Submitted 10 months ago by L4s@lemmy.world [bot] to technology@lemmy.world
https://fortune.com/2024/01/03/starbucks-app-dark-side-unspent-payments-900-million-5-years/
Starbucks accused of rigging payments in app for nearly $900 million gain over 5 years by consumer watchdog group::Washington Consumer Protection Coalition complains to Washington state attorney general.
This is nothing new. Why do you think damn near any place will sell you a gift card? Because even IF someone uses it, there’s almost always some left on the card, OR people spend over the amount, spending more than they would have originally. They are literally a ‘can’t lose’ for businesses.
in California, all gift cards $10 or less can be redeemed for cash.
you may have to argue with employees and management, but its the law… it’s also a misdemeanor for the cashier to refuse it to you.
Funny enough, I tried this with Starbucks and the manager refused.
interesting, didn’t know that
(b)(1) Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder
Not just under 10
Do EZ-Pass next. I’m tired of getting charged $35 every time my account dips below the $5 threshold or whatever it is.
i went to Rome recently, and one might argue that Italy has the best coffee in the world. the queue in front of Starbucks went around the building.
You can even get a decent freshly ground and brewed expresso out of a vending machine. Why you would go to Starbucks in Italy.
A lot of tourists go to Rome you know. In Spain Burger king is usually full of tourists while locals eat tapas.
I hope this suit works, there’s a lot of game microtransactions out there that could use the precedent
This is the best summary I could come up with:
A consumer action group is accusing Starbucks of exploiting customers via its gift card and app payments, forcing them to enter a spending cycle where they will never be able to fully spend the remaining balance of prepaid amounts.
“Starbucks rigs its payment platform so consumers are encouraged to leave unspent money on their cards and apps,” said Chris Carter, campaign manager for the group, in a statement.
“A few dollars here and there left on a payment platform may not sound like a lot but it adds up.
Starbucks spokesperson Sam Jefferies told Fortune the company “is committed to working with the State of Washington to ensure it remains in compliance with all state laws and regulations.”
The group, in a 15-page complaint, alleges the platforms for Starbucks’ mobile app and digital payment cards are akin to an “involuntary subscription.” Customers can only reload money in $5 increments, with a $10 minimum purchase.
Today, drive-through and app orders make up the majority of the company’s purchases.
The original article contains 316 words, the summary contains 167 words. Saved 47%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
SinningStromgald@lemmy.world 10 months ago
This problem can also be avoided by just not buying their shitty coffee and food.
P.S. Fuck Starbucks!
them@lemmy.world 10 months ago
I know too many people that think Starbucks is the only place that makes good coffee and refuse to go anywhere else. No, you like strong roasts, lots of sugar, and plenty of advertising, most of which you can get anywhere else if you just ask.
Duranie@literature.cafe 10 months ago
Keep in mind that for a number of people, places like Starbucks and Dunkin create an accessable entry to something beyond a home made pot of Folgers.
I grew up smelling my parents coffee and enjoying the smell, but the taste was horrific so I swore off drinking coffee. Fast forward many years and I dipped my toe into that overly sweet and milky Starbucks and found something that actually tasted good to me. Many years later I have my own grinder and espresso machine, and numerous other coffee gadgets, and might only darken the door of Starbucks/Dunkin a few times a year for convenience. Can I make something at home I enjoy more? Yep. But there’s nothing wrong with other people having other tastes along their coffee journey.
hedgehogging_the_bed@lemmy.world 10 months ago
Except Dunkin. I can’t get a coffee worth shit at Dunkin.
paf0@lemmy.world 10 months ago
My local coffee scene is basically different versions of Dunkin Donuts, even the indie places have old coffee with chemical flavors. There is one place that serves a tasty espresso shot but it has inconsistent hours and is a 20 minute drive. Starbucks is closer and the app is super convenient.
We don’t all live in big cities with lots of options and Starbucks fills the void.
SlopppyEngineer@lemmy.world 10 months ago
Coffee flavored lemonade. Last time I went to a Starbucks I asked for just a black coffee, and the look they gave me really expressed the “dirty peasants and their inferior coffee taste” sentiment. Now I just make coffee at home to bring along.
SlowLoudEasy@r.nf 10 months ago
What advertising?
LWD@lemm.ee 10 months ago
A helpful chart for unethical companies to avoid:
ie all companies
trolololol@lemmy.world 10 months ago
This is helpful. It says unless you plant your own food you’re probably almost sure for real giving money to bad companies.
moistclump@lemmy.world 10 months ago
Tough to memorize. At what point is it just easier to list the good companies we don’t have to avoid?
SinningStromgald@lemmy.world 10 months ago
I only drink filtered tap water and I take my water bottle everywhere so I don’t have to worry about that.