Starbucks expands its mobile payment test to NYC and Long Island

How are these working out? -- both from the customer and barista standpoints. I'm still waiting for mobile payments to arrive in Chicago area Starbucks stores. (Yes, I know they're in Target, etc., which I don't frequent.) Read "Starbucks expands mobile payment test"

Comments

[Jeff Tom]

1. Great - another way for us to not connect with our customers as they will keep their faces/noses/etc glued to their mobile device and not interacting with the rest of us.... :-) Just kidding (mostly). I do not know if I like this. I have not seen it work, other than the video on the SB site, but I can see it slowing things down, especially if there are issues with the order after the fact ("I meant decaf, whole milk, etc").

2. Does Thanksgiving blend come out today or next week?

Thanks.

[Jeff Tom]

argh. I had put "grumbly barista" in front of #1 above, but it was filtered out. I do not work for SB.

[*$r]

I wonder about the effect of Pay-by-phone on tipping. Part of the convenience of paying with credit/debit/gift cards is not having to deal with cash. As more businesses create ever better incentives to pay with every means BUT cash, the less folks will think to have cash on hand for tipping. Customers already apologize for paying with cards and often want us to add the tip to card purchases, which we can't do.

[Hipsterdufus]

Jeff... how can this been seen slowing things down, especially if there are issues with the order after the fact ("I meant decaf, whole milk, etc").? It's essentially just like paying with your real starbucks card, just in a different form, so why would it slow things down?

[Coffee Soldier]

Thanksgiving Blend and the soft launch of holiday beverages is Nov 2.

[Coffee Drinker]

I used to be one of those who carried only a card, and didn't often have tip money. However, I've changed my ways. It's just as easy to carry a few bucks/spare change for tipping as it was to carry cash and cards before I went mostly cards. I do tend to remember what's important.

Anyway, it's always a good idea to have some spare change around, do it!

As for phone apps, I agree it'll distance the customer and barista experience. There's an indie cafe in Tucson with a boldly printed sign at eye level on the pastry case next to where you order: "If you are on your cell phone you will be ignored."

[Hipsterdufus]

But they aren't talking on the phone when paying! IT might actually HELP them not be in the middle of a phone conversation if they have to use their phone to pay!!!

[108represent]

What is the official day for Holiday launch? I have heard different days. I do know that November 2nd is the soft launch......

[Biodegradable cups]

I think it's a great idea, handy if you want a coffee but don't have any money on you- you always have your phone.

[Petie]

Holiday launch Nov 16th.

[Hipsterdufus]

Holiday launch is the 16th. but the most important stuff, the red cups and the holiday trio drinks start on the 2nd.

[dee]

Strange that its only talking about New York. Every Florida store, including my own, and all others near and far from myself that I've been to in the state have had mobile payments for roughly a month now.

[geoamunera]

so far mobile pay been working just fine in Suffolk NY

[Nike Dunks]

The best preparation for tomorrow is to do your best today

[Buy Online Rx]

Letting this slide is exactly how petty dictatorships gain power, how decisions of convenience become tradition, and how idiocy in general prevails.

[mens health]

Instead, I suspect the most likely explanation is a utilitarian one: the principal didn't want to have to deal with potentially inappropriate costumes and the inevitable disciplinary and parental hassles that go along with that.