Avoid These Sneaky Starbucks Marketing Strategies

What can be more tempting than the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Many Singaporeans cannot go without a hot cup of joe in the morning. The growing demand for coffee and its varieties increases the popularity of Starbucks. This glistening green mermaid houses products that end up costing more than expected.

Why is that so? Well, you end up spending more money with these marketing tricks.

ALL ABOUT THE AESTHETICS

While I was writing this post, I overheard a group of adolescents complaining how they dislike the potent taste of Starbucks coffee. In spite of this, they liked the look of the coffee cup and the establishment.

You see, Starbucks stores are all about offering aesthetically pleasing designs to catch customers’ attention. It begins with perfect lighting! The food is kept on the best lit area of the store. Drawing more attention is the small items right by the register. Candies, cookies, and nuts may seem affordable at the moment. However, these little things add up! You have to be wary.

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Furthermore, stores may rearrange their products to make you notice things that you have not tried before. Do not get me started with the Starbucks Reserve chains with fancier interiors!

SEE WHAT IS TRENDING

One thing is for sure! Starbucks has figured out how to keep their loyal fans happy. As they are constantly creating new twists of old standards, they keep grabbing our attentions. Let me introduce you to the Merlion Frap!

Do you remember the time when the pastel Unicorn Frappuccino stole the hearts of many Netizens? Unfortunately, this limited drink was not available in Singapore. Nonetheless, it was a genius move on a business perspective.

YouTuber thejetsets was intrigued by the pastel drink and decided to ask for a Singaporean rendition. Although the Starbucks baristas were taken aback at first, they eventually warmed up to the idea. They made a pink and orange frappuccino in creamy mango flavor. They called it the Merlion frap! Apparently, it tasted good.

THE ORDERING GAME

Starbucks has a loyalty program, which turns your orders into a game. What are the mechanics of the game? Each card holder needs to get to next level by earning stars (or reward points). Earn a certain amount of stars, and you get any one item (i.e., food or drink) on the menu for free!

Through the Starbucks app, you can find special offers, reload your card, and redeem your points. It is no wonder that many of your co-workers requested a Starbucks top-up on the Yuletide wishlist!

BEAMING CLOSE CALLS

I, for one, enjoy a good slurp of Bubble Milk Tea. I often ask if the size I want is available. In cases when it is not, I choose the closest size with no hesitation. This scenario happens to many people. When it comes to drinks, people usually do not pay attention to the prices than they do with food.

According to Consumer Psychology professor Kit Yarrow, people will choose larger sizes than necessary as they see the costs are too close. For instance, some may order a Venti instead of a Grande.

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Starbucks has employed many marketing strategies to make you spend more money. Awareness of these tricks is the first step to mindful spending!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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5 Budget-Friendly Tips For A Starbucks Addict

It is time for a reality check!

There is a huge difference between being late due to family emergencies and being late because you were queuing at Starbucks. Your constant trips to your “coffee haven” can drain your wallet. So, how do you keep your thirst for the daily coffee grind? With clever planning, of course! Try these tried-and-tested hacks to satisfy your coffee addiction:

#1: SHARING IS CARING

While I was chatting away with a friend of mine, our conversation drifted to her pleasant date. She and her mom shared a Venti cup after countless hours of shopping. You see, splitting a Venti cup is cheaper than purchasing two Tall or two Grande cups. Let us take the “Frappuccino” as an example. A Venti frap costs about S$7.60 while, a Tall frap costs about S$6. Splitting the bill with a friend can help you save up to S$2.20 each! Isn’t that what friendship is for?

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If you are planning to kill time in Starbucks, it is better to opt for the largest size available. Situations such as working on a school project with your classmate or finishing a business proposal call for this strategy!

#2: REAP THE REWARDS

One of the quickest ways to enjoy discounts and freebies is by joining the Starbucks Rewards Program. Upon entering, you will be eligible earn a star for every dollar spent. These stars equate to specific benefits such as a free slice of cake or a free drink. To get started, you must acquire a gift card. Register it thru the Starbucks website or thru the mobile app.

Use the app to stay updated with the latest promotions. What I like most about this loyalty program is the value given to one’s birthday month (i.e., by giving a free slice of cake, a free drink, or a free drink upgrade). Furthermore, you can get a personalized gold card. It is an ultimate Starbucks addict collectible, if you ask me!

#3: BRING A CONTAINER

An easy way to save at least 50 cents on your next order is by bringing your own container! Take out your favorite mug, tumbler, or water bottle from the shelf. Then, confidently offer your own container to the Starbucks barista.

Getting S$0.50 off your bills may seem minuscule at the moment but, these savings add up. Furthermore, you are helping save the environment by conserving the resources.

#4: ASK FOR TEA

I am not a heavy caffeine drinker. This is why I prefer drinking tea over coffee. Have you ever considered exchanging tea with a friend? Purchase two different tea bags and ask for hot water. In most cases, you may refill a cup for at least three times to savor its flavor. Do not worry about asking the staff for a refill as it is free!

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For tea connoisseurs, it is best to avoid steeping your tea twice. Stick to your drink preference instead of wasting money.

#5: MAKE YOUR OWN

Whether you want to believe it or not, you can make your own iced latte while saving money in the process. Order a triple espresso over ice and head over to the condiment bar. Fill up the rest of your cup with the complimentary milk. Voila! You just made your own iced latte!

Lastly, you can make your own Chai Tea Latte. Instead of spending S$5.70 for a Tall-sized Chai Tea Latte, you may ask for a hot Chai Tea (about S$4.20 for a Tall cup). Fill half of the cup with steamed milk. Not only will this recipe save you a dollar but, it will also contain lesser calories than the Chai Tea Latte.

Sources: 1 & 2

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