In a previous blog post, I extolled the benefits of using a registered Starbucks card... free syrups, and free dairy / soy modifiers, free refills, etc.
Thanks to these perks, an American misto was suddenly a lot cheaper. A vanilla latte was half the price. And the days of the $5.50 Earl Grey Tea latte were gone. But suddenly, those dark days are back.
You see, Starbucks has decided that the free modifiers and syrups are too good of a deal. So, they have decided to take those away from their loyal customers. Instead of a free drink after 15 purchases, you now get a free drink at 12. Oh, and you get your rewards coupons added to your card automatically. This, of course, is something Starbucks should have done from day 1. Many a time, I have found someone else's reward coupon in my apartment mailbox. And I'm apparently missing two rewards coupons at the moment. I wonder how Starbucks will resolve this today when I go to complain (stay tuned).
In this day and age, there is no such thing as customer loyalty. I'm not loyal to Starbucks. At all times, I only remain concerned about the benefits to me, and not the costs to Starbucks, that are associated with using the registered card. Quite frankly, Starbucks' bottom line is immaterial. I owe them nothing.
What to do? It's good to live in Vancouver. At this point, I say, squeeze Starbucks for all they got. But if you're really frustrated, you realize that you cannot turn and spit in this city without hitting a cafe, right? Go support an independent "mom & pop" type cafe. You needn't go far to find one. And when you do, realize that independent coffee shop owners strenghen the sense of community in your neighborhood.
For those who want coffee that exceeds Starbucks, there are many shops in Vancouver to cater to your taste. JJ Beans and Caffe Artigiano are amongst the best in the city... they make Starbucks mochas taste like toiletwater.
If you still cannot shake your addiction, read the next post in this series.
No comments:
Post a Comment