what customer requests do you say no to? - Barista Exchange2024-03-29T11:29:43Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A875264&xg_source=msg_com_forum&feed=yes&xn_auth=noJason, the first thing as a…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-01-30:1688216:Comment:13467402012-01-30T18:10:48.076ZJoseph Robertsonhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JosephRobertson
<p><br></br> Jason, the first thing as a Barista / owner of my business I had to adjust to and / or get over was my likes and dislikes. It's not about me anymore. It's all about the customer. Sure you have your theme and you need to stay with that. I'm not saying bend over backwards and give your shop away. Just the contrary, be really clear what you sell and learn how to make it. If your negative energy gets in the way, " I hate "no foam " lattes!" , the customer will not only get a bad drink but…</p>
<p><br/> Jason, the first thing as a Barista / owner of my business I had to adjust to and / or get over was my likes and dislikes. It's not about me anymore. It's all about the customer. Sure you have your theme and you need to stay with that. I'm not saying bend over backwards and give your shop away. Just the contrary, be really clear what you sell and learn how to make it. If your negative energy gets in the way, " I hate "no foam " lattes!" , the customer will not only get a bad drink but probably sense you really don't want them to order that anymore. Most will likely not come through your door again. How many barista's do you have working for or with you? They will pick this up from you and the impact will show eventually on your Z report.</p>
<p>Joe</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Jason Campbell said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1346825&xg_source=msg_com_forum#1688216Comment1346637"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">This discussion is just what I needed....I have had some odd requests here in my shop recently. What is the obsession with Breve "no foam" lattes and how do you charge for that as half n half is twice the price of milk? I said no! And they just got a whole milk no foam latte...let me just say, I hate "no foam " lattes!</div>
</div>
</blockquote> Same in our shop. 50 cents mo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-01-30:1688216:Comment:13465062012-01-30T17:07:20.087ZEmily Wiersmahttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/EmilyWiersma
<p>Same in our shop. 50 cents more for soy and breve. We do our best to accommodate our customers in every way. We do refuse to ice straight espresso, being that it gets shocked and too bitter, but normally are able to talk them into an iced Americano instead.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Other than that, we try to meet expectations and requests, no matter how off the wall they seem.</p>
<p>Same in our shop. 50 cents more for soy and breve. We do our best to accommodate our customers in every way. We do refuse to ice straight espresso, being that it gets shocked and too bitter, but normally are able to talk them into an iced Americano instead.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Other than that, we try to meet expectations and requests, no matter how off the wall they seem.</p> Same as soy 50 cents more
Jas…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-01-30:1688216:Comment:13465942012-01-30T15:52:27.290ZKathy Fadorsenhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/KathyFadorsen
<p>Same as soy 50 cents more</p>
<p><br></br><br></br><cite>Jason Campbell said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A720779&page=9#1688216Comment1346637"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">This discussion is just what I needed....I have had some odd requests here in my shop recently. What is the obsession with Breve "no foam" lattes and how do you charge for that as half n half is twice the price of milk? I…</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Same as soy 50 cents more</p>
<p><br/><br/><cite>Jason Campbell said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?id=1688216%3ATopic%3A720779&page=9#1688216Comment1346637"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">This discussion is just what I needed....I have had some odd requests here in my shop recently. What is the obsession with Breve "no foam" lattes and how do you charge for that as half n half is twice the price of milk? I said no! And they just got a whole milk no foam latte...let me just say, I hate "no foam " lattes!</div>
</div>
</blockquote> How do you charge more for a…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-01-30:1688216:Comment:13468252012-01-30T15:07:40.371ZMike McGinnesshttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/miKemcKoffeeakaMikeMcGinness
<p>How do you charge more for a Breve? By charging more. Not that odd a request IMO.</p>
<p>How do you charge more for a Breve? By charging more. Not that odd a request IMO.</p> This discussion is just what…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2012-01-30:1688216:Comment:13466372012-01-30T13:14:05.088ZJason Campbellhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JasonCampbell840
This discussion is just what I needed....I have had some odd requests here in my shop recently. What is the obsession with Breve "no foam" lattes and how do you charge for that as half n half is twice the price of milk? I said no! And they just got a whole milk no foam latte...let me just say, I hate "no foam " lattes!
