A Twitter user who works as a barista is facing backlash for boasting about successfully upselling drink add-ons to customers.
The controversy arose when a Malaysian Twitter user pointed out the "clever" technique employed by an international coffeehouse chain to upsell their food items.
Photo via Twitter
They shared an incident where a cashier, instead of asking whether they wanted additional cheese, directly asked how many slices of cheese they preferred with their order. This tactic led the customer to unknowingly pay for an add-on.
Expressing frustration, the customer explained, "I ordered beef ragu, and the cashier asked me, 'Single or double cheese?' without clarifying if I wanted cheese at all. Those unfamiliar with the tactic are likely to choose the single cheese option."
Numerous Twitter users responded, sharing similar experiences, while some advised others to be more attentive when placing their orders, as cashiers often receive training to promote additional items.
However, amidst the responses, one barista Twitter user callously replied, "As a barista myself, I know how to identify customers and push add-ons."
This tweet received criticism from hundreds of Twitter users, who began tagging AI Twitter bot accounts to call out the barista's attitude.
Meanwhile, other users advised the barista to delete the tweet for his own well-being.
"Man, this tweet won't age well. I strongly advise you to remove it, learn from this experience, and move forward," advised one concerned netizen.
Photo via Twitter
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being considerate and respectful towards customers. Rather than resorting to tactics that may exploit customers' lack of awareness, businesses should strive to provide transparent and honest service.
Treating customers with kindness and ensuring their needs are met should be the guiding principles for all interactions. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and fostering trust, businesses can build long-lasting relationships and a positive reputation within their communities.
