A Sneak Peek at Starbucks Gold

Hi there, it’s Brad and I’m leading our ongoing efforts to provide you with everyday value.  We appreciate your ideas for improving our rewards offerings, and have worked hard to incorporate them into Starbucks Gold, a new membership program for people who really love their Starbucks.  Although we can’t act on every idea we receive, we feel this new membership is in line with what you’re asking for – significant everyday savings, flexible payment options, and member recognition.  This is a great deal for those of you who come into our stores several times a week and are looking for savings on many items from espresso beverages to espresso machines.

Here’s how it works … Join Starbucks Gold for an annual membership fee of $25 and get 10% off most purchases in participating U.S. stores, a free drink when you purchase your membership in a Starbucks store, flexible payment options, and a special Gold Card that identifies you as a member.  And when you register your Gold Card, you’ll unlock additional benefits like a free drink on your birthday, exclusive offers and discounts, and access to the Gold members-only website.  That’s when the top-shelf treatment really begins. 

I know many of you are enjoying Starbucks Card Rewards and taking advantage of the select free syrups, milk options, refills on drip coffee, and Wi-Fi.  If so, we hope you continue to take advantage of these benefits.  But if you visit us often and are looking for daily savings on most everything in our stores, you should check out Starbucks Gold.  (Please note that Starbucks Card Rewards discounts cannot be combined with Starbucks Gold discounts.)    

I’m letting you know about Starbucks Gold early, so don’t be surprised if your barista isn’t up-to-speed yet!  Be sure to keep an eye out for it when you visit your neighborhood store in a couple of weeks.  We’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts on Starbucks Gold!

  

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ltwinc@a
11/3/2008 5:10 PM

Hi, Brad!!  I, for one, loved the comment that we were 'in' before the barristas.  You were giving us the gift of a sneak preview.  I'm so sorry that some folks were getting alarmed at this comment.  I believe they missed the element of 'being in the know.' I love it when my store (and yes, I know everybody at the Starbucks 280 store in Birmingham, AL) was surprised that I was so informed about this promotion!  Keep up the sneak peaks!!  Your fan, Sharon

rgk
11/3/2008 6:42 PM

Over a month has gone by and I still haven't received my gold card. I received the email invitation on October 1st.  Sure am glad their store employees are faster than their "snail mail" service.  At this rate, maybe I'll see about adding interest charges until it does arrive.... Let's say a latte a day.  hhhmmm Or a frap...   Naaa, I think I'll stop there!

Hayley
11/3/2008 7:27 PM

I just received my gold card today, and will load it up tomorrow. It was kind of nicer to be one the later recipients since I've gotten to hear all the trials and tribulations from those that have used it. I don't usually ever benefit from the free card benefits like the syrups and I don't often have the opportunity to stay in the store long enough to get free refills. But, it does happen so I plan on just keeping the gold card and my regular SB card loaded.

I think after a few times it will be second nature to know which one to use. And just think if you own a gold card right now, that means it was a free gift from Starbucks, so either way you're in the good!

Hayley
11/3/2008 7:28 PM

BTW I was so excited to finally see it arrive, it was like Christmas 53 days early!  Thank you Brad!

bestcoffeeever
11/4/2008 3:27 AM

I can go to Costco today and buy $100 worth of Starbucks gift cards for $79.99!  That is a 20% savings for free for me.  Now you know Costco isn't doing it for free, they are making something which means Starbucks is making even less.  Why wouldn't you offer me something like that price to buy directly at Starbucks so at least you wouldn't have to pay the middle man???!!!???

purple1
11/4/2008 4:56 AM

I used my gold card for the first time today and it worked fine. I could see the discount per each item purchased and then at the bottom was the total discount for the whole order. And even though I was using 2 cards I paid with my regular registered SB card. My SB was packed with lots of people saying they voted and asking for their free coffee.

Steve1
11/4/2008 6:50 AM

HOPE I GET MY "GOLD CARD" TODAY.  IT'S 2 WEEKS AFTER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS IN THE MAIL.  WHERE DID THEY MAIL IT FROM ANYWAY OR WERE THEY LYING?

