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Aug 18, 2025 20:06:51 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2018 19:20:07 GMT
I'm not a huge coffee fan so until a couple of years ago I never went to Starbucks. Then I did for one reason or another and realized I enjoy mocha frappuccinos. So occasionally at Target or the grocery store etc I'll get one at the in store Starbucks. We never had a drive thru one really close by until recently. I've been through it a few times and didn't notice anything the first couple of times but last week dd and I went through the drive thru and the girl at the window sat and talked to us, making small talk. It was freezing cold and she even said she couldn't leave the window to get warm as we waited for our drinks as they want them to talk to the customers. Then again it happened today. Awkward. I hate small talk and neither of the young ladies at the window seemed to love it either.
Is this just this Starbucks or is it a thing everywhere? As an introvert who just wants to chill and look at my phone or daydream as I wait, I do not enjoy this! I don't mind a quick hello, how is your day. But no, this is more of a how is your day, what are you out doing, how is your holiday shopping going etc.
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Post by Merge on Dec 6, 2018 19:28:07 GMT
I would loathe that. I hope our Starbucks doesn't start doing it.
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Post by myshelly on Dec 6, 2018 19:31:26 GMT
It is corporate standard to make a “personal connection” with every guest.
It depends on how the SM and DM enforce the standard (they call corporate policy “standard”), but in many stores this is a requirement the employees are coached on.
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Post by peano on Dec 6, 2018 19:34:14 GMT
I go to Starbucks virtually every day and I would say schmoozing is unusual. It has happened but not very often.
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snyder
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Post by snyder on Dec 6, 2018 19:39:35 GMT
Dutch Brother's Coffee is huge on this concept. But hey, the is often a perk, because I several occasions, I have received freebies by interacting with them. In the middle of the conversation, they will say, hey you want a gift card and hand me a card that has an amount equivalent 2 coffees, or hey, let this drink be on us. I think Starbucks is trying to copy their concept a bit as many have ditched Starbucks for Dutch Brothers. I have never been given a freebie though in the Starbucks drive thru, so if they are copying, they need to copy this aspect too. lol
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Post by Merge on Dec 6, 2018 19:41:38 GMT
It is corporate standard to make a “personal connection” with every guest. It depends on how the SM and DM enforce the standard (they call corporate policy “standard”), but in many stores this is a requirement the employees are coached on. I think most of the managers realize that most customers don't want a personal connection with their barista! |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 6, 2018 19:49:07 GMT
Dutch Brother's Coffee is huge on this concept. But hey, the is often a perk, because I several occasions, I have received freebies by interacting with them. In the middle of the conversation, they will say, hey you want a gift card and hand me a card that has an amount equivalent 2 coffees, or hey, let this drink be on us. I think Starbucks is trying to copy their concept a bit as many have ditched Starbucks for Dutch Brothers. I have never been given a freebie though in the Starbucks drive thru, so if they are copying, they need to copy this aspect too. lol Dh is just now understanding the perk of being a regular 
We have a new Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood (Aliberto's). I called to order a burrito for him to take to work for dinner. When he came back out he was kind of excited that the guy remembers him, chatted a small bit and then asked if he wanted his coke. He also gave him his coke on the house
I prefer small talk to when Safeway pushed the employees make sure they used our names. Our name is written with the Spanish alphabet so it's always missprounced 
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 6, 2018 19:52:43 GMT
It is corporate standard to make a “personal connection” with every guest. It depends on how the SM and DM enforce the standard (they call corporate policy “standard”), but in many stores this is a requirement the employees are coached on. I think most of the managers realize that most customers don't want a personal connection with their barista! That's interesting, this introvert always chats with my baristas Never prolonged or enough to hold up anyone behind me, but while we are waiting. But I also enjoy tipping for personal service so there's that! |
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Dec 6, 2018 20:06:20 GMT
I've never had this happen at the Starbucks here. Although... we have a new one that opened about a month ago. I went to the drive-thru on Saturday - I was told "one moment, please" when I was trying to order and that turned into 5 minutes; then the two cars at the front of the line took forever at the window. After 10 minutes I pulled out of line and left. If this is the result of them trying to make personal connections with their customers I think they're taking it a little too far!  |
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Post by leannec on Dec 6, 2018 20:24:55 GMT
My eldest dd works part time for Starbucks (she's 19) ... she often works the drive thru and has never mentioned such a policy ... I can see her being very uncomfortable with schmoozing because that just isn't her personality ... I do know that they are expected to get a drive thru customer in and out in something like 60 seconds ... that's why the stamp on your cup has a time |
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Dec 6, 2018 20:30:14 GMT
The one by me that I drive thru almost every work morning chit chat, but only if there is a delay in handing you your order.
