometimes it was a relaxing slow shift hanging out with my coworkers who I liked. I often times had nothing better to do
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I liked working on Christmas because I absolutely despise it as a holiday, and usually I could finagle getting off for Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday.
#15
Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?
Bob Belcher 5 years ago
It happens. You wake up and you just know today's going to suck. That's always Monday the 13th for me. Not Friday the 13th which is a Friday so it's the weekend. No, Monday the 13 just sucks.
Load More Replies... Katy McMouse 5 years ago
My constant state - you never know when full-on annoyed will be needed. Best to be prepared.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 5 years ago
At cracker barrel there was thus one older man that would sit in my section every day. Twice. I usually worked breakfast and lunch shift. He would always either order a biscuit and fried egg (like $2) or just a coffee. He wanted me to stop at his table and talk with him every possible second. Keeping me from other tables. He always left 3 quarters as a tip. He thought because he was a regular he shouldn't tip. Granted 75 cents is more than 15% tip on a coffee but he would sit for hours. Sometimes he never left and just stayed for hours. I worked at CB in Hartselle and my daughter worked at CB a city away. When I quit he started going and sitting in my daughters section. Apparently he lived close to it and was only coming to Hartselle to sit in my section. He just happened to sit in her section and mentioned he usually goes to Hartselle and my daughter said something like "my mom used to work there" "who is your mom?" . what are the chances.
TheHolyFatherOfToast 5 years ago
yee. It always happens between school wake up time to my laughing man coffee.
#16
Interesting
Aimee Simmons 5 years ago
this pisses me off. Blanket judgements. Assholes having a bad year taking it out on everyone else, and then those everyone else's returning the favor. How the hell is it every going to stop if NEITHER ONE IS WILLING TO BE THE ONE TO STOP!!! (breathing deeply and walking away.)
Mariette Ferreira 5 years ago
it is. people who want others to comply with big things don't do it themselves with little things. It's not the straightest line, but it does make sense.
Load More Replies... #17
Just Dropping By With This
Mary Peace 5 years ago
"I'll tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a nasty virus, and some people that caught it got really ill..."
deanna woods 5 years ago
"And some other people got into arguments about wearing a mask on their face..."
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#18
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order
postboredom 5 years ago
I dont get that 'one pump, two shots this' thing. The whole frappuccino gwapoccino thing, actually.
Leo Domitrix 5 years ago
Me at the Starbucks I will never visit again: Venti hot chocolate, please, thanks, that's all for me. Starbucks employee: So that's a big cup of mocha, got it, next. *sigh*
Celtic Pirate Queen 5 years ago
What is it with people these days? Say hello. Be polite. Listen to the question and then answer. You are placing an order not GIVING an order.
Erica Cochrane 5 years ago
omg, this happens all the time. also, sometimes people give you all the information, except what the drink actually is, like: can i have a venti, extra hot, extra shot, caramel, wet. sure, what drink is it? venti, extra hot, extra shot, caramel, wet. yes, i got all that. but you didn't tell me if it was a latte, a macchiato etc
Johanne Trudeau 5 years ago
That's where if one could, you slap them on the back of the head and say, "You're not listening to me" "What damn size of coffee do you want?"
#19
Psa
Katy McMouse 5 years ago
Ya know what's fast and easy? Setting the timer on your coffee pot. *gasp*
Mary Montejo 5 years ago
And you can have it your way all the time, anytime.
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Susan Trevaskis-Owen 5 years ago
I ran into the same asshat twice at a SB. The first time he tried to get me to agree with his complaints about the "slow service" when there weren't that many people in the store. I pointed out that he'd been there less than 5 minutes and that they also had mobile orders to fill. I also pointed out that there were only three people working there--a cashier, a barista, and one other who was heating pastries, refilling creamer jugs, etc--and that they were doing the best they could so maybe cut them a little slack. The second time he was complaining about the "long lines," (there were two people ahead of him), that he was going to be late for work & "didn't have time for this." I looked at him like he was a moron and said, "If you're in such a hurry, maybe stopping at a Starbucks before work, at their busiest time of day, wasn't a good idea." I think that was when he recognized me from the previous encounter & shut up quick.
