The Wi-Fi freebie will be available starting Tuesday to customers who purchase a minimum $5 reloadable Starbucks Card, register online for the Starbucks Rewards Card program, and use the card at least once a month. The two hours must be consecutive. (Read the USA Today story)
> Other frequent-customer benefits begin on Tuesday
June 03, 2008
If you have to pay for your coffee, is it really free? Ah, I forgot, I can find something to complain about and get my drink AND my wi-fi for free.
Ahh, the money problems continue...
Posted by: David | June 03, 2008 at 08:01 AM
"On Monday, Chief Financial Officer Peter Bocian said the company "identified 2008 as a year of transformation in a difficult macroeconomic environment," according to a transcript of the Goldman Sachs Lodging Gaming Restaurant and Leisure Conference in New York.
The company may close more than 100 stores, and is keeping "a watch list" of store performance, Bocian said."
Here come the layoffs, folks.
Posted by: truth | June 03, 2008 at 08:02 AM
oh my god dude, retail places close underperforming stores all the time. It doesnt make sense to keep them if they're not profitable, duh!
quit being so reactionary
Posted by: wholahay | June 03, 2008 at 09:28 AM
If you have to pay for your coffee, is it really free? Ah, I forgot, I can find something to complain about and get my drink AND my wi-fi for free.
Yeah, and maybe THIS type of attitude is what really hurts our company. I'm done with you, you just proved my point.
Posted by: Darleen | June 03, 2008 at 10:07 AM
And with this new "benefit" the Starbucks Card site now does not recognize my families 4 Starbucks Cards that have been registered for over 4-years.
I imagine that Starbucks "software engineers" (intentional lower case) have also managed to hose the POSs in the stores so I expect a real "experience" at Starbucks today.
HOWARD! GET BACK TO SELLING COFFEE!
Posted by: AmericanoMan | June 03, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Registered for wifi through Starbucks' site (after a redirect to AT&T's site).
Got to my local Starbucks, connected to the correct wifi network. Entered my username and password as instructed in the e-mail from AT&T.
It took me to a T-Mobile "Please check your username and password" page.
EPIC FAIL.
Posted by: Rae | June 03, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Rae, that IS peculiar.
I went into Caribou Coffee this morning, bought a cup of coffee with cash and NOT a ridiculous card I was forced to purchase, and the internet worked fine! I may use the free internet at Chick-fil-A for lunch, and maybe go to the library and use the free wifi there as well!
Good day.
Posted by: dick | June 03, 2008 at 11:22 AM
"Besides wireless Internet, other frequent customer benefits also begin on Tuesday, including free syrups and milk choices, free brewed coffee refills and a free tall beverage with the purchase of a pound of coffee beans."
Wow - silly me, I thought all those benefits (minus the free WiFi) started over a month ago! Guess the word didn't get out so well the first time around, eh? LOL.
The sad part is that these "benefits" or "rewards" as they're now being called are still, for the most part, dependent upon a barista remembering to push a POS button and swipe the card - which from my experience as a customer over the past month at Starbucks, seems to be a very difficult thing for them to remember.
I think Starbucks thinks these benefits are better for the customer than they really are. In fact, they're really just a subpar, low-cost attempt at appearing to offer some sort of value-add to the customer. They're trying, yes, but not very hard. It's a meek and feeble attempt at true customer loyalty rewards.
Posted by: Jonesin | June 03, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Although not perfect, I am generally happy with the decisions that have been made around our wi-fi. Sure, I agree it could have been more flawlessly executed, but I think the troll reactions on this site are a bit out of control.
Yes, I'll keep calling you trolls, as long as I read obvious bias in your posts.
Posted by: P.R.I.D.E. | June 03, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I think the catch 22 here is that with most of this transformation, there has been a lack of resources available for flawless execution. I hold Starbucks partly responsible, but I also hold shareholders partly responsible. Because they have been so vocal, we've been trying to do a lot more with a LOT less. I understand that we all need to tighten our belts during these times, but then when shareholders later complain about a lack of flawless execution, I say "well I could have predicted that".
Like I said, I hold Starbucks partly responsible for not doing the right thing, standing up to shareholders (we seem to have a lot of day traders lately only focused on the short term) and providing critical resources that are needed.
