Etiquette at the Starbucks Drive-Thru

One of the wonderful conveniences of modern day life is the drive-thru. Instead of having to find a parking space, get out, order, wait for your order and then juggle your food back into the car, you can simply order from the speaker box drive up and your order is ready for you at the window. It's also much easier to arrange your food when you're already in the car. Of course, most people only experience one side of the drive-thru and that's the ordering end. Here's a quick look at the providing end and how you can use a few simple tips to get the most out of your drive-thru experience. For convenience sake we will be using Starbucks as an example.

1) Stop at the speakerbox.
If you drive so far past the speakerbox that you're talking into air and we're talking into your rear window we won't be able to hear you. Technology is good but most places don't invest in CIA quality microphones for their drive-thru. If you stop where you're supposed to it will make taking your order much easier.

2) Speak clearly.
Enunciate and clearly pronounce all parts of your order. Generally speaking its good form for the order taker to repeat your order back to you. This helps to clarify any uncertainties about the order. Pay attention when your order is being repeated. If a single part of your order is not what you asked for be sure to request the missing part again. For example, if you order a grande soy vanilla latte and a tall soy hazelnut cappuccino and "grande soy vanilla latte and a tall hazelnut cappuccino is repeated back to you be sure to remind them that both are soy.

3) Ask questions.
If you're unsure about something on the menu, please ask. It's much easier to answer a question at the speakerbox rather than at the window when your order is already prepared and possibly not exactly what you wanted. If you're not sure what you want, ask for options. Particularly at Starbucks, the menu is rather expansive and many times not everything will fit on a small drive-thru menu board. Starbucks often also has regional offerings so what you may be used to in your home city may be different when you're traveling.

4) Get off the phone.
Sometimes the order taker may have questions about your order and if you are on the phone it can sometimes be hard to get those answers. This is particularly important at Starbucks where there are many options and details. Fore example, if you order a soy cafe mocha, the barista may ask you if you still want the whipped cream on it. Many people who ask for soy are lactose intolerant and will not want soy; however, some people simply prefer the taste of soy but still want whipped cream. Another reason why it's polite to get off your phone is that most people do not enjoy being pointedly ignored. Even though the person taking your order is in the business of service, they are not servants. Moreover, they are human beings and as such deserve a modicum of respect, which means hanging up your phone.

5) Please pull forward.
When you're done ordering, pull forward. When the car ahead of you pulls forward, pull forward. After you have paid, pull forward. This will keep the line moving quickly and efficiently. Nobody likes being stuck behind the guy who's texting on his phone, cleaning out his car, reading the newspaper, or any other number of things. So please pull forward.

By using these tips you can help insure that you have a positive experience at the drive-thru as well as making sure that others have a similar experience.