Recently, Starbucks has updated their mobile app, Starbucks mobile card, to allow users to make purchases using their mobile Smartphone’s. Currently, customers are able to manage multiple gift cards and gold cards, with features that allow them to check their card balance, reload, collect rewards and find the nearest location. In addition, gold members are sent coupons for a free drink in the mail, once they have reached 15 stars [cups of coffee].
Perhaps mobile payment should just be labeled and stored under innovation as a new addition. Starbucks already provides account holders, with amenities like free drinks, caramel and more. So what does this new feature provide? Now, instead of digging around in your handbag or pockets for your gift card, you look for your smartphone. The transactions are said to be faster than regular methods of payment, but It could be argued that it would take an equal amount of time to swipe a card as appose to scanning a smartphone.
Mobile payments have been forecasted as a $633 billion industry,
which raises some concerns about the direction in which technology is taking us, with regards to customer service. Imagine a new app that allows customers to place an order as they leave their house, and when they arrive in store, with a wave of their smartphone, they can avoid as much human interaction as possible. Is it a smart idea to start relying solely on our smartphones and their reliable networks? Let’s just hope the nothing fails.
As an avid coffee drinker, I enjoy my trips to Starbucks. No matter which barista is on duty, my ‘Grande White Mocha Frappuccino, no Whip’ is made perfectly, and it is always topped off with some kind words. Even though, I am surrounded with new and interesting technologies every day, mobile payments aren’t for me; but I’ll take the other amenities that Starbuck's offers.
Caramel … Please!!!
Sources:
http://e-marketingforsensiblefolk.blogspot.com/
http://www.finextra.com/community/fullblog.aspx?id=4933
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/19/starbucks-now-accepting-payments-through-iphone-app/
http://www.codero.com/blog/using-smartphones-to-pay-for-in-store-purchases/
I agree not for me either. I need a menu and I especially need a person behind the counter explaining what the words on the menu mean. I like to try new things and so I don't always know what I want ahead of time. Also, where I work we accept coupons off of smartphones. Let me tell you that they are not that easy to scan off the phones and of course each phone is different. some phones are practically impossible to scan off of.
ReplyDeleteThe transaction of the mobile payments are so anti-social that I don't it will last. The issue is Starbucks always would like to attach more onto a single sale in example, doughnuts or a pastry. This non-human transaction can lead to less attachments onto a sale. Unless Starbucks create a system that will allow them to place a order through their phone and have it ready to go when they get there and that way starbucks can have a menu system to show their special treats. :)
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is a cool and useful app to add to the Starbucks corporation. In this times where people are constantly looking for the newest technologies, I think that this would fit right in. On the other hand, it may be true that this technologies hinder human contact. Nonetheless, nobody can deny the fact that new advances in technology have also brought many benefits to the masses.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about how these apps might hinder our daily human interactions. I for one, like asking the person working what they would recommend, especially in a place like Starbucks or similar establishments where you might not always understand the menu right away.
ReplyDeleteThe point of even going to a coffee shop like Starbucks is to leave your house to go interact with the outside world. You're obviously going to Starbucks for the experience. It's about How the store looks, the unique drink names and how their service makes you feel. Although, the app could be looked at as a disconnection between humans, I think the app can also be a positive move in that you can pay faster so you can get to enjoy conversation with your friends faster, and not just enjoy that cup of joe.
Have you guys gone through the Drive thru? Is totally tasteless... I need to talk to the barista and ask him\her what is the worst thing they've had so far just to make sure i don't order that one. lol and then I ask them what's their favorite for the day... I love how patient they are even though I always end up getting my Passion shaken iced tea sweeted with lemonade light on ice.
ReplyDeleteI believe Starbucks is doing it because it lowers its credit cards fees, and helps their image of cool and hip. Nowdays customers are thinking twice before spending $4.50 in a passion tea when they can just buy a $.99 Arizona Ice Tea in the gas station. Trust me, I have. I know is not the same, but when the gas is going at $3.21\gal hey... a broke college student's gotta do what she's gotta do!