This discussion is just what I needed....I have had some odd requests here in my shop recently. What is the obsession with Breve "no foam" lattes and how do you charge for that as half n half is twice the price of milk? I said no! And they just got a whole milk no foam latte...let me just say, I hate "no foam " lattes! John P said:I know you're jus…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-07-18:1688216:Comment:8860662010-07-18T19:58:46.344ZChrishttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Chris60
<cite>John P said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?xg_source=activity&id=1688216%3ATopic%3A720779&page=9#1688216Comment878496"><div>I know you're just giving me s*** And gotta give Andy props, Barefoot rocks. He does more than look cool nibbling on Red Vines you know :)<br></br> <br></br><br></br>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Not really, more like giving you props!<br />
<br />
And yeah, Andy is pretty much the best friend I ever only spent like, a…
<cite>John P said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?xg_source=activity&id=1688216%3ATopic%3A720779&page=9#1688216Comment878496"><div>I know you're just giving me s*** And gotta give Andy props, Barefoot rocks. He does more than look cool nibbling on Red Vines you know :)<br/>
<br/><br/>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Not really, more like giving you props!<br />
<br />
And yeah, Andy is pretty much the best friend I ever only spent like, a minute and a half with. Much respect for him divined from he crew, his place, and his coffee.<br />
Especially his reaction to the fire. I was worried that the place would be harsh and new when it got redone, but it looks (at least the pictures) almost as cool as the old look. I always had the feel of old surf movies when I went to Barefoot! Chris,
I know you're just gi…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-07-05:1688216:Comment:8784962010-07-05T22:41:25.109ZJohn Phttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JohnP49
Chris,<br />
<br />
I know you're just giving me s*** And gotta give Andy props, Barefoot rocks. He does more than look cool nibbling on Red Vines you know :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<cite>Chris said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A878292&x=1#1688216Comment878062"><div><cite>John P said:…</cite></div>
</blockquote>
Chris,<br />
<br />
I know you're just giving me s*** And gotta give Andy props, Barefoot rocks. He does more than look cool nibbling on Red Vines you know :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<cite>Chris said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A878292&x=1#1688216Comment878062"><div><cite>John P said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A877926&x=1#1688216Comment877488">Come for at least two years, an average of five times a week... and if you can afford an espresso machine, you certainly aren't hurting for money.</blockquote>
<br />
Just from hearing you post, here and elsewhere, I know that I'd be a regular if you weren't 1500 miles away. And my two hand grinders cost me almost as much as my two Majors.<br />
Having nice things and having money are not quite the same thing. The auto accident and the last two years of dramatic economic downturn, coupled with bigoted idiots boycotting AZ for the legislative white flag that they've sent up have conspired to have me ask myself if I can still afford to buy dollar-a-pound coffees anymore.<br />
The answer was yes, but it took a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<cite>Rich Westerfield said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A877926&x=1#1688216Comment877926"><div><br/> As our usual shot volume is ~.75-.85 oz, our 5.5 oz have doubles and the 10.5 have two doubles. We decided to take that 1/3-1/3-1/3 thing literally.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Not really traditional, but just the way that I like it. In places that have nothing smaller than a twelve ounce cup, I usually ask for two double shots, and if it's an eight, I tell them that there is no reason to fill it to the brim on my account. When traveling and trying to make time (mostly professionally, so it's someone else' time/money) I'll ask for two cappuccinoes, er, cappuccini, er... a cappuccino and then another one, but in the same to-go cup. Most Third Wave-like places tend to give me the stink eye, but if I explain that I'll be twenty-five miles down the road when I want the second one, and it'll cost me fifty buck to come back, not to mention (especially in the Bay area) the complete waste of fuel to do so, they usually make the exception.<br />
Barefoot refuse to let me have an espresso to go, though. I'll never forgive them for the education I got that day! ; ></div>
</blockquote> Nice report Shadow. I like yo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-07-05:1688216:Comment:8782922010-07-05T14:26:44.516ZJoseph Robertsonhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JosephRobertson
Nice report Shadow. I like your business model/mission as far as you explained it.<br />
Sounds much like mine.<br />
<br />
<cite>Shadow said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A878262&xg_source=msg_com_forum#1688216Comment878262"><div>Of course as with all things in life... to each his own. John P, I have no problem grinding for customers as they truly appreciate that extra bit of effort/interest shown. I do tell…</div>
</blockquote>
Nice report Shadow. I like your business model/mission as far as you explained it.<br />
Sounds much like mine.<br />
<br />
