Yesterday, Deanna and Justin In The Morning almost became “Justin in the morning” according to Justin. I hesitated when answering a really important questions and it got us thinking, Do You Know The Rules Of Etiquette For An Office Coffee Run?

Our Big Boss Joe Bell was in the studio yesterday. He popped in to say hi and informed everyone that he would making a run to Dunkin.

He asked if anyone wanted “a coffee or anything.” Justin immediately responded with “yea, coffee black, thanks.”

I however, hesitated to answer. I didn’t want a coffee, I already had one. I was a little hungry, though.

I thought about asking for a bagel but I stopped myself and just politely declined the offer.

It got me thinking if there were rules when it came to an office coffee run. Is there an etiquette to follow when someone offers?

Do You Know The Rules Of Etiquette For An Office Coffee Run? One reddit user threw us for a loop on the whole payment discussion.

We put it out to our listeners and came up with a few solid rules to follow whether you are the coffee runner or someone else is.

At some point, we have probably all been guilty of breaking some of these rules. I would definitely keep these in your back pocket the next time someone in the office offers to go on a coffee run.

LISTEN below to the whole show segment and discussion surrounding coffee run etiquette and see what side you stand on.

We’ve also compiled our list of rules below.

• Get What The Runner Is Getting

  You’ve heard of the KISS rule, right? Keep It Simple Stupid!

  Sorry, we don’t mean to call you stupid. We’re just the messenger. But seriously, keep it simple. Order what the runner is ordering. Next time someone in the office offers to go on a coffee run, just respond with “get me whatever you’re having, thanks!”

  It keeps the order simple for them and you’ll most likely get another offer for being agreeable.

   

• No Multi Orders

  Don’t ask for more than one item.

  In addition, if someone already snagged the opportunity to ask for a bagel or a donut, don’t jump on the bandwagon and ask for one too. This can turn the coffee run into a chore and that person may never offer to go again.

• Equal Or Lesser Value

  If someone is kind enough to offer to go on a coffee run, you don’t have to get coffee. As long as your order is of equal or lesser value to the most expensive item being ordered, you’re still in good standing.

• When In Doubt, Mobile Order...Maybe

  There’s some debate around whether or not you can use the mobile order loop hole.

  If someone offers to grab you a coffee but you want a bakery item, you can hop on the app and place the order for pickup and then ask them if they mind just grabbing your order for you.

  This has pros and cons. It gets the runner out of paying for your item but also may seem a little rude or inconvenient. Choose at your own risk.

• Who's Paying For This Though?

  Is it safe to assume that if someone offers a coffee run, that they’re paying? Or are you expected to throw them money? How can you decipher?

  I believe it’s all in the language. If the person going on the run says something along the lines of “Hey, I’m going on a coffee run. What do you want?”  That tells me they’re paying.

  If they say “I’m running to Dunkin’, do you want me to get you anything?” That’s a little more passive, and sounds like they expect you to pay for your own.

   

  Keep these rules handy the next time someone in your office goes on a coffee run.

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