Bender Bending Rodríguez 5 years ago
Thank you for standing up for those employees.
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Pseudo Puppy 5 years ago
sadly, (at least in Australia), Starbucks has an instore service-expectation, that the coffee should be ready within 2 minutes of the order being placed. It is monitored, and timed (especially by the spouses of uppermanagement, who like to consider themselves the 'gatekeepers' of their partner's job)... and reported back to the baristas. "The area manager's wife came in to the city store, and noted that 1) the cashier didn't smile enough, 2) the cashier didn't upsell a 3rd item, 3) took 2.5 minutes to make the coffee, 4) the barista didn't chat to them while making their coffee, 5) the barista didn't look them in the eye when putting the coffee up to be collected, 6) the barista didn't thank them for coming in, 7) the barista didn't wish them a nice day, 8) the barista didn't use a "happy sing song voice" when calling their name." Legit. Saw this kinda crap a LOT.
Celtic Pirate Queen 5 years ago
AMEN! The sign above or on every office desk I have ever had: Poor planning on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on mine.
Erica Cochrane 5 years ago
we used to have a woman who literally came in late every day, yelled at us for taking time to heat up her panini & making her drink, wanted to skip the queue because she was late. she also wanted her panini double bagged with 2 sachets of brown sauce in the outer bag. fine. at xmas she wanted extra sprinkles on the Toffee nut latte, and would stand at the end of the bar as close as she could get and tell you when it was enough sprinkles (it was a s**t ton) then bitch at us for running out (because she'd had them all). we never let her skip the queue. i even once, nicely suggested she maybe left the house earlier, or got the bus earlier, because she had told me she took the bus into town for work. i also knew, because she often yelled things at me, that there were regular buses from her area, so it's not like she'd have to leave 30 mins earlier, it was literally 5 mins. but somehow she never though to do this. eventually she got a new job, told us about it, and we all had to act sad. XD
#20
Sundays Really Be Like That Tho
Fixin'Ta 5 years ago (edited)
On behalf of true Christ-followers everywhere, I am embarrassed and ashamed that anyone who claims to follow Him would act like this, whether it's Sunday or any other day of the week. Our pastor once challenged us to tip extra on Sundays, then laughed and said, Why not do it every day? So my family does that, and we try to remember that the employees are human beings just like us who have lives, possibly families they're supporting, and a "story" about who they are and what life has done to them. Jesus loves people, and we should, too.
Just another bot 5 years ago
Whats the point of going to church if you're not going to at least try to be a good Christian (for example) afterwards and do what you're taught to do, you know...LOVE one another. Be a decent human being. Oh and you don't need religion to do that.
Declan John 5 years ago
My Starbucks was near a community pool. Every summer, all weekday mornings, at ten past each your, a wave of mommies who'd just dropped off their kids for swimming class would arrive at once and line up for their skinny double-talls.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 5 years ago
And of course, they do so while still dressed in their Sunday best so there is no doubt where they just came from . Hypocritical one and all!
deanna woods 5 years ago
The church crowd is always the worst crowd on Sundays at any restaurant.
#21
Tbh
El muerto 5 years ago
they'll probably try to make you a zombie, if they could....is all for the team
Bob Belcher 5 years ago
And since you a zombie now, you obviously don't need health care.
Load More Replies... Todd Hunter 5 years ago
When I worked retail a very close friend's mother died. I came in to tell them I would need the saturday off for the funeral. The manager asked "Do you have someone to cover your shift"? I apparently turned very red and calmly told her "No Jacky, that's your job, have a nice day" and walked out of the breakroom.
deanna woods 5 years ago
I was coughing and couldn't get one guy to cover my shift. However, I had to cover his one day because his dad wouldn't let him drive their truck in icy weather. This guy was 42 at the time.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 5 years ago
Businesses need to learn to hire someone like myself who wants to work part-time PRN. I get calls from medical offices needing coverage for a sick or absent front desk employee with little or a lot of notice. I show up in scrubs and ready to work. I am paid well, much desired, and very-much appreciated.
