Starbucks asking your name

I love it because my name is such a common english name yet I've had it spelt differently on three separate occasions.

The Starbucks in Stratford, London has had this name policy since they opened.

I can agree with that comment from the BBC.

I've been to Subway a few times and the staff are always over the top with everything; "nice and healthy for you this wednesday afternoon" blah blah

When I go to a restaurant I just want my food or drink, nothing else

...holy crap does this make me unsociable?!

It doesn't bother me - it's no different from giving your name when ordering a take away, or a taxi. If people are really that bothered, they can just say their name's "Smith" or something.

Being Vikki is an absolute nightmare! I love the headsets in the one in Westfield too! Although they did get my drink wrong because they couldn't hear each other...

Damn, I can only imagine how many variations your name must have!

I had a confrontation once because a customer tried to take my drink. She was insistant it was hers and I just asked "Is this your name?". The barista got the headset and said "Gladiators ready?". Hilarious.

Oh and on a related note we now have to wear our names on our work uniforms - I now have people chasing after me calling my name asking me to wipe tables. Not so nice for us either....

I love it because my name is such a common english name yet I've had it spelt differently on three separate occasions.

The Starbucks in Stratford, London has had this name policy since they opened.

I have a part time job at Starbucks and had my first shift under the new customer service package on Saturday. This is where the barista will ask for your name and call your name for you to collect your order rather than what drink you have. I thought this was a good idea (although rather time consuming) as people often walk out with the wrong drinks when it gets busy. However, lots of people seemed genuinely bemused at the fact I was asking them their name and numerous people refused. I even had someone thinking I was chatting them up! I have looked on the BBC website article (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17356957) and many people seem to find it uncomfortable. Just wondering what everyone else thinks? I understand that it's not a very British thing to do, but it's just your first name... it's not like we can commit identity fraud. One comment from the bbc article that took me aback was;

"Well good luck with that. I go to Starbucks and all I want is a cup of coffee and not some phoney-baloney 'have a nice day' type deal. Is a cup of regular coffee and a bit of civility too much to ask for when you're paying Starbucks prices ? I don't want strangers addressing me by my first name (or my last). There has to be a bit of distance here."

I understand the idea of 'just wanting a cup of coffee' but distance seems a bit harsh? I wouldn't say shouting your first name for your drink was particularly close? Opinions please!

On a side note, if you don't like being asked your name please don't take it out on the person serving, it's now part of passing our mystery guests that we ask so we have to!

If I ever go into a starbucks and they ask for my name, I shall say it's: "Mr. [my surname]" (Although my surname isn't the easiest of things to spell or pronounce, if you saw it written). It's much more formal and polite to be addressed like this: "Mr. Smith, your coffee is ready" rather than "John, your coffee is ready". I'm not at my Nan's.

Well good luck with that. I go to Starbucks and all I want is a cup of coffee and not some phoney-baloney 'have a nice day' type deal. Is a cup of regular coffee and a bit of civility too much to ask for when you're paying Starbucks prices ? I don't want strangers addressing me by my first name (or my last). There has to be a bit of distance here."