Why Everyone Should Have To Work In Customer Service At Least Once
The patron then began ranting about customer service, human decency, and how it was impossible to find a good cup of coffee anymore. She then stormed out, leaving her “awful” drink behind.
By Emily Anne
The other day, I was sitting in a coffee shop, reading a book and enjoying my coffee, when a woman walked in. I watched her walk up to the counter and begin ordering her quad-venti soy caramel macchiato (not actual order, but you get it). After a few minutes, the barista handed her the drink and she was on her way.
I didn’t even get to the next paragraph before she came storming through the door. She cut in front of everyone in line and demanded to see the manager. The barista attempted to calm her down, asking her what the problem was and asking if there was anything he could do, as the manager was unavailable. The woman then began claiming that her drink didn’t taste “right” and that it probably had something to do with the “stupid drink maker person” (yes actual words).
The barista offered to remake her drink, but the patron only stated that she wanted her money back. The barista stated that it wasn’t part of their policy to give money back, but that he was willing to give her a gift card. The patron then began ranting about customer service, human decency, and how it was impossible to find a good cup of coffee anymore. She then stormed out, leaving her “awful” drink behind.
I then watched as the barista who had made the drink break down in tears, and run into the back. I couldn’t help but think if this patron had ever worked in customer service, that perhaps this wouldn’t have happened.
Whether it is working at a restaurant, working in retail, or working with anything having to do with customers, everyone should do it at least once. Everyone needs to learn to appreciate the person behind the counter and understand that they aren’t just part of the business, they are a person. Granted, everyone is entitled to what they pay for, but no one should ever undergo poor treatment solely because they aren’t the one paying for the product.
So, next time your 9 dollar quad-venti cup of coffee doesn’t taste “just right”, remember the person behind the counter. 