Why Starbucks Employees Hate Pay It Forward Lines
Updated: Jan. 11, 2023
The act of generosity is kind in theory, but baristas find the entire pay-it-forward process maddening.
It sure does feel good to find out someone paid for your coffee. Whether it’s at a coffee shop or in a drive-thru when the barista says “your coffee was paid for,” the world truly feels brighter and kinder for the rest of the day. And yet, according to numerous baristas, Starbucks’ pay-it-forward lines are one of the habits Starbucks employees dislike.
Sure, maybe a video online of someone paying it forward inspired you, but it’s a hassle—and it’s definitely one of the habits you should avoid in the drive-thru.
Why Starbucks’ Pay-It-Forward Lines Don’t Always Work
“Pay it forward is nice in theory, but it can cause a lot of confusion,” says Bailey Cassidy, 28, a Starbucks barista located in the Chicagoland area. “Especially in the busy morning peak, it creates confusion about whose order belongs to whom. I’ve never worked in the drive-thru, just cafe lobby stores, but I hear it really confuses things in the drive-thru!”
Cassidy’s sentiments are mirrored by hundreds of baristas over on Reddit, who say that yes, while this particular act of charity is kind for fellow Starbucks lovers, it doesn’t go so well for the baristas trying to coordinate how it’s going to work. It also gets particularly confusing when the first pay-it-forward (PIF) customer turns it into a chain, where the next car pays for the car behind them, and so on.
“99% of baristas thank you for breaking it,” writes Reddit user @Mcpatches3D. “We rarely get any tips during the chains and it can get confusing when we’re slammed. Not to mention some customers get grumpy because they had expiring stars or needed the purchase for some promo.”
Not bothering to tip has become a rather common sore spot for baristas experiencing a PIF chain. “It’s not about the tip in itself I feel,” writes Reddit user @TheBlueImpulse. “It’s more about the disregard for the baristas and their hard work when it comes to ‘helping someone out.'”
However, while some baristas do find the entire process inconvenient and in some cases even demeaning, other baristas who have experienced the generosity of pay-it-forward themselves say that the small act of generosity still can go a long way.
“There were also more than a few situations, on days where I was really going through it and desperately needed something positive to happen, where someone randomly paid for my drink. And it genuinely made a huge difference in my day and on my outlook during certain difficult times,” writes Reddit user @2166K.
Nevertheless, some baristas argue that if a customer is already in a line—especially a drive-thru—they already know what the coffee is going to cost and are prepared to pay it anyways. “The person who is in the drive-thru can afford their order, that’s why they placed it,” writes Reddit user @strawberrypoppi. “They are already planning to pay. It really makes others in the drive feel guilty because they feel like they have to pay for the person behind them even if their drink is more expensive.”
What Can You Do Instead?
If you’re in a generous mood, many baristas seem to give the same suggestion—drop that generosity in the tip jar.
“I feel like if customers want to brighten someone’s day, consider tipping the baristas,” says Cassidy. “They are severely overworked, understaffed, and underappreciated, and it would make their day.”
For those who do love paying it forward, baristas also suggest buying a gift card for customers who actually do walk into a cafe instead of the drive-thru, commonly those who are homeless and looking for food and a bathroom.
“We’ve also had people come into the cafe around the holidays and buy and leave a gift card to use for those in need, which at least at my location where we have a fairly large homeless population, this actually can go towards someone in need,” writes Reddit user @badatlife15.
Along with avoiding the hassle of pay-it-forward anarchy, be sure to avoid these polite habits that fast food employees secretly dislike as well.
Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
You can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg Bites
You can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
I love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg Sandwich
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.
Inspired by: Starbucks Everything Bagel
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
I created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Coffee
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk Latte
We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio Parfait
Homemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownie
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe Mocha
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Cheese Danish
The flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold Brew
Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Inspired by: Starbucks Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea Lemonade
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry Scone
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe. —Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
