How should you greet a customer within the first three seconds of contact?

• A. Greet after the customer finishes ordering.
• B. Ask for order before greeting.
• C. Say nothing and start making the drink.
• D. Provide a warm, friendly greeting such as, 'Welcome to 7 Brew—how can I help you today?' within three seconds.

Answer: (D)

The key is making a quick, warm greeting right as the customer arrives. Initiating contact within three seconds signals attentiveness and sets a positive tone for the interaction, showing the customer you’re ready to help and that their experience matters. A friendly opening like “Welcome to 7 Brew—how can I help you today?” invites them to speak and starts the conversation on a helpful note, which also helps guide the order process smoothly.

Greeting promptly is better than waiting until after the customer finishes ordering, which can feel like you’re not paying attention or delaying the connection. It’s also better than asking for the order before greeting, which shifts the focus away from the customer’s welcome and can create a cold start. And it’s far preferable to saying nothing and jumping straight to making the drink, which can make the customer feel unseen or rushed.

In practice, a warm, concise greeting within three seconds communicates care, improves the perceived speed of service, and lays the foundation for a clear, friendly exchange that helps ensure the right order and a positive experience.