Steve1
11/4/2008 6:50 PM

TODAY I GOT MY USUAL LOAD OF POSTAL SPAM AND NO...REPEAT...NO GOLD CARD THAT I WAS PROMISED WAS MAILED TWO WEEKS AGO AND NOW I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF I WILL EVER GET IT AND IF IT WASN'T JUST A HOAX.

INCIDENTALLY YOUR WEB SITE DID IT AGAIN TO ME.  I STARTED TO TYPE MY COMMENT AND---POOF--IT DISAPPEARED AND AGAIN I FOUND MYSLEF AS A GUEST AND I HAD TO GO AND SIGN IN AGAIN AND WAIT, AND WAIT, AND WAIT.  PLEASE FIX THIS SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rgk
11/5/2008 6:36 AM

Yesterday I received a reply from customer service, Alyssa, apologizing for the delay in responding. She said I should receive my gold card in 10 - 14 days  If that's the case, I could have it in time to get us a few items for Thanksgiving.

Dred242
11/5/2008 11:47 AM

I see on the brochure where it say's "10% off most purchases in store, immediately." But I'm concerned that some drinks may not be covered by the card. Is there a complete list of what drinks (if any) are not covered by the Gold Card?

Hayley
11/5/2008 7:59 PM

All drinks and pastries get the 10% discount.  The things that are excluded from the 10% are Starbucks cards and Cd's.  Even things like whole beans,  mugs, and espresso machines ARE included in the 10% discount.

The only other piece of advice (if it applies to your drinks of choice)  is that the discount cannot be combined with other offers - i.e. the free syrup, soy milk option...that the regular Starbucks card includes when it is registered.  For some patrons the 10% is better; for others who get extra syrups and things more customized the regular card benefits may work out better.  

BlueShampoo
11/6/2008 7:23 PM

I noticed that all new Duetto users will get a free Starbucks Gold Card. I already have a Duetto card... Do I have to purchase my Gold Card?

Steve1
11/6/2008 8:46 PM

I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY GOLD CARD AND THINK IT IS ALL A HOAX.

Momiji
11/8/2008 6:27 AM

Still no response from MSI crew about why we should be be paying for a discount...........

Breve
11/8/2008 10:22 AM

@Momiji, You mean you don't want to have "elite" $tarbucks status??? Shame on you. LOL!

Momiji
11/10/2008 7:46 AM

LMAO Breve!

beartwinsmom
11/10/2008 11:20 AM

Will this card be valid at SB's at college campuses?

rgk
11/10/2008 2:20 PM

Card arrived in the mail today. I registered it so I'm good to go for tomorrow morning.  We would have stopped there but my wife had a dentist apt then a doctors apt and was burned out from that. She made a fresh pot of Gazebo for me as soon as we got home. Can't go without the good stuff.

Steve1
11/10/2008 8:48 PM

STILL HAVEN'T GOT MY CARD AND NOW I'M WONDERING IF IT REALLY IS A HOAX, A VERY BAD HOAX.

kaley
11/11/2008 10:01 PM

3 cards is not that big of a deal. and about some bartistas not being up to speed- it happens, sometimes you dont get clued in until the last minute. give 'em a brake.  at least they are making your coffee for you. i think its nice that starbucks actually takes the time to try and make everyone happy. so just be thankful for what they are giving us- they didnt have to make a gold card at all.

and quite frankly, people would still spend the same amount or go there just as often as if there wasnt a gold card.

kaley
11/11/2008 10:02 PM

and p.s.

who gives a flying  flip if the card is named a gold card and not a black card. or whatever the heck color card.

it has gold on it. and even if it didnt have gold on it, who cares!!

