Australian Cafe Discounts Coffee for Polite Customers

In a world where takeout orders often come in grunts and abbreviations, one Australian café decided enough was enough — and started charging customers less when they used basic manners. Rather than just hoping for common courtesy, the owners created a system where politeness literally pays off at the register.

Yes, at Seven Mile Beach Kiosk in New South Wales, Australia, saying "please" and "good morning" when ordering coffee can lower your bill by up to a dollar. The more polite your order, the cheaper your coffee becomes.

How the Politeness Pricing Works

The owner, Kev Chilver, and his team implemented a straightforward pricing model based on the phrasing of the coffee order. Their unique sign, placed prominently at the café entrance, spelled it out clearly:

• "A coffee" — $5.00
• "Please give me a coffee" — $4.50
• "Good morning, please give me a coffee" — $4.00

This tiered pricing directly ties the level of courtesy in a customer’s order to the final cost. The more polite the greeting and request, the lower the price. The system debuted as a small social experiment to bring civility back into everyday service interactions.

Why the Cafe Launched This Initiative

According to Chilver, the idea wasn’t born in-house — it was inspired by an employee who spotted a similar approach while visiting another shop. Struck by its ingenuity, the team decided to test it at Seven Mile Beach Kiosk. Their primary motivation was simple: to encourage basic courtesy and remind both staff and patrons that kindness and respect still matter, especially in service environments.

Chilver emphasized that those working in hospitality deserve the same respect as anyone else. He views the pricing model not as a gimmick, but as a low-stakes way to reinforce positive social behavior — one coffee order at a time.

Results After Two Months

Despite being in place for just two months, the policy has already yielded noticeable results. The café reported that customers responded positively, with many consciously altering their ordering habits to include polite phrases. The feedback has been encouraging, with patrons appreciating the light-hearted yet meaningful nudge toward civility.

The sign itself became a talking point, drawing attention and smiles while subtly shifting customer behavior. The initiative showcases how small, creative interventions can promote cultural change without being preachy or punitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Seven Mile Beach Kiosk located?

Seven Mile Beach Kiosk is located in New South Wales, Australia. While the exact town isn't specified in the report, it is part of the Seven Mile Beach area in that region.

How much can I save by being polite?

You can save up to $1 on your coffee by using polite language. Ordering with just "A coffee" costs $5, while saying "Good morning, please give me a coffee" reduces the price to $4 — a full dollar off.

What exact phrases trigger the discounts?

The discounted phrases noted on the sign are: "A coffee" ($5), "Please give me a coffee" ($4.50), and "Good morning, please give me a coffee" ($4). These specific wordings determine the tiered pricing.

Is this pricing system still in place?

The article states the system has been running for two months at the time of reporting and was ongoing, with positive reception. There is no indication it has been removed.

Does the cafe apply this rule to all menu items?

The pricing example specifically references coffee orders, but it is likely the same principle applies broadly. The report focuses on coffee as the main item used to illustrate the politeness discount.

Who came up with the idea?

The idea was inspired by an employee who saw a similar approach at another shop. The café owner, Kev Chilver, and his team then adapted and implemented it at Seven Mile Beach Kiosk.

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