Starbucks released a new mobile app late last year called the “Starbucks card mobile app.” The app allows Starbucks customers to pay using this app. The App works for iPhone and blackberry, soon for the Android market, I’ll show you how it works using an iPhone 3G.
Get a Starbucks Card and put the amount of money that you choose and then type the number in the iPhone app.
I started with $10.00.
Just order up and wait until your drink is ready.
Once you are ready to pay open the app and touch the section that says “$touch to Pay.” A barcode would appear and the cashier will scan that barcode and charge your Starbucks Card. After you are done push "Touch When Done"
You will see your balance after your transaction is complete
It is a good idea, it is pretty unique, it is pretty simple, and it can be linked to a bank account or PayPal. The reason Starbucks is doing this is due to the convenience of not paying with an actual credit card and or cash. However, I used this app twice with my iPhone 3G and both times the bar code scanner never worked; the cashier had to type my card number manually. It would have been faster, both times, if I used my bank card.
Companies are always trying to trying to have the most convenient methods of payments for their customers; in order to get them in and out as fast as possible.
Remember the old days when credit cards did not exist and you wanted to buy something? For example, let’s say whatever you wanted to buy was worth $18.36, you pay with a 20 dollar bill, the cashier will give you your change back, and off you go on with your life. If you were in a hurry, it was frustrating when the cashier did not have enough change for you.
Now these days, with a credit card, all you need to do is you swipe your card and sometimes you have to sign a receipt or input your zip code. Same with a debit card, you input your PIN and then you go on with your life.
The Starbucks Card app is just a fancier form of a debit card. As far as being faster than a bank card, it is not. Even if the actual scan worked, it would be just as fast as swiping a bank card. You still have to wait while an employee makes your drink. Maybe an update to the app would let you pre order, pay, and then let you pick up your when you arrive.
In contrast, this is really good if you are a Starbucks frequent customer. The more stuff you buy the more rewards you will get. Basically, the usual rewards card compared to any other company.
That’s the Truth,
Mauricio
Sources:
Companies are always trying to trying to have the most convenient methods of payments for their customers; in order to get them in and out as fast as possible.
Remember the old days when credit cards did not exist and you wanted to buy something? For example, let’s say whatever you wanted to buy was worth $18.36, you pay with a 20 dollar bill, the cashier will give you your change back, and off you go on with your life. If you were in a hurry, it was frustrating when the cashier did not have enough change for you.
Now these days, with a credit card, all you need to do is you swipe your card and sometimes you have to sign a receipt or input your zip code. Same with a debit card, you input your PIN and then you go on with your life.
The Starbucks Card app is just a fancier form of a debit card. As far as being faster than a bank card, it is not. Even if the actual scan worked, it would be just as fast as swiping a bank card. You still have to wait while an employee makes your drink. Maybe an update to the app would let you pre order, pay, and then let you pick up your when you arrive.
In contrast, this is really good if you are a Starbucks frequent customer. The more stuff you buy the more rewards you will get. Basically, the usual rewards card compared to any other company.
That’s the Truth,
Mauricio
Sources:
http://www.kansascityfed.org/PUBLICAT/EconRev/pdf/3q95hnig.pdf
I am Happy to see that there is someone that has actually used the application because although I downloaded it I have not yet used it. I was also interested in if there were any technical difficulties with this app, and from your post it appears as if there are. Seems as though they still have not perfected this new payment option, but I am sure in time this will be corrected. I do agree that this is a “fancier” way of using a debit card, but all the other features make this a little more appealing. Also you don’t need to enter a pin number or sign a receipt I am assuming? In any case this can be a useful option for frequent Starbucks customers once all the appropriate corrections to its functions have been completed.
ReplyDeleteMauricio,
ReplyDeleteThe idea of pre-ordering is probably one that Starbucks will adopt (tell them to pay you for the idea). Of course, now instead of just dealing with drivers on their cell phones and texting, we'll have to deal with those who are busy pre-ordering their espresso. Let's hope that they'll have to wait until they get in line before the app will work.
Thanks for some sensible blogging!
Anthony
e-marketingforsensiblefolk.blogspot.com
I had the same issue as well with the app not working. I am a regular at Starbucks and I thought it would be beneficial to have the account set up with the app. Yet, like you I also came across the same issue that the bar code did not read it properly and I actually took longer than if I would have used my debit card. I guess since the program is so new, it is still coming together.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it works out for them, but for me I will be using my debit card!
Aileen
The fact that the app did not work 2/2 times makes it very frustrating. I'm sure Starbucks tested it out many times before putting it out on the market but maybe their scanners are not up to the test yet. Although it pretty much is as fast as using a card, if you are a frequent buyer then it makes this new way of paying a great thing. It also makes it very easy to track your purchasing history. Another fact with the reward points is that it's much faster to scan in a phone than a rewards card. I have a CVS Card and I get annoyed that I have to pull it out of my purse every time. My phone is always clipped to my pants so it would be much more convenient if I only had unclip my phone instead of opening my purse, opening my wallet, pulling out my card and then reversing the entire process. I'm sure Starbucks will make improvements to their app and others will copy it. Now is it that these Fortune 500 companies are spoiling us making things so fast that we are getting annoyed when simple things take too long? Sometimes life moves too fast and we just have to take a step back and not mind paying the old way...
ReplyDeleteOk, aside from the app not working at the time of payment, it was very frustrating to find that after I downloaded it to my BB I had to reboot it. Not only I had to wait but it wasn't available until I bought a card from the store and enter the number and the pin. It amazes me that it has all this new technology yet they did not allow users to generate a virtual card. I will just have to wait until they fix all the little errors and somehow find a way to make it secure to get my mocha with my phone.
ReplyDeleteQuick update, I upgraded to the iPhone 4 a couple of weeks ago. I tried this app twice with the iPhone 4 and it worked both times. The cashier at Starbucks told me that the times it didn’t work were because of the resolution on the screen of the iPhone 3G is not as good as the screen on the iPhone 4. As far as the problem with the app not working, problem solved.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the Truth,
Mauricio
I have to agree with you Starbucks app is pretty unique and very simple. A friend of mine, a Starbucks edict, is has one. She said that the initial set-up is a bit balky if you don't already have a Starbucks Card as you need to purchase one and link it to your Starbucks account (which you have to create if you don't already have one) before you use it. But once that's done, she said that the app experience is amazing. She has used a couple of times and so far loves it.
ReplyDelete