Melody13
11/12/2008 8:23 PM

Steve1, have you gotten yours? Maybe you can call Customer Relations and have them re-send it to you? Seems strange that you haven't gotten it.  Perhaps you could go to V2V and PM Matthew there for more help.

www.v2v.net/.../mghost10

Anonymous
11/13/2008 10:42 AM

MELODY, TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, AT THIS POINT I DON'T REALLY CARE IF I GET IT OR NOT.  WHEN THEY FIRST E-MAILED ME A WEEK OR SO BEFORE HALLOWEEN  AND PROMISED ME IT WOULD ME IN THE MAIL THE FOLLOWING MODAY I BELIEVED THEM (STUPID ME!) AND FIGURED 2 DAYS, 3 TOPS, AND I'D GET IT BEFORE HALLOWEEN AND WONDERED IF IT WOULD BE A TREAT OR A TRICK.  WELL IT DIDN'T COME AND TURNED INTO A TRICK.  THEN I FIGURED IT WOULD COME IN TIME FOR ME TO REGISTER IT AND USE IT TO GET MY FREE BIRTHDAY DRINK.  WELL MY BIRTHDAY CAME AND WENT AND STILL NO CARD AND I FOUND OUT IF IT EVER DOES COME I'D HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR TO GET MY FREE BIRTHDAY DRINK.  I GOT AN E-MAIL FROM A GAL NAMED CECILE TESTERDAY AND SHE SAID THE ONE HEY SUPPOSSEDLY MAILED WAY BEFORE HALLOWEEN WASN'T RETURNED SO SHE PUT ONE IN THE MAIL PERSONALLY TO ME SO I SHOULD GET IT TODAY OR TOMORROW.  AM I HOLDING MY BREATH?  NOT REALLY.

Melody13
11/13/2008 6:57 PM

Brad & Gold Card Team:  The First-Ever Gold Card Event at the SSC today rocked!!!!!!!!  And it was awesome to meet other Starbucks addicted customers! :-)  Now if we could only form a support group.

Anonymous
11/14/2008 11:19 AM

MELODY -  THAT ANONYMOUS WAS ME AND I TRIED A COUPLE OF TIMES TO ANSWER YOU THE LAST ON BEING JUST ABOUT 15 MIN. AGO AND SAME THING HAPPENED--POOF--IT DISAPPEARED INTO CYBERSPACE'S BLACK HOLE OF NO RETURN AND SIGNED ME OUT AND SAID "WELCOME GUEST" AN ANNOYING CONUNDRUM. THEY TELL ME NOT TO USE ANY BAD WORDS HERE SO I CAN''T TELL YOU HOW I FELT.  I FINALLY GOT MY GOLD CARD THE DAY AFTER CECILE TOLD ME SHE MAILED IT.  APPARENTLY THERE IS ONE PERSON AT STARBUCKS THAT DOES WHAT THEY SAY.  SINCE I WANTED TO USE IT FOR MY FREE BIRTHDAY DRINK AND IF THEY MAILED IT WHEN THEY ORIGINALLY SAID THEY WOULD, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HERE BY HALLOWEEN AND A WEEK BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY SO, SINCE IT WAS THEIR FAULT IT DIDN'T ARRIVE IN TIME, IT WOULLD HAVE BEEN A NICE GESTURE TO GIVE ME A COUPON FOR A FREE DRINK AND AN APPOLOGY.   HOW MUVH WOULD IT HAVE COST THEM?  NOT VERY MUCH.  BUT AT LEAST I GOT IT FINALLY AND I REGISTERED IT LAST NIGHT SO NOW I GUESS I AM NOW ONE OF THE IN CROWD.  WHOOPIE DEDO!

Steve1
11/15/2008 7:17 AM

WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING??  BOTH TIMES THEY CALL ME ANONYMOUS.  IT IS ME STEVE1.  

Steve1
11/15/2008 7:24 AM

GADS, IT WORKED THIS TIME!  GUESS THE CYBER GERMLINS THAT DON'T LIKE ME HAVEN'T WOKEN UP YET!!

Melody13
11/15/2008 10:49 AM

Steve, Cecile IS wonderful isn't she?  :) I'm sorry you have to wait pretty much a  full year for your birthday drink now. Too bad you can't get "good time" to hurry that drink up to you ... sorry that might have been too much of a crim law joke.  I agree, given your confusion and wait, it would have been nice for you to get a free drink coupon.

By the way, even if  you come up as "anonymous", it's not so hard to figure out that you've  posted in this thread. ;)

Melody

alalli
11/19/2008 7:37 PM

Getting back to the topic at hand (excuse me while I break someone's cap lock key...)

