To think £2 for a babycino is extortionate

[Prrambulate]

The lovely independent coffee shop near me has raised the price of its babycino from £1 (already steep imo) to £2. Babycino in this case = an espresso cup of frothed milk with a dusting of cocoa powder on top.

This place has a selection of toys in a dedicated corner so lots of parents tend to go there to unwind and have somewhere their kids can play for a short while. I sense the business opportunity here but it also seems exploitative to me! Especially since their usual coffees are all at the £3 - £3,50 range.

Working up the courage to complain…

Why on earth would anyone pay for a marketing con such as a babychino or a puppychino?
Take some warm milk with you and save some dosh
But I admire the person who came up with this genius idea; they absolutely knew that a fool and their money are soon parted!

You are using that play area for your kids. If you are staying for 30 min ( max time for a single coffee or tea) then i agree. If you are meeting your friends and staying for a couple hours letting your kiddos play in the equipment they PAID for.. nope you are in the wrong. Maybe they should just implement a childs fee for playing in the equipment that can be deducted from a child purchase (not mom's capachino ...

YABU.
The cafe have given over space to a kids play area, cost of toys, and also loss of revenue from non-parents who have less space to sit down. It’s clearly a child-centred cafe. You can’t expect them to essentially subsidise 50% of their clientele. They wouldn’t be financially viable if they did that. And actually it sounds as if the adult coffees are pretty cheap.

Small independent cafes aren’t Tesco

Then don't buy it it is not a necessity

I asked a question, I didn’t say the OP said that.

Honestly, people don’t read properly and try and twist words here all the time. It’s tiresome.

In this case it appears to essentially be a charge for a play area. It’s a business, not a charity, and going there is optional.

How much is just a cup of tea? I mean, that’s mostly water, so…

It's just marketing

The name is great (and preys on gullible mothers)

Baby cino!

I agree that it seems to be a cost for the play area and costs of maintaining it. Any drink doubling in price overnight though is still far too much a jump imo.

Parents consume space but also spend on additional items (misc child-only platters and dishes, juices etc). I don't think it's as much of a money drain as the laptop table hoggers!

Are you being sarcastic. I hope so.

Business overheads are highly relevant.

More fool you for buying it!

Quite agree.

Yes boycott it in righteous indignation and get all your friends to as well. Then that pesky independent cafe with toys hopefully might close down

Why is it foolish to buy these drinks?? I don't understand why parents are called gullible for getting them (generally for free or for a small fee). It's raining, you're sleep-deprived with a toddler, seeking any kind of diverting outdoor experience that doesn't cost the earth. You get a hot drink, they get their own and it has an element of novelty. Everyone is temporarily content.

Well a 3 year old normally wouldn't associate the word baby with being grown up.
Also, why does a 3 year old even need to feel grown up?

I'd just pay it tbh assuming you like the place. Back before I had kids I could waste a lot of money on many more things much less useful than a babychino!!

@Perhapsanorhertimewouldbebetter

Seriously? The whole essence of pretend play - toy kitchens, tea parties, doctors' kits, dressing up, is children mimicking the reality of being 'grown up'...

YABU If you don’t like the cost don’t buy them. Just because an adult is buying a drink it does not mean that they need to give away drinks for kids free/very cheaply.

Oh dear poor you.....

Imagine life before Costa? Is that bearabke for you?

It costs them the same in labour, electricity, gas, rent etc whether you order a babycino or a coffee so if you occupy a table ordering 2 drinks they need them to be worth more.

Didn’t people just go into supermarket and department store cafes, though? No babyccinos when I was young, but there was definitely the child cake / biscuit / squash offering in a rather dingy Tesco cafe, and John Lewis as a treat!

Children have played at being grown up for years. That's not the same as actually buying them a mini version of an adult drink.

Subject: Concern Regarding Babycino Price Increase

Dear [Coffee Shop Owner's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am a regular customer at your coffee shop and have always appreciated the warm ambiance and excellent service provided by your team.

Recently, I noticed that the price of babycinnos has increased from £1 to £2. I wanted to bring this to your attention as it has come as a surprise and, honestly, has left me a bit disappointed. I understand that costs and business dynamics may necessitate adjustments, but such a significant increase has caught me off guard.

As a loyal customer, I have always enjoyed the babycinnos here, and they have been a delightful treat for both myself and my family. However, the new pricing seems quite steep, and I wanted to express my concern.

I understand that running a business involves making decisions to ensure sustainability, and I respect that. However, I would appreciate it if you could shed some light on the reasons behind this price change. Perhaps there are factors I am not aware of, and your perspective would help me understand the situation better.

I value your commitment to maintaining a high standard of service and product quality, and I believe open communication is essential for the success of any business. I hope we can discuss this matter further, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and great beverages at your coffee shop.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

So just don't buy one?

I'd understand if it was one of those with mini marshmallows or chocolate flake crumbled up on top.