Rad Dot 5 years ago
This happened at my job, an employee was "sleeping" sitting on a bench next to the nurse's office . She had a headache and was waiting her turn to see the nurse but she died and everyone thought she was just sleeping until a co-worker notice that she never returned to her station and found her dead on the bench. We found out the next day that she had a heart attack.
#22
Just Gonna Leave This Here
Out of chocolate 5 years ago
Yup. It definitely is. It’s almost like workers need better pay and more protection.
E Menendez 5 years ago
Problem is it would put many small businesses under to pay employees more because they don't MAKE that much money because they have to compete with the cheap crap on Amazon and WalMart because a bunch of junk is quality of life. Where you spend your money at is where your ethics lay.
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Joanne Rust 5 years ago
And, our taxes will pay the furlough of everyone. That's fine; it's got to come from somewhere, but why should I pay towards someone whose 80% furlough pay is higher than my total wage, especially when they're socialising instead of working or distancing...
Maria Ribaulo 5 years ago
I'd happily take your 40 hour a week job. My unemployment ran out and I'm a month from losing my house.
Sue Knerl 5 years ago
Well the unemployment ran out, no more extra cash and no jobs. So, be lucky you have a job.
Libby Becker 5 years ago
That’s what corporations want us to be- grateful to them.
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Vic D 5 years ago
I think this person is probably in Canada, with the Emergency Response Benefit, every Canadians that lost their jobs would received 2k per month, even students received it, so many of them refused to go back to work this summer because they would get less money working minimum wage.
E Menendez 5 years ago (edited)
In the U.S. they were getting $600 a week and now they are getting $400 a week. And we don't pay anywhere near the taxes as they do in Canada.
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Cameron Washington 4 years ago
top three things workers need more pay less harassment by male customers and FOR KARENS TO GO EXTINCT
Brandi VanSteenwyk 5 years ago
This has been a period of time we can speak to our grandchildren about: That time when welfare paid more than pride in one's work ethic and a desire to support the success of business large and small.
Parmeisan 5 years ago
"Pride in one's work ethic". Are you a boomer? You sound like a boomer. You want us to be ready to die for shitty employers who don't care about us, while anything we say to defend ourselves is "entitled", and it never occurs to you that shitty employers expecting us to die for them for nothing is what is ACTUALLY entitled. Treat people well and maybe they'll give you some loyalty.
Load More Replies... Jack Candy 5 years ago
Probably not everyone on unemployment (if yes, I would suggest to quit the job to make more money on unemployment), but employees should earn much more.
#23
Me.
#24
Forgot The Extra Drizzle.
Aimee Simmons 5 years ago
but that's illegal my barista friend, and espresssssssooooooo isn't... yet.
#25
When Customers Ask For Something Like This
Darwinist 5 years ago
"I'm diabetes in a bottle" (sing to the tune of "Genie In A Bottle" by Christina Aguilera)
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Brett Layton 5 years ago
best part is the sweet and low and stevia but 10 sugars, like wtf is the point? just melt down some candy bars and call it a day tehre 'Tiger'
#26
I Just Want To Know What Size 😞
pansexualandproud 5 years ago
0-0" This is just down right annoying...some people are just so full of them selfs
#27
When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:
Kim 5 years ago
Lol I used to run the kitchen, do the dishes, serve, clean AND take orders... and my boss called me immature and said I’ve got no work ethics when I quit after he refused to employ more people. I only asked for ONE more so at least we’d be two. That was apparently unreasonable... maybe he thought I was a robot. 🦾🤖
Jane Alexander 5 years ago
I once worked for such a horrid old hag she had me down on the floor cleaning the old-timey radiators in between waiting on the diners.
#28
Just Received This From Corporate In Regards To Covid-19
#29
Psa: Please Don’t Leave Stuff Like This In The Tip Jar. Politics Aside, It’s A Really Childish And Insulting Gesture. Thank You
Losferatu 5 years ago
Especially because there's a giant turd on it. Seriously. Only the idiots in the cult of trumpsterfire do s**t like this.
