Millions of people order coffee from cafes, specialty shops, and mega-chains every single day.
Its become a normal part of our livesa routine.
But even great customers do stupid things sometimes, and its not difficult to avoid them.
Heres a start-to-finish guide to not ruining your baristas day.
Dont take your emotional baggage out on your barista
Its never really about the coffee.
Every horrible customer Ive ever had, [that person] has needed something else entirely.
Honestly, chances are good that theyve seen worse.
(Much, much worse.)
But that doesnt give you license to dump your anger and frustration on them.
[As a shop owner], youre trying to tell a story in your space, he says.
In other words, youre not just ignoring the menuyoure ignoring everything else that makes the shop unique.
So, before you do that, ask yourself: Where am I?
Is this a Starbucks?
An independent specialty shop?
What kind of vibes are the layout and decor giving offand most importantly, whats on the menu?
It sounds basic, but noticing these things makes a difference.
Great news: Your barista can help!
Its literally their job.
All you have to do is trust them.
An easy, rewarding way to demonstrate trust is to ask for help therightway.
Dont just ask, What do you recommend?
with zero contextgive them something to go on.
Naomi, a barista currently working in Albuquerque, N.M., says: Tell me what you like.
What are some flavor profiles youre into?
If you go to Starbucks, whats your drink there?
Working off of that is a good start.
Christopher agrees: If [a customer says], I like this, what should I try?
Thats a good interaction.
… Thats a dream, for the most part.
I want someone to tell me something; I want to learn, he says.
But respect is more than saying c’mon and Thank you.
Every shop has a policyno shoes, no shirt, no service.
A mask is just one other thing, Naomi says.
If I say, Theyll have your drink at the end!
And [the customer is] like, Oh cool,shellhave my drink?
Im like, No!Listen!Like, pick it up!
Now I have to correct this person while trying to catch up on dishes.
Workers rely on their tips.
If you cant support [the staff], dont bother showing up, she says matter-of-factly.
Being a good coffee shop customer is all about cultivating a curious, respectful attitude.
Do that, and the rewards will come back in kind.
We are a wealth of local knowledge.
Some of those secrets could soon be yoursthe only way to find out is to be nice.
