Grabbing a drink on the way to work has become a staple in some people’s morning routine, but it can get costly over time. Here’s the ultimate hack to save some pennies in every order.
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the UK, with the average person drinking three cups a day. Grabbing a coffee (matcha or tea, depending on your preference) is a staple in many people’s morning routines – including mine.
But as getting a coffee before work becomes a regular habit, so do the costs. That’s why learning a few tips and tricks to save money on your daily spending can make a surprising difference over time.
Working as a barista for many years made me experiment with different ways of spending less money when it came to ordering drinks – whether it was asking for less ice in ice drinks, or choosing a latte over a cappuccino, which tends to be more foamy and less milky, despite both being the same price. However, this one life hack will save you 50p without trying too hard.
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Bring your own reusable cup
With the initiative of bringing memberships and loyalty cards, a different way to save money is by bringing your own reusable cup. Yes, those cups you keep collecting and are in your cupboard for decoration.
As a customer, bringing reusable cups helps the business reduce waste and save on costs. Therefore, as a reward, businesses give customer a discount of up to 50p on their drinks. Think about it, once a day for 30 days, that’s £15 saved. Over a year? That’s 180, just bringing your own cup.
Nonetheless, not every coffee chain follows the same initiative. In return for bringing your own reusable cup, other businesses might double up your loyalty points or ‘beans’, as they call it. The good thing about it is that it will make your ‘free drink’ come quicker. Owning a loyalty card also builds a relationship between the customer and the business, as it encourages them to come back.
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Building a relationship between the customer and a coffee shop is key. It creates loyalty, so their chances of coming back to visit are higher. Plus, it shows the customer’s preference over other coffee chains. By creating a connection with the customer, they feel more appreciated – and there’s no better feeling than your barista knowing your order.
As a barista, I loved seeing regular customers and knowing their orders by heart. It made the interaction more personal, and it made working more fun. Not only that, it makes customers feel more appreciated, meaning they’re more likely to return. It’s a win-win situation.
Bringing someone’s smile so early in the morning makes a difference in their day, as well as yours. Plus, my best friendships came from a simple interaction.
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