The double-swipe is a nuisance.  I carry a registered card so that I can just swipe and go.  Now, I have to wait for about 10 seconds, then have them swipe the gold card a second time to actually pay.

Is it not a heck of a lot easier to just have the register apply the discount and deduct payment all in one quick swipe?  And, to boot, if the 10% discount is actually less than a freebie syrup, the register automatically applies the bigger discount?

AND (whoops, sorry, cap lock slipped...) - wouldn't it be awesome if ANY OL' card could be used in this manner?

So what does this solve?

1 - Barista doesn't know or care - just swipe, and the computer takes care of the rest.

2 - No holding up the line...

3 - No dividing up orders...

4 - People can have their gold "Gold" card, if they so choose!

I do appreciate being selected for a free card.  There are definitely some efficiencies that can be obtained, however.  

Of course, I'm still looking for an online system to move dollars from one registered card to another... still waiting 5 years after that request.  :)  I guess I'll just deal.

purple1
11/20/2008 6:02 AM

To continue the discussion re the double swipe of the gold card. Something has to be done. I can see that baristas are getting frustrated at doing the double swipe and asking if you have money on your gold card. It would seem to me that to allieviate the frustration level on both sides - the customer and the barista something has to be done!

mguiste
11/21/2008 12:28 PM

BTW...thank you for all your great comments and feedback here and in the related idea posts within the Ideas section of MSI.   We are actively looking at all of this feedback, but have been a little slow on the response.  My apologies on that.  

neuter4u
11/26/2008 5:59 PM

I think it's a great idea, even if it took a long time. I visit so much that it will actually pay for itself after a period of time. I'm just thrilled. The registered card rewards did nothing for me as I never use a special milk or get flavors.  I also haven't had any trouble with the barista's at my store using it.

ron37
11/29/2008 5:52 PM

Wish Starbucks Gold members could get all the benfits of the membership rewards along with the 10% discount. Free refills on coffee, etc. Tought times out there for many so need something like that to help.

Steve1
11/29/2008 8:56 PM

RON...I THINK YOU HAVE SOMETHING THERE.  WHY CAN'T HOWARD AND THE REST OF THE INEPT MANAGEMENT SEE THE OBVIOUS??  MAKE THE GOLD CARD GOOD FOR EVERYTHING SO THAT YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO CARRY 2 OR 3 DIFFERENT STARBUCKS CARDS.  NOW THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH 25 BUCKS.  ARE YOU GUYS LISTENING????

Customer
12/2/2008 3:03 PM

Last week we asked the following question: Which Ideas in Action post has been viewed the most? We then

Dr G
12/6/2008 5:59 AM

Two suggestions: 1) Gold Card members should get free drip refills, and 2) Refills should apply whether the original purchase was drip coffee or a more expense drink.  I often get a Breve Latte (2.5 times as expensive for Venti as drip coffee). Why can't I get a free drip refill after I've had my Breve? I can spend $2.15 and get a free refill (using reward card) but if I spend $4.50 I can't? This doesn't make sense. Thanks for your consideration.

purple1
12/6/2008 10:27 AM

Another reward for gold card members - why not free refills on iced or hot tea?

JacksFan
12/17/2008 1:22 PM

I received an email offer from mystarbucksidea back in October stating that if I responded to the email by Oct. 31, I would receive a complimentary Gold Card. I responded immediately. Never did receive my Gold Card.

matt0586
12/27/2008 1:27 AM

I just received a Starbucks Gold card for Christmas, but will not be using it since I only drink drip coffee and using the Gold card does not get me free refills. PLEASE add the free refills benefit to the Starbucks Gold Card, all the extras you get with the free registered card are a better deal for (heavy) drip coffee drinkers than the $25/year Gold card!

Anonymous
12/29/2008 8:25 PM

I received a free gold card, but will not pay $25 to renew it unless/until:  

1) the POS system is programmed to recognize that I have both gold  and registered cards, and the system automatically gives me the best deal on what I buy, using a *single* card;

2) bold roast brewed coffee once again becomes an all day, every day offering (as long as it's not Christmas Blend);

3) non-licensed store staff is thoroughly trained in making consistently good espresso beverages.

