Manners matter — and if you’re not polite to the owner of one British coffee shop, it’ll cost you.
Usman Hussain, the 29-year-old owner of Chaii Stop, in Preston, Lancashire, has introduced a new rule to help customers mind their manners — he charges them more than double for a cup of joe.
A sign in the shop’s window warns that saying “Desi Chai” will cost you £5, or $5.67, while “Desi Chai please” will cost you £3, or $3.40. However, “Hello, Desi Chai please” will cost you just £1.90, or $2.15.
Usman said that while the shop have never particularly experienced bad-mannered customers, he hopes the rule will encourage people to open up and reinforce the cafe’s culture of “good vibes only,” telling the Manchester Evening News, “I think it’s a nice reminder to use your manners, because unfortunately sometimes we do need reminding,” he explains.
“We’ve never struggled with rude customers, but since having the sign people are definitely coming in more open and having a laugh with us,” he adds. “To me, the most important thing in my business is to walk through the door and be treated like you’re a welcome guest in our home. It’s nice to have that respect reciprocated.”
Usman admits he has yet to actually charge someone the £5 for their drink, because it’s rarely necessary.
“If a customer doesn’t use their manners I point to the sign, and they immediately ask again more politely,” he explains. “A lot of people can be quite rude in the mornings while they’re waking up but when they see the sign it makes them think.”