[costaricacoffee]

Not that i have something to share in terms of tipping, I always make my own coffee, and i am usually such a pain the butt when i go to coffee houses that not even a $20 tip will save my soul from the wrath of the employees.

But i have a funny story that relates to this topic.

When i first opened my coffee shop in Fortuna, Costa Rica, my prices were set for the town people, i wanted good coffee to be accessible to them. In a couple of months i realized that i had made a mistake because 80% of my customers were tourists and they always laughed when i charged them $0.90 for a perfect espresso or $1.40 for a Cappuccino. Most American tourists will say that $0.90 was less than what they normally left in the counter as a tip.

[Austin]

Smart changing your prices then. Do you give price breaks to regulars?

[costaricacoffee]

Actually, i raised my prices and no complaint...coffee is really distinctive so people never looked at the price tag (i wish i knew that since day one).

[wheeledgoat]

That is interesting! How long has your store been open now?

Did you give the locals a membership card for the lower prices?

[costaricacoffee]

Well, the store is 4 years old, the town is located on does not generate the volume for promos to locals, it is only 6,000 people. Most of my biz comes from tourists.

[costaricacoffee]

Just checked out your choice of beans. sounds like the roasting stage is a good medium roast, that is my favorite. the problem is that by being a blend, there is really not much to know about what is in it.

check out my dota Select medium roast, it should not be much more expensive than trader joe's coffee.

Here is the short link: Dota Tarrazu Coffee: Down to Earth I am roasting & shipping on tuesday the 21st.

[Austin]

Do you have any pics of your shop?

[Spyder]

Best tip I've received is a $20 bill. That was for a $3.50 drink. Great product and customer service are two things that are mandatory for our operation. Otherwise you're just another coffeeshop.

Can't say that I've tipped another barista simply because I don't buy coffee from anywhere... my wife has in the past and all it leads to is "bitter" disappointment.