If you really want to eliminate personal interaction, mobile order to go.
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sharlag
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Post by sharlag on Dec 6, 2018 20:34:43 GMT
You might, next time, Hold your hand up and say, "It's cold! I'm rolling my window up til you're ready!" with a smile and then proceed to do so. Not that you asked for a remedy ....  |
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on Dec 6, 2018 20:36:43 GMT
Sorry but you shouldn't be looking at your phone while you're driving. And yes, a drive through counts as driving if you're in the driver's seat.
Eta: it's probably so they don't have to get your attention once your order is ready. That would cause a backup if they had to knock on the window of every car in line.
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Post by hop2 on Dec 6, 2018 20:38:14 GMT
Dutch Brother's Coffee is huge on this concept. But hey, the is often a perk, because I several occasions, I have received freebies by interacting with them. In the middle of the conversation, they will say, hey you want a gift card and hand me a card that has an amount equivalent 2 coffees, or hey, let this drink be on us. I think Starbucks is trying to copy their concept a bit as many have ditched Starbucks for Dutch Brothers. I have never been given a freebie though in the Starbucks drive thru, so if they are copying, they need to copy this aspect too. lol starbucks ‘rewards’ program isn’t even worth the space the app takes up on your phone. They don’t seem to know what free is Whilst I have 6 free drinks currently at Dunkin’ without even trying. |
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Post by ladytrisha on Dec 6, 2018 20:39:53 GMT
That personal connection is exactly why we go to our Starbucks!
We know our baristas, their family, their kids, which ones were in corporate ads for veterans, etc.
We cried with them when one lost her baby, cheered when they get promoted to management, and wish them well as they go on to school or another company!
Okay, we're there a LOT! Currently sitting with 17 rewards on my card and 20 on my dog's card (yes, she has her own card) and then hubby has his.
Yeah, it's a dating destination when you've been married for 38 years LOL
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Post by Merge on Dec 6, 2018 20:43:34 GMT
That personal connection is exactly why we go to our Starbucks! We know our baristas, their family, their kids, which ones were in corporate ads for veterans, etc. We cried with them when one lost her baby, cheered when they get promoted to management, and wish them well as they go on to school or another company! Okay, we're there a LOT! Currently sitting with 17 rewards on my card and 20 on my dog's card (yes, she has her own card) and then hubby has his. Yeah, it's a dating destination when you've been married for 38 years LOL I guess I don't visit Starbucks (or the same Starbucks) often enough. I don't really care if I have a personal connection with someone I'm never going to see again, KWIM? |
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peabrain
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Post by peabrain on Dec 6, 2018 20:44:08 GMT
I'm not a huge coffee fan so until a couple of years ago I never went to Starbucks. Then I did for one reason or another and realized I enjoy mocha frappuccinos. So occasionally at Target or the grocery store etc I'll get one at the in store Starbucks. We never had a drive thru one really close by until recently. I've been through it a few times and didn't notice anything the first couple of times but last week dd and I went through the drive thru and the girl at the window sat and talked to us, making small talk. It was freezing cold and she even said she couldn't leave the window to get warm as we waited for our drinks as they want them to talk to the customers. Then again it happened today. Awkward. I hate small talk and neither of the young ladies at the window seemed to love it either. Is this just this Starbucks or is it a thing everywhere? As an introvert who just wants to chill and look at my phone or daydream as I wait, I do not enjoy this! I don't mind a quick hello, how is your day. But no, this is more of a how is your day, what are you out doing, how is your holiday shopping going etc. You must have that "talk to me" face. I think I have a don't come near me face. Not that I'm an ogre, but no one wants to speak to me or sit next to me at a theater which is good ya know, but no, no barista is going to be speaking to me. I'll put money on it. |
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Post by ladytrisha on Dec 6, 2018 20:44:11 GMT
starbucks ‘rewards’ program isn’t even worth the space the app takes up on your phone. They don’t seem to know what free is Whilst I have 6 free drinks currently at Dunkin’ without even trying. Starbucks does extra rewards incentives almost every week - this week if I go 6 days in a row after 2, I get 125 stars (free drink or food) - that's on top of the regular stars I earn; plus they have double-stars days, etc. It adds up quickly. Dunkin got chased out of our town after they built their new place directly in front of a mom and pop donut store that had been there for over 20 years. Literally never opened up because we'd seen that before with Blockbuster. So it's one of those pasta places now and dunkin isn't anywhere in town. |
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 6, 2018 20:48:35 GMT
Our Starbucks will do that if there are longer waits, where you are stuck at the order window. It’s not every time though.
