Starbucks asking their customer's names.

[Stuart]

Apparently in an attempt to make things a little easier and more personal for their customers, Starbucks are asking people's names and writing that on the cup, not "Latte" or whatever..

What do you think of this? Is it a good thing? Is it bad? Do you feel that having the representative of a multinational organisation refer to you by your first name makes you any more comfortable buying from them?

Personally, I'll admit, it won't affect me. I don't particularly like Starbucks coffee. I'm happy to drink it, but I'd say while it's adequate coffee, it's far too expensive for what you get. The same goes for all the coffee chains I've tried.

I can, however, see some problems. A lot of people, particularly in London, do not have easy names to spell, or short names (I know a few people with names longer than 25 letters). Combine that with the fact that a lot of the staff Starbucks employ don't seem to speak English as a first language, and you could end up with a lot of misspellings. This could cause confusion (and has in America where they've had this policy for a while) and slow down what is already slow service.

[Uncle Peter]

I sense scope for some mischief making here

[Maggy J]

My name is Spartacus!
Legion..Adolf..Nemesis.

Actually I think giving any name but your own would be best..Jo,Fred,Max.

[Damien]

The coffee shop I use already does this. Doesn't really cause any problems and, to be honest, makes it easier as quite a few people would order the same drinks and it can be difficult to ascertain who is next in line unless your actually in a obvious line. People with long names will generally give a nick name anyway, this won't be the first time they would need to do that.

Also Starbucks has always had fast service, almost too fast, it takes time to make a proper shot of coffee and even longer depending on what you've ordered (i.e needing to make the formed milk).

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Damien

Also Starbucks has always had fast service, almost too fast, it takes time to make a proper shot of coffee and even longer depending on what you've ordered (i.e needing to make the formed milk).

Never has when I've been there. Whatever country the store happens to be in.

[Damien]

Originally Posted by Stuart

Never has when I've been there. Whatever country the store happens to be in.

The ones I have been in central London are always quick, relative to coffee shops. Remember that it takes quite a bit longer to make a cup of coffee than to take the order, unless your ordering already brewed coffee. A shot of espresso takes about 20 seconds and that's before you add the extras, then consider a few people are ordering at any one time and after a few lattes or cappuccinos they would need to steam more milk....

The place I go to (not starbucks) takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the demand (it's very popular) from order until I receive it.

[martyh]

don't they have a problem with the pen going the polystyrene cup

[Chris]

I don't see a problem with it, whether it works or not at least it shows they're still thinking about the customer experience rather than simply assuming people will come in and buy their coffee.

I agree though, it does afford an opportunity for a bit of messing about. I'm thinking Bart Simpson and Moe.

[Stephen]

Also as today was the 'launch' of this in the UK, customers could get a free tall latte with their name on the cup. Some branches in Glasgow had queues of over 25mins today, due to people desperate for a free coffee!

I personally don't like Starbucks coffee and generally visit Costa or Delice De France as I find their Vanilla Latte to be the nicest.

[Uncle Peter]

if you're a bit stuck here's a Starbucks name generator

Wait 'til Bigus Dickus hears of this

[Russ]

I can't stand companies that use gimmicks like this to make their service more "personal". They're not my friends, I don't want them knowing my business, I'm happy to interact while I'm sorting out my order but further than that, I'd rather they know nothing more about me. I am not friends with businesses.

[gazzae]

Originally Posted by Russ

I can't stand companies that use gimmicks like this to make their service more "personal". They're not my friends, I don't want them knowing my business, I'm happy to interact while I'm sorting out my order but further than that, I'd rather they know nothing more about me. I am not friends with businesses.

Just give your name as Mr. Grumpy.

[Russ]

I'm only grumpy to companies that claim to want my friendship but in reality just want my money

I'd much rather them be honest and aim for my wallet from the outset.

[slowcoach]

There was a comedian on the radio talking about this today, he said when someone was asked for their name in Starbucks a voice from the back of the room shouted “Don't tell him, Pike�.

[Sirius]

I would be

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