I would like to see a free espresso shot added as a registered card benefit, for those of us who drink coffee beverages, but do not substitute milk or add syrup.

The move to PPR has me drinking bold roast drip coffee elsewhere.  SBUX' espresso beverages are too expensive to be as inconsistent as I have found them, considering that I can get an espresso beverage with  consistent taste and quality elsewhere.  Also, I don't have a yen for green tea lattes (now my default drink) on an every day basis - that's the only thing I can get at SBUX and not anywhere else.

MobiMeet
1/3/2009 2:43 PM

Does anyone know how to reach Brad Stevens With an E-mail? My Company is in the process of launching on the iPhone and iTouch the first mobile GPS dating application called MobiMeet ( www.mobimeet.net). There is a perfect tie-in for Starbucks as it displays nearby starbucks (and other  locations) for people to meet at when they find someone near them that they want to meet.  Seems to be a great co-promotion with a purchase to give MobiMeet free to gold card members or discounted with a purchase. Customers in the store can go on MobiMeet too and find other people to meet them there. Thanks!

Dragonfly13
1/7/2009 8:35 PM

To me, having to pay for a discount card beats the purpose of a "frequency" card. Why can't you have a simple punch card system? I spend $30 on (10) $3 drinks and I get 1 free ($3 value). With the Gold Card, I would have to spend an additional $25 on top of the $30 I'm already spending...so I can save a 10% discount of $3??? I realize there are other benefits to the Gold Card but for people like me who enjoys the frappuccinos and chais, I just want a free drink as a reward for frequenting my Starbucks!

Anonymous
1/15/2009 2:39 PM

I have to agree with several other customers here that are very disappointed that the gold card ends up giving a worse deal than the standard registered card for drip coffee lovers.  I was very happy when my fiancee got me the gold card for Christmas, but now I realize that there is no point.

And I think the worst aspect of this is that Starbucks is always so good at assessing the needs of their customers - how could they overlook this very basic aspect??!?!?  Do they assume everybody gets blended drinks?  Do they care about those who get drip coffee?  Starbucks used to tout the importance and quality of their drip coffee, but now they produce a product that discriminates against that very basic element of the company.  Very sad, and there is no way I will be renewing my Gold card unless things change.

Zenn1
3/3/2009 2:46 PM

I think this Starbucks Gold idea is messed up.  I want to save money and still be a loyal customer.  By the time I save the $25 I spent on membership, my savings are pretty much nil.  I drink 1 cup of specialty drink everyday, sometimes 2 (most likely tea) - but I don't want to pay to get a discount.

Can Starbucks come up with something else? Example, if you reloaded your registered starbucks card with $100 then you get a 10% rebate - - something that will not require us to buy and hold on to another card.  

IMWizOrt
3/28/2009 9:23 PM

Thank You for listening to and acting on my idea!  LOVE MY GOLD CARD!!!!

Anonymous
5/1/2009 5:29 AM

I have a Gold card but I am not understanding if we are not to but charge extra for more flavor like hazel nut instead of 5 shot I would like 3  extra shots I am still getting charge for extra and I have a gold card.

Please explain.

bbamburg
5/2/2009 10:34 AM

While traveling in the UK, I had only by Starbucks Gold Card which was unknown in most of the Starbucks places but worked very well, I was happy that I could reload it online to treat my new friends. Thanks for a great service. Now if I could only get VIA without shipping charges.

sanbum12
6/12/2009 8:31 AM

For those who made comments about having to pay to get a discount... You should do the math and you'd realize you're going to make that cost up within a very short amount of time and then save money on every cup you purchase.  My husband and I get Starbucks 6 times a week.  Our average savings is $4.00 a week.. do the math.  

papoosh
6/24/2009 12:22 PM

The Starbuck Gold Card pays for itself within three months.  That's if your a loyal Starbuck's customer.  There are many perks that go with the card.  I have received free drinks several times.  I also received a coupon for free Starbuck's ice cream.  It is worth the $25.00.  

Remember, they are not twisting your arm to buy one.  That is your choice.  Forget the color, grow up!!!

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