Observations & Shared Lessons
We are a small, family-run shop, and we grow together. This page is where we write down the common mistakes and patterns we've noticed across the team — not aimed at any one person or one moment in time, but at all of us, so we can get a little better every week.
How to use this page:
- Read through it during training.
- Re-read it whenever it gets updated — we'll let the team know in the group chat when something is added.
- If you see something that should be added here, tell Pinghui. The whole point is to learn out loud.
These aren't rules invented in a vacuum. Each one is here because it actually happened, more than once, and it cost us product, money, or trust with a customer.
Current Observations
1. Always check the label before refilling
Please always check the label before refilling any sauce, syrup, powder, tea, topping, or ingredient. If you are not 100% sure what something is, please ask Pinghui first before pouring or mixing anything.
A mislabeled or mis-poured container can ruin a full batch and, worse, send the wrong thing to a customer with an allergy. When in doubt: stop and ask.
2. Raw boba and cooked boba must never be mixed
Before adding boba to any pot or container, make sure it is the correct one. Raw and cooked boba look different once you know what to look for, but they are easy to confuse in a rush.
If you're not sure which is which, ask before you pour. Mixing the two ruins both batches.
3. All discounts must be approved first
All discounts must be approved by Pinghui first.
- Employee discount applies to the employee only — not to friends, partners, or family members, unless approved ahead of time.
- Do not apply half-off, free drinks, or any special discount without checking first.
- This includes "I'll just ring it up at a lower size" or "comping" an item you think is fair — that's still a discount, and it still needs approval.
Discounts are how the business loses money invisibly. We're happy to give them when it makes sense, but the decision has to come from Pinghui.
4. Repeated mistakes are the real problem
Mistakes happen. We understand that, and no one is going to be in trouble over a single honest slip.
What hurts the business is the same mistake happening over and over — that creates waste, costs real money, and makes customers lose trust. If you notice yourself making the same mistake a second time, slow down, ask, and let's fix the process together.
This page is updated periodically as we learn. New employees should read it during training. Current employees should re-read it whenever it changes.