I like how chipotle gives away from drinks if you have a college id- I am holding on to that bad boy for as long as possible. Still has my picture on it for 5 years ago

Generally speaking, employees that earn lower wages are probably more inclined to deliver less than stellar customer service. Employees of Starbucks, at least IMHO, probably provide decent service because of the relatively generous salaries & benefits they receive (at least compared to other establishments).

My other favoritely named Santa Cruz establishment: The Hairy Chair (haircuts).

Noah, here is an idea for you, why don’t you try to do an interview (email or in-person) with the owner or baristas of the Ugly Mug on the shop’s marketing inspirations–just tell him or her that you’re a famous blogger…

I like some people at Starbucks, I like some people at indie-coffee shops but I don’t like the guy who has “Anti-Capitalist” tattooed on his arm at local Mountain View coffee store when he works in a capatlistic store. Makes no sense!

Great stuff. It is funny how random acts of kindness can do so much.

I am not sure if this act was intentional or accidental but it was great. I really appreciated the coffee store and wanted to spend more money there. I wonder how long you remember or really talk about getting free things. It seems like Michael remembers his for a little while.

I was in a huge rush to a meeting, After getting the coffee, the woman looked at me and smiled, saying “You’re all set.” At this, my irritations grows: Yeah, I know, now how much does it all cost?

“How much?”

She then explains that she’s allowed to give out free coffee 6 times a day to people she wants to give it to. Oops … Did I feel bad for getting irritated.

The next day, same situation when I went to Verizon: I wait in line for 20 minutes, then I’m told they don’t have the part. I ask how long it’ll take to order an (overpriced) replacement. The guy looks at me hard for a minute, and wanders into the back. While he’s back there, I’m fuming: I pay a $100 a month and now I have to pay another fifty to wait a week for a 10 dollar part.

“Christmas came early man, we have a spare in the back.”

Fastest mood change I’ve had in a while, and I got to walk out of the store with a free part! Cost verizon a little (a refurbished part without packaging) but made me a MUCH happier customer.

I always get upset on the flip side when they charge me a buck and a half for some green goo.

What I can’t figure out about Coffee Shops is why they are just about the only business not giving out free travel mugs – but that’s another post for another time.