Comments for Now There's Even an App That Lets You Pay for Coffee at Starbucks

Now There's Even an App That Lets You Pay for Coffee at Starbucks

2009-09-23T06:22:19Z

Starbucks just launched two iPhone apps. One app, myStarbucks, allows users to find stores, build drinks, and browse the coffee chain's menu and find nutritional information. While this is interesting, the second app is far more exciting. Starbucks Card Mobile gives users a virtual Starbucks Card and in 16 select stores in Silicon Valley and Seattle, users will be able to use this app to pay for their drinks. The app will display a barcode that the baristas at these stores will be able to scan.

]]> In addition, the mobile payment app will also allow users to check their card's balance, reload it with any major credit card, and view their transaction history. For now, this feature will only be available in these two test markets, which, according to Starbucks, were chosen because of the high usage rates of iPhones and Starbucks' loyalty cards. After this trial, Starbucks will decide whether it will bring this feature to other markets.

While similar and more sophisticated payment schemes that use mobile phones have already become relatively widespread in other countries, the US is still lagging behind, though some interesting mobile payment projects have already made it to the market. Just last month, Nokia announced its Nokia Money service, but it remains to be seen if this service will be able to gain any traction.

Starbucks, on the other hand, already has a large user base for its Starbucks Card and given that customers have to use their card to get access to Starbuck's Wi-Fi network, customers already have a pretty strong incentive to use the card and the app.

Comment from Abhijeet on 2010-08-01

2010-08-01T21:14:02Z

Find a Starbucks: Finds the nearest Starbucks coffee based on your location automatically.
Shows interactive map with driving directions. Bookmark your favorites places for quick retrieval.
Download Now: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-a-starbucks-coffee/id305746438?mt=8

Comment from Beth Silverstein on 2009-09-24

2009-09-24T14:20:23Z

Hi Mitch,

You are right on target and that is what some interactive agency's are already working on. Philip Warbasse of Warbasse Design www.warbassedesign.com, who's generating a huge buzz with his agency's work on "9" the movie and other feature films and SET Japan www.setjapan.com who are based in Tokyo and also exceptional with many campaigns under their belt.

I interviewed Warbasse for the movie "9" and he mentioned this Starbucks app at the time. Warbasse's concept was slightly different, "by creating a data-base with named value pair data, it is possible to tie QR Codes back to 1D Barcodes which can actually be scanned at the register" said Warbasse.

We'll see what the future holds.

Best,
Beth Silverstein

Comment from Mitch on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T19:45:35Z

If we can go by the picture above, it's a simple variation on a (or a straight up) QR code - widely used outside of America.

What's stopping developers for other merchants from jumping into the QR core and finding uses for this similar to the ones listed above? We already can use it in magazine ads for directing people to URL's - why not direct people to a UID or special permalink on a site where their payment information is already stored (or even a paypal purchase link)? Scan, purchase, done.

Comment from KH on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T17:59:39Z

The "check card balance" feature works outside of the test markets, too. It's a shame you need to have two apps to find stores + check your balance. SBUX needs to fix this.

Comment from James Hsieh on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T17:32:50Z

It's about time Starbucks got around to this! I hope other retailers catch on because this makes everything so much more convenient.

Comment from javajane on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T16:59:39Z

NFC is stupid. Every time I use my NFC credit card it crashes the store's system.

Starbucks got it right, this bar code thing is cool. Can't wait to try it when stores in my neighborhood can use it.

Comment from Brandon on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T16:31:10Z

Please Apple - put a NFC chip in the iPhone...

Comment from Marian on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T16:23:23Z

The real killer app would be one that lets you ORDER your drink, when you are 5 minutes or so from the store. Then there could be a counter dedicated to just the people picking up their complicated drinks and the people who only want a drip coffee can get in and out faster!

Comment from GH on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T15:32:20Z

NewsCat, your argument is really against using Starbucks stored value cards -- what is the advantage in loading money onto a Starbucks card instead of just paying with a debit or credit card (unless you received the Starbucks card as a gift)? I don't see much, but people do it, so others must feel differently. Once you're on board with using a Starbucks Card to pay for your coffee, I think this is an improvement. It lets you carry one less card. I already have way too many cards to put in my wallet, so anything that cuts that down is a win in my book.

Comment from NewsCat on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T14:52:58Z

Maybe I'm missing something but what is the added benefit to having a cellphone app that you pay for your drinks if the Starbucks is just going to have to lean over the counter and scan your phone? How is that much different than handing over your debit card?

If there was no option to pay by debit card, this app makes sense, but I don't see the added value. If anything I can see problems with scanning/scanning twice, etc, being more of a headache than paying by debit card.

Comment from Blastoff Network on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T12:18:21Z

papers and cards are obsolete? hmmmn
http://BlastOffpress.com

Comment from gregorylent on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T11:19:49Z

fnally, the beginning of pay-by-phone in america .. that plus micropayments will put america in league with much of asia

Comment from tripods on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T09:45:30Z

Hey this a great application and at least the payment of coffee will be done.Its interesting thanks for posting.

Comment from Lender on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T09:11:04Z

This is what I call real technology. It would be wonderful if more companies partnered with Apple and made it easier for users to know more about them using such applications.

Comment from Guillaume TRUONG on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T07:28:58Z

I can't wait to see more apps like this!
and not only a field trial with 16 shops in the US!

Comment from twthosting on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T07:25:54Z

lovely.. everythg goes digital. gudbye traditional papers n cards

Comment from 布里斯班 on 2009-09-23

2009-09-23T07:20:01Z

Yup, iPhone app is getting more and more sophiscated now