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Linda Harms 5 years ago
The trump cult does not care what they deface. They put his picture on US flags and turn them into ugly, crass campaign posters, too.
#30
Opening Be Like This
AMYAH MINOTT-STARLING 5 years ago
man i feel your pain cat only had 2 hours of sleep on a school night-_-||
Cameron Washington 4 years ago
five year olds looking at this be like : DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN BE CAREFUL OR D STATUE OF LIBERTY WILL COME GET UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
#31
Im So Sorry
Just another bot 5 years ago (edited)
If she was nice, she will probably forgive you. Now go to sleep. Seriously though, the only way I can stop thinking when I'm 'tired but wired' is reading until I actually fall asleep 🙄
Erica Cochrane 5 years ago
been there. i also sometimes text my coworkers on the way home like 'sorry, forgot to write a day dot for the blueberry muffins i put out earlier' ><
#32
It Can Happen To The Best Of Us
Brandi VanSteenwyk 5 years ago
LOL!! We've all been there before. An it's always the shakes of something very colorful or exceptionally aromatic (garlic powder comes to mind)!!
#33
This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...
Monty Is Fiennes 5 years ago
This is how it feels to work long term at any food establishment where you order at the counter....
postboredom 5 years ago
This makes me want to pee in my pants. I dont know how you guys even do it.
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
I’m more focused on pretending like I want to be there, so I just take it one person at a time.
Load More Replies... Sarina Greenhaven 5 years ago
It's the apocalypse of coffee drinkers! If they touch you you become one! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES
#34
Here’s For The Lady Today Who Hadn’t Even Paid Me Yet And Said “I’m Glad Your Coworkers Are Having Such A Great Conversation, But They Need To Get Started On My Drink Because I’m In A Rush”
Bob Belcher 5 years ago
Truth. Why can't people just wake up 5 minutes earlier or hurry up in the morning if they k ow they want to stop somewhere.
François Carré 5 years ago
Because doing so magically turns their guilty feeling (about being late to their own job) into the demanding customer's satisfactory feeling of superiority, that's why.
Load More Replies...
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
On a rush or not, I don't like when people are there just talking and while looking the line grow. When I go to the supermarket the lady is telling about her dog and the cashier is listening. I roll my eyes but I don't say nothing. I find it actually sweet but at the same time...
Luuta 5 years ago
Actually, I find staff who ignore you and carry on chatting while you're waiting for them to finish very annoying. It's not good customer service, it shows total disrespect for the customer and low regard for their job. I don't mind them chatting, but not on my time. Time is too precious to be wasted. I'm not in a rush to go anywhere, I just hate having my time wasted. Imagine if this was in other industries, like emergency services, for example, or if you have to deal with some official to get government handouts and they're ignoring you while they chat. It's not cool. On the other hand, staff aren't robots and provided they haven't got customers waiting, I don't mind if they chat all day.
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago
Just make it a company policy that everyone who comes in and tries to rush you gets the slow-motion treatment.
#35
What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed
Erica Cochrane 5 years ago
used to work in a kiosk. people regularly stuck their heads under the partially down shutters to ask if we were open. when we said no, they'd say 'can you just make me a quick latte? it'll only take you a minute' 'yes, but then it'll take me another 10 to clean the bar again, and 10 more to recount the till...so no'
#36
Welcome To My Ted Talk
troufaki13 5 years ago
But sometimes, exactly because it's free, they totally ignore you and never give you that glass of water. Sometimes I order it like 10 times before I get it.
Christian Bradshaw 5 years ago
Me too! I mean, I understand, but still...
Load More Replies... Mary Peace 5 years ago
Here in the UK, you help yourself to water from a jug. Of course it isn't as hot as in the States, but we're lucky if we get ice. But at least they've stopped giving us disposable cups, they're re-use glasses now.
#37
When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip
Boopie Dew 5 years ago
That always confused me, a rude customer and yet a good tip. Not much else surprised me when I was a server/bartender.
