A cafe in the UK has come up with an epic way to reward customers for simply being polite.
Chaii Stop’s new policy means a chai tea could cost you $2.12 if you are polite or $5.59 if you’re rude.
A sign at the Preston cafe explains the pricing gauge.
If a customer were to ask, “Hello, Desi Chai please”, they could expect to pay $2.12 for their drink.
“Desi Chai, please” will get you your tea for 3.35.
And you will be stung $5.59 for ordering your tea by saying “Desi Chai”.
Usman Hussain said he hoped the method would promote “good vibes only” in his business.
“I think it’s a nice reminder to use your manners, because unfortunately sometimes we do need reminding,” he told the Daily Mail.
“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.
“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.”
The inspiration came from an American cafe Hussain saw on Facebook years ago.
He said he was yet to sting a customer the full $5.59, giving them a warning instead.
“If a customer doesn’t use their manners I point to the sign, and they immediately ask again more politely,” Hussain added.
“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.”
“At the end of the day you never know what someone is going through to make them act rude, but it helps them to drop their guard.
“It gets them talking – like an icebreaker – and that’s what we’re all about. Any negativity gets left at the door,” he said.
And punters appear to appreciate the move.
Reviews online describe the Indian-inspired tea room, as “a lovely, quirky place“ with “top tier service”.