Friday 16 March 2012

Line Dancing

Whether you're new, ignorant, or just plain stupid, after the morning rush I dealt with today I feel it is time to get back to basics and discuss proper line up etiquette.

Be Patient.
Most of the time there is only one of us working - sometimes, like this morning, two. We are doing absolutely everything humanly possible to get you in and out and on your way to work as quick as we can. So, standing with your arms crossed, three people deep in the lineup at a coffee kiosk at 7:45 in the morning, giving me a look like you are going to slit my throat may be a tad inappropriate. Relax. I'll be able to work quicker and will be a lot more polite to you if I am not fearing for my life.

Also, it is completely beyond my control if the idiot at the front of the line decides to stand there and debate whether they want a small or medium, a coffee or a latte, with or without sugar, and what type of milk. I will make their order as fast as possible but until they actually, verbally, communicate with me what that is - it is beyond my control, so get over it. If you didn't have time to wait in line, make your coffee at home.

Be Prepared.
To the idiot at the front of the line that spent the last seven minutes texting instead of deciding what you want to order: make up your mind and do it quickly. Not only are you being vastly inconsiderate of the four people waiting behind you, but you may actually cost me my life. Not to mention you will more than likely be the one that complains about how they had to wait so long for their coffee this morning.

Be Respectful.
Awesome that you and your BFF decided to stop for a latte on your way to class but if you are going to stand at the till, when it is your turn to order and proceed to carry on a conversation - with each other - gtfo. Seriously. How bout you two and the moron that just joined the coffee ordering debate team join forces and never come back. My feelings really won't be that hurt.

Be Realistic.
If you are going to show up at a busy coffee kiosk at 8 am during the Friday morning rush and order 10 drinks for the entire office, don't you dare tap your keys on the counter, sigh under your breath, or roll your eyes at how long it is taking. Seriously, even if there were 5 of us working, you'd still be waiting.

FINALLY:
Don't be talking on your cell phone when it is your turn to order.
Don't roll your eyes at me when I repeat your order back to you to ensure it's right.
Don't take fifteen minutes to count out exact change in nickels and dimes.
Don't complain about the prices.
Don't complain about how my coffee is too strong.
Don't be a douche bag.

Remember. We are the people you come to see to get your day started. We have control over whether your drink is actually made with sugar free syrup or non-fat milk but most importantly we're the ones who control whether it's caffeinated or not. Now, I'm not saying these types of things ever happen. I like to think every customer walks away with exactly what they order. But before you decide to step into my line up please make yourself familiar with the preceding requests. It will make my job and your wait a lot more bearable.

17 comments:

  1. Some things never change. No matter what job you have serving on people usually it isn't good enough. Sadly I don't miss any of this. Only the good people I worked with! Keep brewing the good stuff Laur!

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    1. Miss you too Claud. You'll always be one of the originals.

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  2. Haha you pretty much summed up exactly how I feel as the person waiting on everyone else trying to make up their mind. Like really, there are only so many choices, most of the time you have to wait in line for at least a few minutes, so use your time wisely and decide what you're ordering.

    As for the people who take it out on the barista's and give them attitude cause you had to wait, don't, it's not their fault! We've become quite "inconsiderate and demanding" as a population (everyone needs everything right when they want it... thank you technology). My advice for those people, brew some of your own at home instead of complaining.

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    1. Preach it sista! (or brother) lol. Good to know there are some folks out there that can understand things from the Baristas perspective!

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  3. Sooo true! Love the entry :)

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  4. This is hilarious... Very descriptive. I actually felt like I was watching all of this unfold with my very own eyes.

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    1. Glad to entertain. But seriously, stop by any morning and you too can witness the live show.

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  5. I literally had to stop doing my make-up while reading this this morning because I found myself either laughing out of the accuracy of this post, or because I had to shake my head at the memory of seeing these exact type of people in the many mornings I worked at the kiosk. Some people just need to realize, this isn't Tim Hortons - unless you are ACTUALLY getting a BREWED COFFEE - your order will not take 30 seconds. And if you are SET on the fact that you want a Starbucks brewed coffee, you need to come to terms that it is 7:30am and you aren't the only one going to Starbucks on their way to work, and just because you're only getting a black coffee - doesn't mean any of the other people are making that same, 30 second choice. Sorry I'm just going off here, but the last thing I want to throw in here is that these people also don't realize that it is early! Yes, they're probably mad because they had to wake up early and go to work for 8am (wah!) but when we open that kiosk (or at least me personally) we wake up at 5am, shower, got ready, got on a bus and arrived at work at 6:30am. Sorry that I don't feel sorry that you have to be up "early", customers. Think about your barista before you go ahead and be a bitch in the morning - we're the ones who keep you running in the morning. Don't make me "accidently" screw that caffeine buzz up for you.

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  6. Aw Dev, I miss seeing your face in the mornings, thats for sure. I knew you'd agree with many of the "observations" I make. Haha but let's not name drop, no one can know for certain which coffee kiosk I'm talking about ;).

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  7. After reading this blog post, I feel as though I know exactly what it's like to be a barista. I praise the hard work that you guys do. Memorizing recipes and getting drink orders right for picky people likely gets titious. I cant even remember the cup sizes when I go up to order! Just remember that all your hard work pays off. Even if people come across rude and unappreciative there are many people who actually do appreciate your service. Like me :) I'll have to come see you one of these days and get my classic skinny vanilla latte extra hot, and you will have to correct me when I say medium. Also I wish Berryblossom tea would make a comeback. Don't forget to add the couple shots of cinnamon dolce ;)

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    1. I WISH Berry blossom white would make an appearance. They always get us hooked on drinks and then discontinue them. So not fair! Thanks for the recognition Jennay. Nothing in life is easy its how we choose to react in various situations that make or break them. Hope to see you soon!

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  8. You go girl.
    Funny that this somehow also resembles the checkout line at safeway on a regular basis. Ha
    People should maybe consider applying this to everyday life and all situations.... Unfortunately, the population needs to realize that "the world doesn't revolve around you", and should stop being so self-centered. This may sound naive, but if we all could take the tiniest bit of time to respect and be considerate of others and our surroundings (Like we do lauren..cuz we're AWESOME)..this ignorant demeanor our society has developed would somewhat disappear.
    Like really, grow up!

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  9. Love this blog. All so true!

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  10. Omg so true! I experience these types of customers EVERYDAY! The worst is the people who can't chew their gum with their mouths closed. Just smacking away like a camel in the sahara. Lol! Great post! Keep them coming! :D

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  11. UMMM omg! lady with headphones comes through the checkstand today..
    I go on with my usual questions...and I ask, did you find everything okay today? she says no..
    So I was like, oh what was it? while taking one headphone out she was like what, and I responded with while you said you didnt find something (and then even thought to myself...did I ask something weird, or maybe said the wrong question)...
    Then she was like..."oh, well I couldn't hear you"......................... WELL DUH LADY!
    As she continues to put her headphone back in, plunks in her number for debit, while and choosing a song on her ipod.
    like f off...have some respect! You can pause your sweet little song, and take out your headphones for 2 minutes....your gona b okay!

    people..people..people....

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