#38
Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.
Erica Cochrane 5 years ago
once a guy reached over my bar and started just picking stuff up and examining it, spoons, thermometers, lids etc. i was like 'can you not do that? i now have to throw out all the stuff you touched or wash it' 'i was just curious about what they were' 'this stuff is here for us, not for customers to touch, you shouldn't even be standing this close'
RATSMACKER 5 years ago
OH I had no idea. I’ve done that before. Shoot, won’t be doing that again
SilverSkyCloud 1 year ago
whats the problem? they're still wrapped and theres no food or liquid on them
Amanda Hunter 5 years ago
Why don't the company make tops with a part that can be sipped from.
Peter Kelly 5 years ago
This is what happens when you are fixated on all the hysteria, instead of behaving like a normal human being.
#39
Why
Ionut Tautan 5 years ago
if the store offers this as an option, why are the people ordering it getting the backlash?
Susan Stead 5 years ago
Guilty! Starbucks doesn't have dark brew on tap anymore. They used to have French roast available, but they don't anymore, so if you want it, you have to get a pour-over. Sorry, but in my defense it's Starbucks' fault for getting me hooked on the stuff ten years ago.
Leo Domitrix 5 years ago
Oh, the pour-over should be banned outside the privacy of one's home. That's just evil to ask of a barista.
Rene Simons 5 years ago
I didn’t know they actually used coffee in Starbucks. Never really tasted it.
Mihael Širka 5 years ago
They call themselves baristas and hate making pour over? This is why Starbucks is garbage.
#40
When You Both Open And Close Regularly
#41
Starbucks: *removes Vanilla From Hot Chocolate Recipe* Me:
#42
Insert Interesting Title Here
Monty Is Fiennes 5 years ago
See: The other person/shop/outlet/manager does it for me....they are all lying.....
#43
Amy = John
Squee 5 years ago
Yup, It just made me mad and I've never been in the situation.
Load More Replies... abn_gator 5 years ago
I'm not a coffee drinker so I avoid Starbucks, but does this really happen that often?
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
I don’t work at Starbucks and its overpriced af so I don’t go there that often but if the IQ of the clientele at Culver’s and Starbucks is the same this probably happens about every other hour.
Load More Replies...
#45
Me Everyday At Work Like:
Haunting Spirit 5 years ago
That's because the people do feel sorry for walking over the just cleaned floor.
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
i work as a cleaner and appreciate that silly walk. It says "I'm sorry!"
#46
Just Had A Customer Walk In, Order A Trenta Passion Tango Lemonade With 32 Pumps Of Liquid Cane, And Proceed To Count The Pumps Out Loud As I Made Said Drink, Staring Me Down The Whole Time And Warning Me Not To Do Half Pumps.
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
The first part of the sentence is like it’s in a totally different language.
Suzi Gauthier 5 years ago
I don't know about Starbucks, but the pumps at McDonalds are NOT a teaspoon. Just give me some freaking packets!
pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
I don't think you actually have to do that, unless the manager tells you to, but that syrup costs money and he's wasting the time of the people in line. There's no way, unless he's paying extra, that that's good for business. If anyone did that to me I would say no. For the good of the company and other customers. Doubt I'd get written up, we have the right to refuse service for any reason.
Mimi777 5 years ago
I totally get what you’re saying but I’m pretty positive they always charge for every pump. And I’m sure it gets expensive to get that many. But yeah that sounds like a lot of work.
Load More Replies... #47
Thought Y’all Might Appreciate This
Just JoLynn 5 years ago
I know this is not the baristas fault but I truly hate this question. If I order a latte it should come hot, if I want an iced latte then I should order it that way. It's annoying how much society placates to the lowest denominator, if you mess up your order learn from it, it shouldn't be up to the barista/cashier/customer service rep to make sure you know how to order your drink/meal/whatever.
#48
When A Customer Dumps Some Of Their Coffee Into The Trash Can
#49
Me Trying To Make “Customer Connections”
Amanda Sherland 5 years ago
I really hate the small talk while I'm waiting. It's like, come on lady we both know you don't care about the weather or what I'm doing today.
