Only those who have worked in retail or in the food business can understand what it’s like to have their patience tested by rude customers. Thankfully, most customers are kind and understanding but many felt that this foreign customer should’ve done his homework before travelling after a video of him ordering a drink in Malaysia went viral.
In a video originally posted on Douyin, a tourist from China recorded himself ordering a drink at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Starbucks outlet in full Mandarin. Unfortunately for the barista on duty, she could not understand a word the customer was saying but still tried her best to communicate with him.
As seen in the video below, the foreigner ordered a large (Venti) cup of latte but could not understand the staff when she asked him if he’d like sugar in his drink. The man then asked a friend to translate what she was saying and proceeded to tell the barista that he’d like his drink with a regular sweetness level, again in full Mandarin.
The tourist was then seen gently tossing a RM100 note onto the counter to pay for his drink. The staff then asked the customer if he had a smaller change to which he then gave her a RM20 note. While the Starbucks staff were preparing his drink, the man could be heard telling his friend that he wasn’t sure if the lady behind the counter could understand him.
Although there were some challenges, the barista and her colleague serving his drink kept their composure and friendly attitude towards the customer throughout the entire interaction. After the video was reposted on Facebook, many criticised the tourist for expecting the Malaysian woman on duty to understand his mother tongue.
A few commented that he should learn some simple English words when travelling to another country. Others said that he lacked courtesy for not personally handing the money to the barista but instead tossing it onto the counter. The Starbucks staff, on the other hand, was praised for still providing the best service to the customer despite the language barrier.
We’re just glad the whole thing didn’t end up in a loud argument. Props to the Starbucks staff for handling the situation to the best of her ability.
Watch the full video below:
Source: Facebook
