Someone ordered an iced cappuccino. You know how I feel about that!! To make it worse, she was on her cell phone.
"I'd be happy to make that, however I'd recommend an iced latte as the iced cappuccino would be an inch of hot foam on top of your iced drink."
"I don't understand," she stated.
Of course I don't know if that statement is directed toward me or to the person on the other end of the line, so I launch into an explanation and recommendation.
"You see, a cappuccino is very frothy, foamy steamed milk mixed with espresso. To make an iced espresso drink we pour milk directly from the gallon. I can leave it like that for an iced latte, or I can put an inch of hot steamed foamy milk on top of your iced drink."
"Hmm. I am not sure," she replied still on the phone.
"Is the drink for someone else?" I asked. Again not knowing if her statement was for me or for her conversation on the cell phone.
Finger goes up into the air in front of her mouth to shhh me. "Yes."
Of course I have no idea if the response was to me or to the person on the other end of the line. Again.
"I can help whomever is next," I said and indicated the person behind her come forward.
That customer looked at me confused so I said, "I'll help her when she's off the phone and can tell me what she wants."
So, I went on to make several other drinks because a customer talking on their cell phone while trying to order is one of the most irritating behaviors a customer can possibly exhibit.
When the woman on the cell phone hung up her call I looked to her and said, "If the drink is for someone else, I'll make an iced latte since it's most common."
"Oh, whatever you think is best."
I began making the drink.
A few seconds passed and she said, "I thought I had already ordered?"
"No, you were on your cell phone so I didn't know how you wanted it made. Remember, you shhh'd me?" I said with a smile as I handed her the drink.
"Oh yah." Then she turned and left.
Not that I expected anything else.
It reminded me of a sign I saw at a local card shop, can't remember the exact wording, but basically stated that the store associates won't talk on the cell phone while helping the customer, so the customer should show the same respect.
Isn't that just common courtesy?
Currently (de)Caffienated, Dee
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I love this blog. I understand where you're coming from with customers who are on their cell phones while ordering from you. One of my pet peeves is when they mouth their orders and I can't understand one word they're saying. To be mean I make them repeat themselves over and over until they are forced to put the phone down and ask tell me what they want to order.
ReplyDeleteWeird thing is that at my store we sell iced cappuccino. What is a ice cappuccino? I have no clue. Its exactly like ordering an ice latte. I add the hot foam. I know I shouldn't as it can be bad for you. But after one customer gave us attitude I'm like u know what? It doesn't really matter. It looks nice hahahahahaha.
Hmmmm either ways.
Keep posting.
I hate when I approach a table and they are on the phone. The worst is the shusssh finger, why are so many people assholes? I really like your blog, I think you many enjoy mine, it is called www.stuckserving.com. It posts service industry stories, I think you will relate!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love that you said "Remember, you shushed me?" Excellent! I really am courteous to my guests, even when they're not, because I understand there is a company to run... but there are those moments when we just have to slip in the one-liner for our own sanity. "Remember, you sushed me?" is CLASSIC. :)
ReplyDeleteThere is just so much stupidity going on here. I'm a barista as well, and I know how annoying the cell phones are. Unfortunately, our owner doesn't allow us to refuse service to people on phones, however, I try to as much as possible. Keep fighting the good fight. Common courtesy is still out there. Keep up the good blog. I'm a new subscriber, but already love it.
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