Coffee shop owner charges customers more than double if they fail politeness test

We've all heard 'it pays to be polite', but one coffee shop has taken this to another level by basing its prices on customers' manners.

The unusual sales practice is currently happening at the Chaii Stop, in Preston, Lancashire, where the business's owner, Usman Hussain, 29, wanted to remind people of the importance of manners.

Customers can grab themselves some pretty nice discounts too, with a 'Desi Chai' typically setting them back £5, but they get a sweet discount if they ask in a certain way.

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If they simply ask for for a 'Desi Chai please', they'll get the drink for £3.

Better still, if they say 'Hello, Desi Chai please' then the drink will cost them a bargain £1.90.

The 29-year-old businessman said of the initiative: "I think it's a nice reminder to use your manners, because unfortunately sometimes we do need reminding.

"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."

While the sign does state that the drink costs £5 if a customer fails to be polite according to the standards of the Chaii Stop, the businessman said that people to do get a second chance.

That's why no one has yet to pay the full £5 for the Desi Chai.

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"If a customer doesn’t use their manners I point to the sign, and they immediately ask again more politely," Usman said before explaining that the whole initiative has been designed to help people be friendlier in general.

"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," he added.

"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."

Needless to say, the Chaii Stop doesn't just sell the one drink, and a range of beverages are available at the establishment, which also sells doughnuts, street food and desserts too.

The shop promotes itself for its curries, in particular, and even offers free tasting events during the week - just remember your manners if you swing by.