Starbucks Update: Friendliness and .54 Cent Coffee Refill Secret
Posted on 17 March 2008, at 7:52 am, by Wayne Schulz
I’m working most of the morning from my local Starbucks. And I thought it would be a good time to check on their “friendliness” project. You know that Starbucks closed for a few hours February 26, 2008 for “re-training” and I was dubious that it would last. Did it last or are things back to normal? Here are my findings live from Starbucks Glastonbury CT…
Observation #1: Project Friendly – Did the February 26, 2008 training “Stick”
I started off this morning expecting to write that the store closings last month were a complete waste of time and that the staff were back to their (sometimes) rushed selves.
I wouldn’t classify the prior Starbucks service as rude. A better term is rushed efficiency. There are usually a dozen people waiting which leaves Starbucks staff little time to chit chat.
So have things changed since the closing?
Today the counter person was efficient but without that fake “how are you doing” that I experienced the day after the closing/retraining.
Things got considerably better during today’s visit. The cashier just came out from behind the counter and offered everyone free samples of M&M cookies in a little Starbucks cup. A first for me at any Starbucks.
Based on my amateur observation, training seems to have improved the overall experience. Is the coffee any better? I’m not a big coffee drinker (Diet Pepsi is my caffeine of choice) so I couldn’t tell you. Seems good to me. But I did enjoy the free cookies. A first for me at Starbucks.
Which leads me to my second observation that I spotted online last week.
Observation #2: Starbucks Refills (Coffee or Tea) are only .54
If you’re a frequent Starbucks visitor, or just expect to take advantage of their free WIFI (when it arrives later this Spring) – you may be interested in this tidbit.
During your visit, you may receive a refill of coffee or tea for only .54.
To test this I ordered a Latte. When done I went to the counter and asked for a refill. They cheerfully supplied me with a venti coffee. When I asked them to only fill it half way because I’d never drink a large coffee they didn’t charge me for it.
Next time you’re in Starbucks – try the .54 refill trick! It’s good nationwide.
Let me know whether your experience at Starbucks has gotten better, worse or stayed the same.
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March 17th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I prefer Caribou coffee, and they have FREE refills (I’d get a latte, sit and read before work, then get some coffee to go, and the refill coffee is free).
March 17th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Starbucks is ok if the only other choice is McDonalds. PLUS most Starbucks do have Wifi and looks like free Wifi as well.
My local place I go when I want wifi and good coffee is Cafe Brioso:
http://cafebrioso.com/
Semi famous place too as they were featured on the Minimum Wage episode of Morgan Spurlock’s 30 days. His girlfriend (now wife) worked there as her minimum wage job.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am
What is up with the Starbucks haterz so early in the morning?
Wayne, I am glad to hear that your service was good; I’ve noticed that they are even offering samples through the drive-through window, here in San Angelo. Jerry & I got a good laugh the other day because we got a guy that was so absolutely apologetic when J’s latte wasn’t immediately ready, he was trying to force cookie samples on us. It was a bit over the top, but cute.
We have other places to go for coffee here, some locally owned, but Starbucks is conveniently located, and most importantly – consistently good. I can’t say that about the others.
And Joel, did you mean McDonalds has free WiFi? That’s not correct, unless some local owner is being an angel:
http://www.associatedcontent.c.....th_it.html
It looks to be $2.95 / 2 hours.
And I would never, never, never get coffee at a McDonalds. The thought of my latte next to a BigMac just grosses me out.
Super Size Me, indeed.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:32 am
No…for the coffee J. Yeah I know McDonalds doesn’t have free wifi….unless you have a Nintendo DS and then it’s only for games!
March 18th, 2008 at 4:34 am
McDonald’s upgraded their coffee about a year ago and it’s great, as long as the pot hasn’t sat burning all day and you show up for the last 1/2 inch of content. I’m not above asking them to re-brew.
7-11 and Wawa stores charges $1.20 per 12 oz. on average in my state. That savings tastes great to me. Friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks. Plus my co. just issued laptop AirCards, woo hoo.