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Post by kels99 on Dec 6, 2018 21:10:28 GMT
Yes, I've noticed it within the last several months. They only chat if my drink isn't ready right away. "Headed to work?" "What do you have going on today?" etc. Doesn't bother me and the wait is never very long, so it's not an in depth conversation by any means.
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scrappyesq
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Post by scrappyesq on Dec 6, 2018 21:11:50 GMT
That personal connection is exactly why we go to our Starbucks! We know our baristas, their family, their kids, which ones were in corporate ads for veterans, etc. We cried with them when one lost her baby, cheered when they get promoted to management, and wish them well as they go on to school or another company! Okay, we're there a LOT! Currently sitting with 17 rewards on my card and 20 on my dog's card (yes, she has her own card) and then hubby has his. Yeah, it's a dating destination when you've been married for 38 years LOL I'm kind of like that with my drive thru baristas. Except we can't get too involved because it's a super busy NYC location and people behind me are always in a rush. I like the chatter. There are days where my only socializing is with the person making my coffee. |
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Post by huskermom98 on Dec 6, 2018 21:12:47 GMT
That would drive me crazy. I have to say I love mobile ordering through the app...don't have to do the little chit-chat with anyone that way!!!
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Aug 18, 2025 20:06:51 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2018 21:19:41 GMT
Dutch Brother's Coffee is huge on this concept. But hey, the is often a perk, because I several occasions, I have received freebies by interacting with them. In the middle of the conversation, they will say, hey you want a gift card and hand me a card that has an amount equivalent 2 coffees, or hey, let this drink be on us. I think Starbucks is trying to copy their concept a bit as many have ditched Starbucks for Dutch Brothers. I have never been given a freebie though in the Starbucks drive thru, so if they are copying, they need to copy this aspect too. lol They can afford free perks like that because they don’t actually use coffee in their drinks ( okay so I am exaggerating, but it never seems like there is espresso shots in out drinks). Somebody needs to come up with a shop called buck brothers! Get a nice cup that is between watery and burnt. 😂 |
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Dec 6, 2018 21:34:40 GMT
Chit chatting at Starbucks doesn’t bother me at all.
What a I HATE is chit chatting at my bank, especially the grocery store branch where my neighbors are picking out produce as the bank tellers is prying into my plans for the day or what I’ll be doing with my cash winthdrawl. The bank tellers even try to chat over the loud speaker at the drive-thru. Ugh!
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Post by krcrafts on Dec 6, 2018 21:54:25 GMT
I use the app to mobile order and either pick it up inside or just say I have a mobile order in the drive thru. It’s usually ready by the time I get there and no small talk.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 6, 2018 22:00:39 GMT
Yes, I've noticed it within the last several months. They only chat if my drink isn't ready right away. "Headed to work?" "What do you have going on today?" etc. Doesn't bother me and the wait is never very long, so it's not an in depth conversation by any means. I'm usually going to a dog event without my dog so they always want me to bring my dog next time |
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Post by nightnurse on Dec 6, 2018 22:02:36 GMT
I HATE Starbucks. Every time my daughter talks me in to taking her, they will make one of our drinks, then I’ll watch two, three even four people who ordered after us be served before we get our second drink. Last time it happened there was ten minutes in between drinks and I complained and they gave me some story about how one person makes hot drinks and one cold and blah blah blah except the people after us were getting a mix of hot and cold. Why is it impossible for Starbucks to complete one order before moving on the next? Now I know it’s because they are too busy making smalltalk.
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kelly8875
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Post by kelly8875 on Dec 6, 2018 22:08:40 GMT
Sounds normal to me, but it also doesn’t bother me. Better than staring at each other while waiting.
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Post by peano on Dec 6, 2018 23:10:14 GMT
Was thinking more about this. At my Starbucks drive thru, the person at the window is also taking orders while ringing me up. That would be a lot for one person to do—ringing up, taking orders AND being schmoozy, especially if there’s a long line of cars (which there almost always is).
Also, I think getting rewards is easy. What’s hard is remembering to use them before they expire.
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jayfab
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Post by jayfab on Dec 7, 2018 0:39:52 GMT
This introvert noticed this recently too. It's weird that I don't even mind! They are good little actors cuz they don't sound fake. It doesn't hold up the line at all because they chat while waiting the minute for the drink to be made. |
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