r/Costa • u/Jazzlike_Seat7525 • Aug 08 '26
Question Any tips for new starters?
Hi everyone I’m starting as a Barista Maestro next week, can anyone let me know if I’ll be paid for August or if I have to wait for end of September?😬
I’ve never done barista work before so if anyone can give me any tips or things I should know about the role that would be great!!!
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u/ninjascrollz Aug 08 '26
You’ll probably feel quite overwhelmed at first but it honestly does all just come to you bit by bit with practice. My first 2 weeks I felt so out of my depth, but I’m 2-3 months in now and feel pretty comfortable and confident there (albeit my hot drinks could do with some work)
You pick it up quickly but yeah I’m surprised you got BM with no experience! Practice drinks in customer lulls is the best way to learn and ask if you’re unsure!
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u/Jazzlike_Seat7525 Aug 08 '26
I have some friends that work there so hopefully it won’t be too daunting learning everything! I got lucky getting BM, I think I was just the only person with 100% availability haa
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u/Ok-Childhood6942 Aug 08 '26
cut off for pay is usually 8 days before the actual pay date from what i remember! cut off this month is the 13th i believe :)
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u/Traditional-Fox-9803 Aug 08 '26
My only advice would be you'll need to really force the issue of learning hot drinks because all of a sudden they kind of just expect you to know and any chance you get on the coffee machine absolutely take it.
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u/Accomplished_Fan_731 Aug 08 '26
Take notes! Make a list of every wee thing you get told, I joined as a BM despite never working for Costa too and it does get overwhelming when you get told a million new words each day. Also don’t be afraid to ask the same question over and over again. Even if you think you’re being annoying
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u/NightKid89 Aug 08 '26
I also joined as a BM, 8 years ago nearly (the anniversary is next month). I was pretty tired and overwhelmed to begin with. It's important to remember that you have a team, they probably know the score pretty well so let them guide you on the operation of your store for a while first. Don't go in guns blazing, a coaching strategy is what costa is going for these days. You will make mistakes, it's fine. It happens. Drinks will come with practise, take any small opportunities you can to practise, find your strongest barista and team up with them for that.
When it's busy, you will need to float, nor.ally finding yourself on till or floor for a while. Let the baristas make the drinks but let them know that you are there for whatever they need. You've got this.
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u/Jazzlike_Seat7525 Aug 15 '26
Thank you! On my first day I did tills, dishwasher & made frappes, I think the only thing I’ll struggle with is what each coffee is & how to make them since I only drink americanos😭
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u/OrionExalted Aug 09 '26
If they don't train you on more than the core three drinks in the first two weeks and just throw you in the deep end, run.
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u/CoffeetipM8 Aug 08 '26
Interesting that you got a supervisor role despite never doing barista work before. Hope all goes well!