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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
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.'"
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#2
It’s Called Etiquette
Ren Karlej 4 years ago
Though can I just add how I struggle when given my change notes first on to my palm and then coins on top. For people with arthritic hands this is really not a good way to be given the money. I'm usually holding my wallet in my other hand and then have to do a weird bit of juggling.
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Aunt Messy 4 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.
LuckyL 4 years ago
In Germany I mostly put cash directly into the hand. Now with corona a lot less of course
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Some Cool Guy 4 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 4 years ago
Sorry, but I disagree....I don't want to accidentally touch your hand or the other way round...
N G 4 years ago
Right now practically everywhere is cash-less (credit or debit card only, and preferably contactless, which includes paying with your phone). However, if this was pre pandemic, can you also extend the training to staff to not put the coins on top of the notes when giving change if we're inside. Theres no danger of notes blowing away and I'm just going to stand at the counter longer faffing with my wallet.
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Samantha Lomb 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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.
katboxjanitor 4 years ago
There are some countries where it is very rude to put money in the hand. It is preferred for the currency to be placed on the counter. Debit cards and payment apps have reduced some of this but the pandemic has made the transfer of funds on the counter prefereable.
Bama Belle 4 years ago
Years ago, I had a customer who was angry about the price of the product he wanted to buy. He threw the money at me, bouncing it off my chest. He said, "Little girl, it wouldn't do for me to have my gun in here today.". This was before people started shooting up businesses and schools or I'd have felt more threatened than disrespected.
Kari Panda 4 years ago
Hm, must be depending on the country/region. I never had a customer place cash in my hand nor do we want that. I‘d feel very uncomfortable touching strangers, both as a cashier and as a customer. I also can recall at least two occasions where a co-worker or I DID end up touching customers, and let me tell you those were nightmares. The woman that my co-worker touched (a pat on the arm, my co-worker was a sweet old lady) threatened to kill us, and the man I touched (old guy, forgot his customer card so I called after him and when he didn‘t hear me ran after him and tapper his shoulder) proceeded to touch me and fumble with my shirt - not because he was a perv, but because he wanted to show me how rude I had been for touching him.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Um. It was old custom in some areas to count out the money so that nobody could have a "deal" with a shopkeeper and slip them extra (or less)... and in a pandemic, I ain't touching hands, sorry, not risking it, loved ones are high-risk.
Caroline Overill 4 years ago
I used to work as a bank cashier. I hated seeing customers in the queue with the notes they wanted to pay in in their mouth. Quite apart from the fact I wanted to use tweezers to handle the notes just think what a load of crap ( probably literally sometimes) they are shoving in their mouth.
Caroline Overill 4 years ago
A ps on that one. Supposing they wanted to withdraw money and I stuck it in my mouth before I gave it to them. What do you think they would say?
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Jamie Greco 4 years ago
Also works better if you have a mix of paper and coins. Coins in the palm, paper next
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
Yes, it always irritates me when SALESpeople toss the change on the counter instead of in my outstretched hand. It is rude.
Ronel du Plessis 4 years ago
Or give me thumbled up money that you took from your bra or shoes. Feels like I can take their change and drag it through my ass
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
#4
Just A Reminder For Those Who’ve Forgotten That We Are Human Too
#5
Me When Peak Lasts My Whole Shift
#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
#7
And Thats On Period
#8
Mental Health In The Workplace
#9
Just A Psa To The Customers:
#10
“You Need To Be Connecting With Every Customer At The Window!”
#11
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Scream Your Order At Them
#12
Every Store Has One (Or Several)
#13
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Hang Around Past Closing
#14
Karen Strikes Again!
What's In Your Head? 4 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.
#15
Do You Have Any Regulars That You Just Look At And You’re Instantly Annoyed?
#16
Interesting
#17
Just Dropping By With This
#18
Starbucks Employees Hate When You Launch Into A Completely One-Sided Order
#19
Psa
Katy McMouse 4 years ago
Ya know what's fast and easy? Setting the timer on your coffee pot. *gasp*
#20
Sundays Really Be Like That Tho
#22
Just Gonna Leave This Here
Out of chocolate 4 years ago
Yup. It definitely is. It’s almost like workers need better pay and more protection.
#24
Forgot The Extra Drizzle.
#25
When Customers Ask For Something Like This
#26
I Just Want To Know What Size 😞
#27
When You're In The Back Doing Dishes, But You Have To Go Out And Greet A Customer:
#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
#30
Opening Be Like This
#31
Im So Sorry
#32
It Can Happen To The Best Of Us
#33
This Is How It Feels To Work At Starbucks Sometimes...
