Starbucks prices up, and down, too
Filed under: Food
Starbucks will demonstrate in some markets this week that it both deserves its "Four Bucks" moniker; and that it's all about the budget-conscious consumer, in an unusual move with its prices. The chain will increase prices -- as much as 25 cents -- on its larger and more complex drinks, while at the same time reducing prices on its smaller and more ordinary drinks, such as coffee and regular lattes.Here in Portland, Ore., prices for a small, or "tall," coffee were $1.50 today, compared to $1.40 in 2006. At the same time, the large, or "venti" coffee is $2 today, compared to $1.70 in 2006. Over on the latte menu, the prices have changed more sharply; where a tall latte was $2.40 in 2006, it's now $2.85. The further up the menu customers go in both size and complexity, the more prices have changed over the years.
And the less customers have complained. Very few customers -- except perhaps the very most loyal and penny-counting -- have any idea what they're paying for beverages. After all, many habitually put the change for their purchases in the tip jar, so the only time it becomes noticeable is when the cost gets to the next whole dollar.
A nickel or a dime won't make a difference to anyone, I predict, other than the baristas -- whose tips could be, "nickel and dimed," as the new prices leave less change from each transaction. For a customer, saving five cents won't have much impact, even if you add it up for a year's worth (the way most finance articles demonstrate the "real" impact of something... sorry, $18.75 compounded annually would NOT change your retirement date -- by more than a few hours). However, a nickel extra for every customer's drink all day could really mean something to the company's bottom line.
This one? It's for you, Starbucks partners. You're welcome.
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Coffee in the News
The price of coffee has been up and down lately. For more about coffee in the news, click through this gallery.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
8-21-2009 @ 3:07PM
Seatun said...
I'm still dying to try their new Ice Cream Cake
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 4:20PM
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8-21-2009 @ 9:43PM
Latte Te DA said...
I simply LOVE how a $ 4 - $6 coffee makes me feel as if I have a "priviledged" lifestyle. Also LOVE how Starbucks has managed to convince a coffee shop waitress they are a "Barista". Noe THATS a career.
8-21-2009 @ 5:04PM
DR said...
"A fool and his money...."
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 4:05PM
George William Gockel said...
I have one Starbucks Coffee loaction in New York City in the borrough of Manhattan on July 28th and one in New Mexico during early August 2009. I will go to one of the regular Starbucks Cofffee location where I buy my Starbucks in the city of Los Angeles this month.
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8-21-2009 @ 4:12PM
sunny said...
I don't care what kind of dance they do, they can't make it right.
Starbuck's is a RIP-OFF.
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8-21-2009 @ 4:39PM
d said...
wow. this is crazy. i should just go to dutch bros nstead
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8-21-2009 @ 4:43PM
elk said...
story was good, haven't seen price changes here yet...... hopefully soon......$ is tight.....
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 4:43PM
Keiffer said...
I worked for Starbucks for 6 years as a supervisor. It was great working in the stores when the company was growing because we had awesome stock options. Not the case any more. I ultimately left due to a lack of educational incentive from the company. Starbucks treats its corporate employees great, but it offers nothing in terms of scholarships or college reimbursement to its client-facing employees who, according to Starbucks, are its most important asset. Boo! Where do the additional profits go? My guess: Corporate bonuses. Starbucks ignores its retail labor staff while preaching a passionate emphasis of community.
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8-21-2009 @ 7:26PM
Michigander said...
It is well known that the profits go to Israel. Google it.
8-21-2009 @ 7:30PM
Michigander said...
How stupid some people are in this world....STAR = (star of david for Israel) Bucks=Money. This is what the intention was from the onset. They fund Israeli militants to continue abusing the rights of the Palestinian people.
8-21-2009 @ 5:10PM
lawrence cerf said...
Starbucks it one too many stars overarated. For just a good, clean after taste, "cup of joe", Mcdonald's has Starbucks beat hands down. Moreover, the pastries at Starbuck's are mediocre at best. (Wouldn't you rather pay a buck more for a good piece of cake?)
But I'll give Starbucks this: They have comfortable chairs and when the music from the radio station is not too loud (they have lowered the volume a bit, I believe) it's a great place to read the NY Times.
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8-21-2009 @ 5:20PM
Coffeesnob45 said...
I own my own independent coffee shop. I sell a Venti coffee - which at my shop is 24 ounces - (starbucks venti is a 20 ounce) for $2.40 including tax AND I give a FREE refill! Thats 48 ounces of premium coffee for $2.40. Starbucks is a huge company with great buying power and they over charge for their product! Support your local coffee shop!!
8-21-2009 @ 5:07PM
jack heath said...
I like Starbucks, but have found the coffe at Panera Bread Company is just as good,cheaper, and their food is great!!
The ambience at Panera is better and so is the service. Sorry Starbucks, but you may have outlived your Yuppie excistence.
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8-21-2009 @ 5:21PM
paul said...
Anybody that spends more than a buck for coffee is a fool, and when the crap hits the fan... hmmm, make that a black coffee..no latte for me
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8-21-2009 @ 5:25PM
DaveInTulsa said...
Panera Bread is better? Whatever. Starbucks has good coffee. I drink coffee, and an ocassional latte, not candy in a cup. Suck it up or go somewhere else.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 5:32PM
kayoo said...
All those people who are against Starbucks, don't you release how many jobs they supply to people? Yes, bring down the corporate so we can have more unemployed people! great idea fellow americans. They sell coffee, and provide jobs and benefits to those who need them, leave them alone.
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 6:15PM
a man said...
Another example of what is wrong with America, folks!!! A Starbucks supporter who can't even spell the word "realize". Let me guess----you manage a Starbucks, don't you?
8-21-2009 @ 5:33PM
mikemaj82 said...
starbucks sucks. I can go to McDonald's, spend $4, and get two huge cups of hot or iced coffee, and it tastes better. starbucks coffee is too strong,
Reply
8-21-2009 @ 5:42PM
caitlyn said...
I would pay $10 a cup if Starbucks was consistent. I regularly return my beverages because they resemble nothing like they are supposed to. There are 3 Starbucks near my work. The Lansdale, PA one is the worst so don;t bother, followed by the route 309 establishment. The newest one on North Wales Rd is the most decent but after being open a year it is slipping into the 309 stupor of lattes that taste like water. All food items from 309 taste stale or like they have been sitting around awhile. Sometimes the staff is so nice I won't return my drink so that's $4 thrown in their outsiide trash bin.
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