Merinta Kotileipomo Oy — Restaurant in Helsinki sub-region

The drinks and pastries are good as always. The waitress is unbelievably rude. We have been visiting the place several times, enough that we accumulated enough drinks on these two stamp tickets they gave out. When we showed the old waitress, instead of combining the stamp and thus giving us one free drink, she proceeded to stamp both of them in different places even though one person was buying both of the drinks and it was always me and my boyfriend coming here together. We tried to explain to her that because we forgot the stamp once and a different staff gave us a new ticket that was why we had two now. They have always stamped two stamps whenever we buy two drinks and I was not informed of any additional rules or conditions, nor did I read it anywhere on the ticket. But she would have none of our explanation. The coffee is cheap so I would have paid even if there is no stamp campaign, but why do you give out stamps and when customers have actually bought enough drinks from the place, you treat them like they are trying to scam you out of your one coffee? Is the point of this stamp campaign to get customers to come back so you can treat them like thieves?

Edit 24.9.2024 regarding the reply from the owner: My friend was explaining to the staff in Finnish so I don't think there was any misunderstanding. In my personal experience, stamp card was supposed to inspire customer loyalty, not just only cafe, but multiple different business also use the same marketing strategy. The staff in many places had been combining my stamp cards (including Qi Tea, Zhao Tea, Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, Fantasiapelit, sushi buffet etc.) In my opinion, the point is as long as customers come back and purchase a specific number of products, thus proving they are frequent, loyal customers, the company will give a small gift to convey the company appreciates the customer. The point is not about what stamp and which card, because the number of stamps itself should prove that we have paid for 8 cups of coffee.

Now I understand I am not in a position to say how this cafe is supposed to run its business. So if only one card is allowed I shall respect your rule, though it's better that the rule is written there so there would be no confusion, because I can cite many businesses that do the exact opposite of your rule.

Regarding the lady who was serving us. After seeing our two cards, instead of explaining the rule to us and stamping both on one card for our one purchase, she proceeded to stamp one stamp in EACH card. So in order to reach the end of one card we would have to come back for 2 extra times. Thus buying in total at least 11 drinks (even more because we actually have another stamp card at home). After we tried to explain a second time, without trying to resolve the situation, she waved at us dismissively and said we should move on because we already paid. Thus making me feel like I was scammed out of a free drink I don't even need.

Honestly, like I have mentioned, the coffee is great, the cakes are great, the price is reasonable, I would have paid every time, stamp cards or not, even if that lady who served us had never smiled once. But for what happened this time, at best, I would say the situation was handled quite poorly...

Really good! The most wonderful taste in pastries, not to mention that the one making them is a real artist, can do any cake you ask them for! Here is a picture of a cake I especially got as a present, the recipe was executed better than anyone to whom we have previously asked to make it for us (not one of their cakes), it's the best! And as you can see, the detail on the top for the occasion was neat 👍 The one they made for my son's 18th birthday was really awesome, will try to get the picture upload once I find where did I stored it. Really big...

Nice little café with cute flowers. As an improvement improvement idea, it would be nice to have baby chair and changing desk!

Also kauramatio...