#50
I Kinda Went Off Here!
#51
When You’ve Been Open For 2 Seconds And Someone Orders A Venti Caramel Frappuccino At 5am
Sent From The Slytherin House 5 years ago
Fraps are hard to make and venti is the biggest yet.
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#52
👀 Interesting
Pamda Panda 5 years ago
Until, you know, Starbucks goes bankrupt and the baristas are all unemployed.
Load More Replies... #53
Me At The Grocery Store Register, Realizing I’m Not Wearing Any Starbucks Garb, Leading People To Believe I Am Buying All The Milk They Had For My Own Private Weirdo Milk Party
deanna woods 5 years ago
I work in a pizza restaurant and sometimes we have to buy supplies at the grocery store.
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#55
How It Feels To Work Here Sometimes
Sean Harrison 5 years ago
My last day at Starbucks, I used a green marker and changed the B to an F so the cups read Starfucks.
Savannah Mcquillan 5 years ago
actually tho my older sister, 15 or 16 at the time worked at our starbucks for almost a year and when we moved an hour and a half away they begged her to stay and tried everything to make her
#56
Mood!
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
Consider learning a trade like plumbing or working with computers.
Load More Replies... #57
Oof There Go My Feels
Julius Martin 5 years ago
the sad thing is this is completely true, i've worked at Starbucks for 3 years, i sel an average of 315$ worth of coffee and hour(busy location) and i make 10.15 an hour, 55 hours a WEEK
NoodleBear 5 years ago
How is it that I’m an 18 year old cake decorator yet I make a higher wage per hour? I only work part time right now but still! I don’t even live on my own yet. I’m sorry man.
Load More Replies... Out of chocolate 5 years ago
When the owner of the bar we worked at refused to improve working conditions, draft beer was $3 a pint. In our pockets.
#58
Mood
htbq 5 years ago
no its not. its the company. don't like it, get a different job. No one is holding you back.
BlackestDawn 5 years ago
While it is corporate's decision they are a main contributor to the problem. If no one goes there on such days then there is a high likellyhood that they won't see it as financially viable to be open that day.
Load More Replies... #59
That Is One Unique Drink Order My Guy
What's In Your Head? 5 years ago
I don't even go to Starbucks, but I have to admit that I do feel like this when I order a normal, black coffee anywhere. XD However, saying it out loud really takes it to another level...
#60
This Is Me When “Baby... Why Don’t You Just Meet Me In The Middle” Starts Playing For The 7th Time Of The Day
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
Yeah I’ve threatened my coworker that sets the playlist with death on five separate occasions, half jokingly.
Load More Replies...
Tobias the Tiger 5 years ago
And this is part of the reason why working in retail-related jobs sounds like hell to me.. having to listen to the same songs (especially shitty songs) over and over. I often get tired of my own music after just having it on loop a few times.
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
i worked in an amusement park that played tapes with their own music non stop. 10 hr shifts. ....
#61
“Why Are You Putting Water In That? I Got A Frappuccino??” “This Is An Americano For Susan, Sir”
Call Me Mars 5 years ago
I do this, but I am curious. Sorry to anyone who thinks I look like a creep while doing that!
#62
Coming Home After A Long Day Of Being A Bubbly Barista
CrunChewy McSandybutt 5 years ago
I once had to fake perkiness at work and it was the most exhausting day of my life.
#63
When They Tell You “I Wanted That Iced”, But It Was A Mobile Order
#64
When You Look Up From Making Drinks
#65
When You're On Bar During Peak And A Frapp Sticker Print That Says Item 1 Of 10
Roselyn Park 5 years ago
I think each item on the order will have a sticker saying “1 of 10”, “2 of 10”, and so on. Means that they’ve got ten items to prepare for a customer, while the queue at the counter is getting longer, and grumpier, by the second.
