for Dummies

1: How to order a coffee.
You would think that something as simple as a coffee couldn't be all that complicated.  But you are wrong.  Coffee ordering is a lost art.  I blame the internet......just kidding.

There are two ways to order coffees.  Front counter and drive thru.  The procedures are basically the same.
Step One:  Wait to be acknowledge.  If the server is not focused on you they will not be able to take your order.  Sometimes they have to do something that will interfere with their ability to serve you effectively.  This is especially true in Drive Thru.  When you approach the speaker/mike in Drive Thru, there is a pressure plate that will let the workers inside know that you are there.  When they are able to they will acknowlegde you.  This usually occurs within five seconds.

Step Two: Give your order accurately.  Never say that you want a coffee, or a pop, or a tea.  Be specific.  Have the following things decided:Size, product, condiments, location.  Example:  Hi, I would like a large Triple Triple coffee for here please,

Very simple.  This can be adjusted to fit any order.  Be it tea, Coke, Milk, or juice.  Be specific and to the point.

Step Three:  Have your money in a convenient place.  Not at the bottom of your purse or at your table or in your car.  This will slow down the service, causing other customers to become impatient and then take it out on their server.

Step Four:  Leave the counter with your purchases.  And enjoy.  Maybe smile.  The last part is optional.

b:How to order multiple coffees.
Step One:  Follow the same procedure for the single coffee.  Wait to be acknowledged.
Step Two:  Give your order starting with each individual coffee.   List them off one by one with what is in them.  Example:  You are approaching a drive thru speaker and wish to order 4 drinks, two of them being large coffees, one being a medium coffee and one being a medium cappacino.  The wrong way to order is as follows:  Hi, I need four coffees.  Two large coffee, and two mediums.  One of the mediums is a cappacino.  In the larges I want a milk in one and a cream in the order.  The one will milk has a sugar.  And the one with cream is a decaf with sweetner......

Way too confusing.  You will get a wrong order.  There is no question about it and then you will get upset at us and the customers behind you will get upset because we are being slow with your order..... The cycle will never end.

The right way to order that order:
Welcome to Tim Hortons.  May I take your order?
Yes, I would like a large coffee with milk and sugar, a large decaf with cream and sweetner, a medium coffee black and a medium french vanilla cappacino.
Is that everything?
Yes, thank you.....

This way the order will be done correctly.

BACK