Monty Is Fiennes 4 years ago
This is how it feels to work long term at any food establishment where you order at the counter....
#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 4 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.
#35
What It’s Been Like Working In Dt With Cafe Closed
#36
Welcome To My Ted Talk
troufaki13 4 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.
#37
When A Customer Is Rude But Leaves A $5 Tip
#38
Dear Customers, This Is What Happens When You Reach Around The Shields To Help Yourself. Please Stop.
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What do you think ?
Call Me Mars 4 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 4 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
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Ola Polowczyk 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 years ago
1,20? do you live on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere?
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Peter Kelly 4 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 4 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 4 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.
Tralee Aylett 4 years ago
A new cafe just opened up (not a chain) and they have a sign by the register with a Aust learners permit attached that says "we are a new cafe and all our staff are "learners" and getting used to the layout, please be patient". We aren't in the city so I doubt someone will come in and shout thier order at them. In the city is a different kettle of fish all together
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I hope the baristas know that people like my husband, a charming older man, really likes that you remember his name and he knows yours too. Thank you.
Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Folks, please be polite, especially to the people who make your food. Fast food workers are all lazy af, but if you’re rude, we will go out of our to ruin your food or mess something up for you.
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
It's just coffee. I get mine at convenience stores. Tastes as good or better. I can mix it the way I want it, cheaper, no tipping required, you don't have to go through that pretentious grande crap, and you're in and out at your own speed. Be courteous to the cashier naturally.
Cathy Baker 4 years ago
Honestly, Starbuck's is the worst coffee I've ever had, not to mention it's expensive, the baristas are snooty, and it's all so pompous. Why tall? Why venti? What's wrong with small, medium, and large? I agree with you Kenny Kulbiski, I'd rather hit a Speedway or a 7-11 for coffee.
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Jason Doakes 4 years ago
Poor employees, but I can't get over the fact that we're talking about a freaking cake in a cup with a little coffe drizzled over it. Should be called "liquid cake bakers" instead of baristas
Mary Peace 4 years ago
Jason, You said your analogy was thought out poorly but I still don't get it. There are so many different types of coffee, different strengths, different flavours (which I don't bother with but some people love them) how can you say it's "a little coffee drizzled over it"?
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Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Yeah, I don’t really get paid enough to deal with people’s bullshit. If someone is being belligerent, I’m gonna go grab my manager.
Load More Replies... Call Me Mars 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 years ago
1,20? do you live on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere?
Load More Replies... Peter Kelly 4 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 4 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 4 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.
Tralee Aylett 4 years ago
A new cafe just opened up (not a chain) and they have a sign by the register with a Aust learners permit attached that says "we are a new cafe and all our staff are "learners" and getting used to the layout, please be patient". We aren't in the city so I doubt someone will come in and shout thier order at them. In the city is a different kettle of fish all together
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I hope the baristas know that people like my husband, a charming older man, really likes that you remember his name and he knows yours too. Thank you.
Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Folks, please be polite, especially to the people who make your food. Fast food workers are all lazy af, but if you’re rude, we will go out of our to ruin your food or mess something up for you.
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
It's just coffee. I get mine at convenience stores. Tastes as good or better. I can mix it the way I want it, cheaper, no tipping required, you don't have to go through that pretentious grande crap, and you're in and out at your own speed. Be courteous to the cashier naturally.
Cathy Baker 4 years ago
Honestly, Starbuck's is the worst coffee I've ever had, not to mention it's expensive, the baristas are snooty, and it's all so pompous. Why tall? Why venti? What's wrong with small, medium, and large? I agree with you Kenny Kulbiski, I'd rather hit a Speedway or a 7-11 for coffee.
Load More Replies... Jason Doakes 4 years ago
Poor employees, but I can't get over the fact that we're talking about a freaking cake in a cup with a little coffe drizzled over it. Should be called "liquid cake bakers" instead of baristas
Mary Peace 4 years ago
Jason, You said your analogy was thought out poorly but I still don't get it. There are so many different types of coffee, different strengths, different flavours (which I don't bother with but some people love them) how can you say it's "a little coffee drizzled over it"?
Load More Replies... Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Yeah, I don’t really get paid enough to deal with people’s bullshit. If someone is being belligerent, I’m gonna go grab my manager.
Load More Replies...
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