How to Be an Excellent Starbucks Customer

Steps

1. Wait in line patiently. Chances are if you're waiting in line, the baristas working in the store are already working as hard as they can, as well as trying to find ways to get you served as fast as possible.
2. Know your drink! Know your drink as well as any others that you're ordering. If you're part of a group of orderers, make sure everyone knows what they're getting. This will move things along much quicker.
3. Stay attentive! If the chance arises, a barista that isn't ringing people in will call down the line and take orders of people that haven't made it to the registers yet. This gives the team a chance to start, or even finish making your order before you've even approached the register.
4. When called upon, call the drink out like a Barista would. Not everyone can manage some of the crazy concoctions that some people think up, but you can learn! Follow these specific steps:
   • Customization Default (don't need to say defaults)
   • How many?: (1) ___________
   • For here?: (to go) ___________
   • Iced?: (hot) ___________
   • Shots?: (drink/size specific) ___________
   • Decaf?1/2-caf?(caffeinated) ___________
   • Size? --n/a-- ___________
   • Syrups? (no addit. syrup) ___________
   • Milk? (whole milk) ___________
   • Customization?(no customizations) ___________
   • THE DRINK NAME(drink specific) ___________
5. (These options allow you to have your order, your way. Some customizations include: Extra Foam, Extra Hot, No Whip, Add Whip, a specific degree (eg. 145 ºF [60 ºC]), Extra caramel sauce, With Room, Light Ice, etcetera.)
6. In order to show appreciation for the excellent service provided by your barista, ALWAYS TIP, usually at the order counter.One dollar per drink (just like a bar or restaurant) is the standard, or the leftover change from your cash payment is fine. Making a proper espresso drink takes 2 to 3 times as much work as a cocktail, consider the amount of work that is going into your drink, coupled with the fact that the baristas are working hard for you and supplement their wages with gratuity. You will also make a very positive impression on the workers that will be noted the next time you come in for a drink.
7. For shots - The default for espresso shots:
   • Short and Tall get 1, Grande and Venti get 2, Iced Venti gets 3. Americanos are different. Ask your barista.
8. After your order is placed, if you speak to a different employee on the register and it is necessary for you to tell them your order, tell just tell them the drink name. Starbucks only charges extra for soy, organic and breve milk, extra syrup, extra shots, and extra Frappuccino™ modifications. Therefore, the register partner doesn't need to know if you want it extra hot or with room, etc.
9. Wait patiently at the drink counter for your drink. The drink counter is located away from the register counter so that more orders may be placed and rang up while your drink is being made. The barista working the espresso bar will call your drink out, with your name (if applicable). Listen carefully and be attentive! There are people that aren't so attentive that may take your drink by accident. This will screw up the flow and cause a lot of confusion.
10. Enjoy your drink. Your barista as well as the other partners working at the store, have pulled together a team effort to give you a quality beverage. If your beverage is not to order, just take it up to the drink counter and politely say, "Excuse me? Hi, I'm sorry, but I ordered my drink _________ and it's ____________. Can you fix it for me?" The barista should happily comply and may give you a free drink for next time.

Tips

• If you're a "regular" at your local Starbucks, introduce yourself to the baristas. Chances are, they probably already know your drink and by knowing your name, this helps to give you better service. Your drink will be memorized and be made that much faster. All you may need to say is, "Hey, how are you? I'm going to have my usual again today."
• Have patience with new partners in training. As you can see, this is a process, and there's a lot more than drink calling to learn on the other side of the counter. Call drinks slowly, give them extra time, and don't forget to introduce yourself.
• If someone isn't paying attention, and the barista is trying to take their order, tap them on the shoulder to let them know the barista is trying to help them. The sooner the other queued customers are served, the sooner you're served.
• Stay off the cell phone. Not only will you not realize when it's your turn, you will come across incredibly rude to your barista and possibly the people around you. Show the person serving you that you respect them as much as they respect you.
• If you have any service problems, feel free to notify the manager, fill out a customer comment card (located in the brochure section of the condiment bar), or call 1-800-23-LATTE. Be sure to have the street name and city name of the store.

Warnings

• There is no such thing as an Iced Cappuccino. In most states, it violates health codes. Try an Iced Latte instead. For an alternative to foam, get it with whipped cream.
• Some of your concocted modifications may also be a health hazard or pose damage to the machinery at the store. If the partner cannot fill your request, it is usually due to what the manager has told the baristas what he/she feels comfortable with. Ask the barista for a recommendation of something you may also like.
• Drink recipes and standards as well as the drink marking procedures and Frappuccino™ are registered trademarks of Starbucks Coffee Company and are no way associated with this website and the content that may be on it. This was originally created by a Starbucks Partner.
• Never, ever be rude or impatient with the Baristas.