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#67
Thought This Was Funny
#68
I Mean 🤷🏻♀️
pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
True, but legitimate complaints tend to be a minority instead of a majority :)
Load More Replies... #69
Barely Even An Exaggeration Tbh
pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
Starbucks should really change their menu layout, make it a bit easier for the tired and caffeine starved. The company is practically asking the customers to yell at people. (Of course you shouldn't yell at anyone, especiallyyyy not the barista! Go yell at the ceo. He approved that long menu)
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
That long menu made them a fortune. Okay, ten fortunes. You can't upcharge regular coffee.
Load More Replies... CrunChewy McSandybutt 5 years ago
Me: Small dark roast Barista: we are just brewing the dark roast it'll be about five minutes. Me: nah, medium roast is fine. and...SCENE.
#70
It Can't Just Be My Store...
CrunChewy McSandybutt 5 years ago
Off topic, but I just realized that Spongebob has no nipples. Then again, why would he?
SuavePotato 5 years ago
also off topic but, Aladdin doesn't have any either
Load More Replies... 
#73
Underpaid And Understaffed Why Not Have A Happy Hour
#74
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Stare At Them Like A Coffee-Making Zoo Animal
Jean Thompson 5 years ago
Don't take it personally. After all, there's not much else to look at - watching your order being made is at least a tiny bit interesting.
#76
When You’re Trying To Make Customers Connections But Customers Interrupt You With Their Order
pusheen buttercup 5 years ago
Management wants "connection." Actual customers are tired and cranky, otherwise they would not need coffee. :)
#77
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Act Like You're The Only Black Coffee Drinker Left In The World:
#78
Me Talking To A Green Bean vs. Me Talking To A Fellow Shift
#79
Mary, Sharon, Lisa, And Katie Getting Ready To Call Corporate Because They Didn’t Get A Reusable Red Cup Today
#80
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Don't Specify That You Wanted Something Iced And Act Like It's Their Fault
#84
How It Be
Aragorn II Elessar 5 years ago
You just wanna close and be done, six hours before close.
Load More Replies...
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Call Me Mars 5 years ago
I posted the same thing above, but I am soo sorry to any baristas out there who think I am being creepy by looking. I am just curious about how you make stuff. Sorry!
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
yes! I get my coffee at home by slapping in a pod and pushing one button, so, very interesting to watch a barista :-D
Load More Replies...
Ola Polowczyk 5 years ago
It doesn't cost you anything to be nice (or at least not rude) to the retail workers or baristas or waiters/waitresses. They provide us with service and without them we wouldn't be able to drink fancy-schmancy coffees or eat our fav fast food. The world is a shitty place, let's not make it shittier.
Data1001 5 years ago
I used to work at a very busy Starbucks in a major city. A lot of these entries remind me of a few "bad apple" co-workers, who had little (or zero) tolerance for dealing with less-than-perfect customers. Most of the rest of us, though, knew it was our job to grin and bear it. This was specifically something that the company worked hard to develop in all their stores, making it a safe and comfortable space that people would want to spend time in. Granted, not all businesses stress this, and a lot of the issues stem from a trickle-down effect from horrid managers. My own take was that I had the opportunity to turn that surly customer's day around, not just by providing them with the product they wanted, but by my attitude. You can control how an awful lot of interactions go by being confident, compassionate, and by trying to get a sense of where the other person was coming from. Sometimes this meant adjusting my own pace or my own energy to match theirs, while conversing with them.
Leo Domitrix 5 years ago
My mom at Starbucks, drinking a venti dark roast: "Wow. This is bitter, but it's weak." _____ Me sipping same drink: *neurons blown to crisp* _______ Moral to the story: Don't try to outdrink coffee with a career nurse coming off night shift.
Lili 5 years ago
These seem to be just an US thing, because of the "Customer is always right" of theirs. Anywhere else in the world, it's just normal equal human interactions and nobody has to put up with anybody else's s**t.
cassiushumanmother 5 years ago
I'm glad to live in an average town in France where i go to a bar, ask for "a coffee", and get a COFFEE (mindblowing!). Just an espresso, with a piece of sugar aside, and a biscuit or chocolate treat for 1.20 euros, and you can sit there for hours if you like.
