
Big Change or Big Mistake? The New Starbucks Rule Everyone Needs to Follow
BIG CHANGE OR BIG MISTAKE?
Starbucks is making some changes that most of us won't recognize, but some locations will feel it.
I always thought it was common knowledge that if you are going to hang out at a coffee shop, or any location for that matter, you need to make a purchase. That's how it works.
Sometimes that doesn't happen right away. You go to a coffee shop, you find a quiet table in the back corner so you can have a nice meeting with the person you're waiting for. You set up your computer and then go up to the counter and order your beverage. Or, perhaps you want to purchase your guest's drink and wait to place your order until they arrive. All of this sounds pretty typical, right?

REINFORCING AN OLD RULE
Starbucks recently decided to reinforce a new 'old' rule, which seems reasonable. If you are going to stop by a Starbucks to use the restroom, or sit at a table and access their Wi-Fi, then you must make a purchase. Period.
They say their focus is to make sure they have space for their paying customers, and they want people to be clear about what is expected of them when they visit their stores.
STARBUCKS 'CODE OF CONDUCT'
Starbucks 'Code of Conduct' will be posted in all of their stores Nationwide. They are making the change because they want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in their stores. (Everyone means paying customers). The Code of Conduct will be going into effect in a couple of weeks, and staff will be getting some training before the policy takes effect.
The posting reads:
"Starbucks spaces are for use by our partners and customers - this includes our cafes, patios, and restrooms."
They have also stated that they are going to attack a few other problems they've been having as well, including calming down their complex menu and creating more 'affordable' drinks.
Some good perks are going into effect as well. Starbucks is supposedly going to extend free refills of hot or iced coffee to all customers who purchase a drink. as customers tend to buy more if they stay longer. Why not? It might have started as a breakfast, but why not have lunch too?
PRACTICAL CHANGES
According to an article, a Starbucks spokesperson said, "Implementing a coffeehouse code of conduct is something most retailers already have and is a practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit. This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks."
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