What size would you like? Would you like a pastry with your coffee? Perhaps you would like to try that drink cold? If you like this beverage so much, you should definitely try our promotional (and more expensive) beverage. Sir, I can certainly make your drink over if it is not to your liking. These are just a few of the proper customer service responses expected and provided by Starbucks' baristas. After five years, four managers and three district managers, I learned that it is not only creating the ultimate coffee beverage, but also providing excellent service that ensures customers leave the store completely satisfied and eager to return - maybe next time with friends or family. Starbucks Coffee Company demands Five-Star customer service from all partners, and it is this service that separates Starbucks from other coffee shops. The goal is to provide for all customers a "third place" environment - a place of relaxation that is away from home and work. While many complain of the expensive java prices, it is this environment that keeps customers coming back for more.
But Starbucks not only aims to please the customers, it also provides its employees, whom are known as partners within the company, with a safe, comfortable, and profitable environment. Perks include: stock options, health benefits for part-time employees, an annual review which could result in a raise, as well as easy mobility to move up to managerial positions. In exchange for these employment benefits, partners have to endure long and intricate training that requires newly hired partners to read and answer questions on each of the stations the job is divided into - Drip, Register, Espresso, Frappachino, Bean and Customer Service - before they can get any hands-on training.
As assistant store man ...