<cite>Shadow said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A878262&xg_source=msg_com_forum#1688216Comment878262"><div>Of course as with all things in life... to each his own. John P, I have no problem grinding for customers as they truly appreciate that extra bit of effort/interest shown. I do tell them how quickly staling sets in after grinding and urge them to use the ground coffee ASAP. I also recommend storage tips, buying smaller amounts to minimize waste, etc.<br/><br/>If they tell me they have a grinder at home, naturally I'm all for details. I also make it a point to ask what their favorite brew method is at home. Some people think that selling coffee to customers keeps them from coming back, but that is hardly the case. As some people tell me "well I bought coffee to brew at home and it just didn't taste the same as it does when it is made for me" and I simply tell them there is alot more to coffee than most people think.<br/><br/>I do have a few requests that I have no interest in pursuing. Darker roasted coffee and larger cup sizes. My most "aggressive" coffee currently is Ethiopia Sidamo and my largest cup size is 16 oz. Later!</div>
</blockquote> Of course as with all things…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-07-05:1688216:Comment:8782622010-07-05T11:55:22.627ZShadowhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Shadow
Of course as with all things in life... to each his own. John P, I have no problem grinding for customers as they truly appreciate that extra bit of effort/interest shown. I do tell them how quickly staling sets in after grinding and urge them to use the ground coffee ASAP. I also recommend storage tips, buying smaller amounts to minimize waste, etc.<br />
<br />
If they tell me they have a grinder at home, naturally I'm all for details. I also make it a point to ask what their favorite brew method is at…
Of course as with all things in life... to each his own. John P, I have no problem grinding for customers as they truly appreciate that extra bit of effort/interest shown. I do tell them how quickly staling sets in after grinding and urge them to use the ground coffee ASAP. I also recommend storage tips, buying smaller amounts to minimize waste, etc.<br />
<br />
If they tell me they have a grinder at home, naturally I'm all for details. I also make it a point to ask what their favorite brew method is at home. Some people think that selling coffee to customers keeps them from coming back, but that is hardly the case. As some people tell me "well I bought coffee to brew at home and it just didn't taste the same as it does when it is made for me" and I simply tell them there is alot more to coffee than most people think.<br />
<br />
I do have a few requests that I have no interest in pursuing. Darker roasted coffee and larger cup sizes. My most "aggressive" coffee currently is Ethiopia Sidamo and my largest cup size is 16 oz. Later! John P said:Come for at least…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-07-04:1688216:Comment:8780622010-07-04T19:55:17.203ZChrishttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Chris60
<cite>John P said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A877926&x=1#1688216Comment877488">Come for at least two years, an average of five times a week... and if you can afford an espresso machine, you certainly aren't hurting for money.</blockquote>
<br />
Just from hearing you post, here and elsewhere, I know that I'd be a regular if you weren't 1500 miles away. And my two hand grinders cost me…
<cite>John P said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A877926&x=1#1688216Comment877488">Come for at least two years, an average of five times a week... and if you can afford an espresso machine, you certainly aren't hurting for money.</blockquote>
<br />
Just from hearing you post, here and elsewhere, I know that I'd be a regular if you weren't 1500 miles away. And my two hand grinders cost me almost as much as my two Majors.<br />
Having nice things and having money are not quite the same thing. The auto accident and the last two years of dramatic economic downturn, coupled with bigoted idiots boycotting AZ for the legislative white flag that they've sent up have conspired to have me ask myself if I can still afford to buy dollar-a-pound coffees anymore.<br />
The answer was yes, but it took a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<cite>Rich Westerfield said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-customer-requests-do-you?page=8&commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A877926&x=1#1688216Comment877926"><div><br/>
As our usual shot volume is ~.75-.85 oz, our 5.5 oz have doubles and the 10.5 have two doubles. We decided to take that 1/3-1/3-1/3 thing literally.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Not really traditional, but just the way that I like it. In places that have nothing smaller than a twelve ounce cup, I usually ask for two double shots, and if it's an eight, I tell them that there is no reason to fill it to the brim on my account. When traveling and trying to make time (mostly professionally, so it's someone else' time/money) I'll ask for two cappuccinoes, er, cappuccini, er... a cappuccino and then another one, but in the same to-go cup. Most Third Wave-like places tend to give me the stink eye, but if I explain that I'll be twenty-five miles down the road when I want the second one, and it'll cost me fifty buck to come back, not to mention (especially in the Bay area) the complete waste of fuel to do so, they usually make the exception.<br />
Barefoot refuse to let me have an espresso to go, though. I'll never forgive them for the education I got that day! ; >