No, it was not a success. In fact, this was prolly the most hostile challenge encounter I’ve had.
This Starbucks was on Robertson at Beverly. I went in and asked for a cup of fair trade coffee — but the barista didn’t know what that was, and turned to barista2, who said, “I don’t think the Sumatra’s fair trade.”
No, the store wasn’t brewing the fair trade Cafe Estima, as it’s supposed to this week, according to Starbucks’ CSR department. They only had Sumatra and Decaf Sumatra.
So I asked, quite nicely, if it was possible to get a cup of fair trade coffee.
Barista, in a very condescending tone: “Do you even KNOW what fair trade is, and how little plantation coffee is actually fair trade?”
Um, actually, fair trade coffee comes from co-ops, not plantations. But I didn’t want to get into a fight about it. So I said, “I know exactly what fair trade is.”
Barista: “Oh. Well we’re brewing Sumatra.”
Even if he’s not a fan of fair trade, did he really have to sneer and try to make me feel stupid?
“Thanks, I’ll get it at the Newsroom,” I said, and walked out.
Siel.
I think you should try and get Cindy to mandate a signed copy of the letter that has been sent out to the many managers of our little mermaid friends.
She should then post this to you after set number of weeks as part of her promise to fix the breakdown in customer service.
Make her accountable. Anyone can talk a big game. Maybe they should quit sueing the little guys over crazy small things and live up to their own policy and practice.
..be bold
Comment by Jason — January 3, 2006 @ 5:31 pm
Actually, you should have more fun with the dorks. Use the words of power. Smile, and say “That’s not the way to ‘Say yes.’” Spot the FT on the way in, and the little twerp mouths off, show them the FT label, and smile. Ask for their name so that you can be sure they get on the list of partners recomended for retraining. (grin).
Speaking of the meeting, its been a bit — any news on our notes? (Mostly I wanted to double check the names and positions of the attendees.)
Sorry to hear it was such a bust though!
Comment by Roger, Gone Green — January 3, 2006 @ 9:19 pm
Sorry to hear that, Siel. Yeah, I agree with Roger, ask his name and let him know that you’ve been challenging Sbx and he’ll on the list of employees for retraining if he doesn’t behave and know what he’s doing. Stay strong…you’re on the advantage here :-) Cheers
Comment by Maya — January 3, 2006 @ 9:55 pm
I think you have given enough info for the barista to be id’s by starbucks and to be honest if I were him I would be worried…what poor customer service!!!
I think you kept your cool and dignity very well Siel.
Namaste
Al
Comment by City Hippy — January 4, 2006 @ 4:03 am
No customer should be treated so rudely. Someone doesn’t need to pass a test to deserve to receive something at a cafe. If you asked for a cinnamon dolce latte, would she have said, “Do you even KNOW what a latte is? Do you know the history of latte?” I hope she was just having a bad day and doesn’t go all Tom Cruise on customers on a regular basis.
Comment by trill42 — January 4, 2006 @ 11:35 am
No wait — This was the guy that “helped” me after the 1st barista (female) turned to him cuz she didn’t know what fair trade was. For the record, he was tall, thin, and blond. And angry…
Comment by Siel — January 4, 2006 @ 1:12 pm
Fair trade? If the co-ops don’t like the the price offered they shouldn’t sell or maybe they should find another line of work. or they could always hedge themselves in the futures market.
Also why buy over priced coffee from Starbuck’s and others then complain about their profits?
You tree humping Kermits crack me up. lol
Comment by Juan Valdez — January 4, 2006 @ 2:39 pm
Um, I didn’t complain about over priced coffee or profits. It’s considered good manners to actually read the post before commenting nonsensically –
Sadly, many coffee farmers don’t have the choice of not selling — They gotta take what they can get. And about finding another line of work — Well… That’s easier for you and I to do — tougher for those who’ve devoted their lives to farming and are now being driven off their land …
Comment by Siel — January 4, 2006 @ 3:04 pm
Coffee producers DO play the future market. That is how all coffee is purchased. I do agree, Siel, that you will not find posts about overpriced coffee here…
..be bold
Comment by Jason — January 4, 2006 @ 3:49 pm