Starbucks accused of rigging payments in app for nearly $900 million gain over 5 years by consumer watchdog group::Washington Consumer Protection Coalition complains to Washington state attorney general.

    • them@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      I know too many people that think Starbucks is the only place that makes good coffee and refuse to go anywhere else. No, you like strong roasts, lots of sugar, and plenty of advertising, most of which you can get anywhere else if you just ask.

      • paf0@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        My local coffee scene is basically different versions of Dunkin Donuts, even the indie places have old coffee with chemical flavors. There is one place that serves a tasty espresso shot but it has inconsistent hours and is a 20 minute drive. Starbucks is closer and the app is super convenient.

        We don’t all live in big cities with lots of options and Starbucks fills the void.

        • frunch@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          Have you tried brewing your own at home? I’ve gotten into making fresh cups using a single-cup Clever Dripper setup and grind the beans as needed. Soooooo much better than DD/Starbucks and very easy to make. It does take time though (approx 6-7 mins to make a cup start to finish) and a bit of $ to get started (maybe about $100 for dripper, kettle, filters, and beans), but i can’t imagine how much money i would have wasted on so-so (or worse) coffee bought at DD/Starbucks/etc everyday.

        • them@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          This sounds reasonable to me. Starbucks is everywhere. But when you do have options they’re far from the top choice.

          You could have a look around to see if you have any local coffee roasters and then find out who they supply to try and get something a lot fresher.

  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldB
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    10 months ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:


    A consumer action group is accusing Starbucks of exploiting customers via its gift card and app payments, forcing them to enter a spending cycle where they will never be able to fully spend the remaining balance of prepaid amounts.

    “Starbucks rigs its payment platform so consumers are encouraged to leave unspent money on their cards and apps,” said Chris Carter, campaign manager for the group, in a statement.

    “A few dollars here and there left on a payment platform may not sound like a lot but it adds up.

    Starbucks spokesperson Sam Jefferies told Fortune the company “is committed to working with the State of Washington to ensure it remains in compliance with all state laws and regulations.”

    The group, in a 15-page complaint, alleges the platforms for Starbucks’ mobile app and digital payment cards are akin to an “involuntary subscription.” Customers can only reload money in $5 increments, with a $10 minimum purchase.

    Today, drive-through and app orders make up the majority of the company’s purchases.


    The original article contains 316 words, the summary contains 167 words. Saved 47%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!

  • ben_dover@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    i went to Rome recently, and one might argue that Italy has the best coffee in the world. the queue at Starbucks went out of and around the building.

    • insert agitated Jackie Chan meme
    • ExLisper@linux.community
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      10 months ago

      A lot of tourists go to Rome you know. In Spain Burger king is usually full of tourists while locals eat tapas.

  • 93maddie94@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    Do EZ-Pass next. I’m tired of getting charged $35 every time my account dips below the $5 threshold or whatever it is.