To not want my name advertised on my coffee cup?

[Zebedee74]

I get that Starbucks thinks it's a nice friendly thing to do, but surely you should be able to opt out if you're a grumpy old woman like me ?

Yesterday when the cashier said 'can I have your name for the cup please?' I said 'I'd rather not'. She was fine with this, took my money and passed the cup on to the barista. I was the only person waiting, but the barista asked my name 'for the cup' again. He insisted that he needed a name 'to avoid confusion', and went on to say 'it's company policy, dear'.

He decided to call me 'A' on my cup, made my coffee and then handed it to me.

AIBU to not want my (generally mis-spelled, even though it's only 3 letters and I always spell it out) name advertised on my cup? Or should I just amuse myself with made up comedy names?

Yes, I know I can choose to go elsewhere, and often do. I just think it's odd to force someone into a 'customer service experience' that they're not comfortable with.

givemestrength - I like that idea! I don't want to embarrass the server by being sweary but something a bit tongue in cheek would make me feel better.

I would go somewhere else but I only have a coffee once or twice a week and I really like the Starbucks mocha (not actually real coffee, I know). The thought of trying somewhere else and it being crap gives me angst. Jeez - I really do need to lighten up don't I!?

I always say either Nigel or minjita minge Mott

I give my actual name, but they always get it wrong - spectacularly so on a couple of occasions. I can see how it might work well as a concept in the US, but it isn't very British. I can imagine some of the older generation saying 'Mrs Jones' or whatever - it doesn't sound so breezy and fun then, does it?!

Could be worse I suppose - just discovered this from a lady called Virginia.

I like Sanjay. Sanjay Billabong. Act offended if they question it.

I don't often go to Starbucks (or any coffee shop) but I don't see the issue. It's easier for the server to call 'John' than 'extra hot extra wet venti latte with soy and vanilla', and saves two people fighting over the same drink. The servers (I know several) don't care if you call yourself Tallulah or Madonna but they would think you were a bit of a prat for saying 'UK taxpayer' (if you feel that strongly, get your coffee elsewhere!)

Procrastinator - I agree. I wouldn't want to have a go at the server over a company policy, I just don't especially want to be walking down the street with my name (or, to be fair, a comedy name now I come to think of it) displayed on my cup. It makes me feel like I've been on a course and forgotten to take my name badge off.

I always want to say Voldemort but I never have the ovaries :( Must think of a shorter more sensible fake name!

I always call myself Kylie in Starbucks. Principally because at the age of 5 or so I was DESPERATE to be called Kylie. So I'm now living my childhood dream. Or something.

I always say no - it's ridiculous - make a comment like we're not in America!
Or I just say just a smile and they draw that on it and I know my cup when it comes up.
No one has ever made me feel bad about it

I read an anecdote from someone who was in the queue at Starbucks, and the server asked them their name - and from behind them came the cry,

"Don't tell 'em your name, Pike!!"

I was listening to a discussion on funny Starbucks spellings the other day on the radio sticky and when someone said they were Voldemort the cup was labelled "he who must not be named".

Someone else said they were "Marc with a C" - cup came with the name "Cark". I was literally laughing out loud while I was driving.

Andcake - thats's all I was after really. It was the 'it's company policy, dear' that got my back up.

SDT that's perfect - henceforth I shall be pike!

YABU for going to Starbucks, as others have pointed out.

But I read on Twitter recently a suggestion that you give your name as 'Bueller' and then leave without your coffee.

This doesn't mean much to me as I'm the one person on earth who hasn't seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but I've been repeatedly assured that it would be HILARIOUS.

Or just say 'Slim Shady.' That's what I'd do. Or maybe 'Wing Commander Gilbert-Smyth' with a steely glare.

DH used spartacus the other day and the (young) server went "we get a lot of those for some reason.."

I never use a real name. Comedy is the way to go.

Oh and PS: I would genuinely write and complain about 'it's company policy, dear'. Tossers.

Just say your name is Jo. It is a really short name and won't advertise your name. Job done. Don't make life too hard for yourself.

I love Starbucks, it's my favourite coffee. In my local one, they have never asked.

I love Cark

I'm either Bob or Spartacus, depending on my mood.

Only - your friend was right about 'Bueller' and Spartacus is genius TheReal

Thanks all - I now can't want to get to Starbucks with all my new comedy names. I'm going to be BUZZING tomorrow!

I just can't see how you can object to this considering that you can give any damned name you like. SFAIK it is to avoid confusing the orders. Vall yourself Cruella if you like. Or Jezebel.

Let us know if you get any reaction!

Virginia
Dick
Chlamydia
Khunty
Wang
Ho
Chardonnay
Merlot
Shiraz
Younique
Mystique
Madonna

The world is you oyster

I don't go to Starbucks (partly because there isn't one in my town and partly because the last time I did, the assistant did something incredibly stupid), but if I did, I'd probably make up a name for myself. Hmmm, Carmella has a nice exotic ring to it...

DH recently met someone called Agatha-Christie . Just saying.

Yes?

I give my real name, any time I'm in Starbucks. It's a very straightforward and not at all unusual name, but they usually make it into something completely different anyway.