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
1,20? do you live on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere?
Load More Replies... Peter Kelly 5 years ago
This is a two-way street. Customers need to be polite, accept they aren't the only person in the world, and appreciate potential issues, servers need to listen, do their jobs efficiently, and apologize properly when they get it wrong. It shouldn't be hard, but I rarely witness it.
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I go to Starbucks every day, I do my best to learn everyone’s name (memory issues); if I use the drive-thru and recognize their voice, I greet them by name; I always bring my own straw and tell them so when I order *and* have it in my hand when I hand them my card; if I don’t know their name and I’ve seen them several times, I find out what it is and then tell them I may need to do this several times because my brain isn’t working so well. I always do my best to treat people with dignity, just as I would like to be treated.
Tiffany Marie 5 years ago (edited)
I'm 31 and live in a college town and literally avoid & never go into coffee shops, which are everywhere. After reading this, probably not a place I want to apply to work either.
Call Me Mars 5 years ago
I posted the same thing above, but I am soo sorry to any baristas out there who think I am being creepy by looking. I am just curious about how you make stuff. Sorry!
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
yes! I get my coffee at home by slapping in a pod and pushing one button, so, very interesting to watch a barista :-D
Load More Replies... Ola Polowczyk 5 years ago
It doesn't cost you anything to be nice (or at least not rude) to the retail workers or baristas or waiters/waitresses. They provide us with service and without them we wouldn't be able to drink fancy-schmancy coffees or eat our fav fast food. The world is a shitty place, let's not make it shittier.
Data1001 5 years ago
I used to work at a very busy Starbucks in a major city. A lot of these entries remind me of a few "bad apple" co-workers, who had little (or zero) tolerance for dealing with less-than-perfect customers. Most of the rest of us, though, knew it was our job to grin and bear it. This was specifically something that the company worked hard to develop in all their stores, making it a safe and comfortable space that people would want to spend time in. Granted, not all businesses stress this, and a lot of the issues stem from a trickle-down effect from horrid managers. My own take was that I had the opportunity to turn that surly customer's day around, not just by providing them with the product they wanted, but by my attitude. You can control how an awful lot of interactions go by being confident, compassionate, and by trying to get a sense of where the other person was coming from. Sometimes this meant adjusting my own pace or my own energy to match theirs, while conversing with them.
Leo Domitrix 5 years ago
My mom at Starbucks, drinking a venti dark roast: "Wow. This is bitter, but it's weak." _____ Me sipping same drink: *neurons blown to crisp* _______ Moral to the story: Don't try to outdrink coffee with a career nurse coming off night shift.
Lili 5 years ago
These seem to be just an US thing, because of the "Customer is always right" of theirs. Anywhere else in the world, it's just normal equal human interactions and nobody has to put up with anybody else's s**t.
cassiushumanmother 5 years ago
I'm glad to live in an average town in France where i go to a bar, ask for "a coffee", and get a COFFEE (mindblowing!). Just an espresso, with a piece of sugar aside, and a biscuit or chocolate treat for 1.20 euros, and you can sit there for hours if you like.
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
1,20? do you live on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere?
Load More Replies... Peter Kelly 5 years ago
This is a two-way street. Customers need to be polite, accept they aren't the only person in the world, and appreciate potential issues, servers need to listen, do their jobs efficiently, and apologize properly when they get it wrong. It shouldn't be hard, but I rarely witness it.
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I go to Starbucks every day, I do my best to learn everyone’s name (memory issues); if I use the drive-thru and recognize their voice, I greet them by name; I always bring my own straw and tell them so when I order *and* have it in my hand when I hand them my card; if I don’t know their name and I’ve seen them several times, I find out what it is and then tell them I may need to do this several times because my brain isn’t working so well. I always do my best to treat people with dignity, just as I would like to be treated.
Tiffany Marie 5 years ago (edited)
I'm 31 and live in a college town and literally avoid & never go into coffee shops, which are everywhere. After reading this, probably not a place I want to apply to work either.
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