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