Posted by: P.R.I.D.E. | June 03, 2008 at 11:53 AM
I tried to register for the free wifi and it will not accept my account information. I'm hoping this is a first-day-availability glitch.
Posted by: cyberspastic | June 03, 2008 at 12:11 PM
It is hard to have 100% execution on promotions like this when we, frankly, aren't supported by the company. Just last week, my DM told our entire district that free wi-fi would be starting in July. Then, about an hour before close on sunday night, he brought some balloons and said the new wi-fi would be starting today.
Ok... thanks. For nothing.
Posted by: waltie | June 03, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I attribute a lot of this last minute information to responding to last years debacle of partners not being able to keep their mouth shut. The leaking was out of control (and it still is), so Starbucks put measures in so they didn't release any information until it was absolutely neccessary.
The harm in this is a lack of knowledge, in store. I wish it could be different. I just don't know the solution. How do we get partners to keep their traps shut until we're ready to roll?
Posted by: P.R.I.D.E. | June 03, 2008 at 12:42 PM
The June 3rd date has been on the portal for weeks. I saw it and I am a barista.
Posted by: seven | June 03, 2008 at 01:09 PM
The only people that are so interested in "engaging" with Starbucks and "having a conversation" are the partners.
No other QSR has such passionate employees (probably related to stock options). Just look at this site and mystarbucksidea, almost all people participating know so much about starbucks, it is highy doubtful they are just customers.
That is the greatest asset starbuck's has, and they better never forget it. The partners make it all happen.
Posted by: Customer Service is great | June 03, 2008 at 01:56 PM
The only people that are so interested in "engaging" with Starbucks and "having a conversation" are the partners.
No other QSR has such passionate employees (probably related to stock options). Just look at this site and mystarbucksidea, almost all people participating know so much about starbucks, it is highy doubtful they are just customers.
That is the greatest asset starbuck's has, and they better never forget it. The partners make it all happen.
Posted by: Customer Service is great | June 03, 2008 at 01:56 PM
AT&T wifi Does this mean that SM's can spend more time connecting with customers about how this works?
Curious question-How come I rarely see the SM's working behind the counter. They are always doing something else.
Are there any SM's in this gossip chain that know the answer?
Posted by: Bubka Penis | June 03, 2008 at 06:02 PM
How can you tell if someone is a store manager? I don't think I've ever even SEEN one, unless they wear the same thing as the other baristas.
Posted by: Jon SBUX FORUM | June 03, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Curious question-How come I rarely see the SM's working behind the counter. They are always doing something else.
Because there is always "something else" that needs to be done. For example, placing orders, doing reviews, first impressions, facilitating classes, the list goes on and on and on and on.....
Posted by: Darleen | June 03, 2008 at 06:28 PM
anyone get it working with a duetto?
Posted by: adam | June 03, 2008 at 06:29 PM
"Curious question-How come I rarely see the SM's working behind the counter. They are always doing something else."
Ideally, SMs should be working 20 hours of coverage time (being on the floor) and 20 hours of non-coverage time (managerial duties). Now this can vary drastically depending on the situation of each store.
I've had 2 SMs over 3.5 years and both of them spent/spend 20+ hours working the floor. I've been lucky enough to have managers who don't take advantage of their managerial duties. However, I know some of the managers in my area do take advantage and you can hardly ever find them on the floor.
Posted by: Stacy | June 03, 2008 at 07:30 PM
But you do admit I'm right Darlene. I've seen many people go up and complain every day, and they all get the free coupon. Heck, if its that easy, I guess I should start doing it too. Better yet, I see baristas giving these things away like candy.
First, I would punish those that give them away, and second I would tell those who always complained to get out if they don't like it.
Third would be to get rid of the free coupon thing, which would really help stop the massive money loss. But then again, when you bend over backwards to appease the customers even when they are wrong, you deserve to lose the money.
Posted by: David | June 03, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Darleen-You mentioned there are so many other things to do then work the floor? Thank you. You just summed it up. Customers come second.
Posted by: Bubka Penis | June 03, 2008 at 09:52 PM
"Darleen-You mentioned there are so many other things to do then work the floor? Thank you. You just summed it up. Customers come second"
"Because there is always "something else" that needs to be done. For example, placing orders, doing reviews, first impressions, facilitating classes, the list goes on and on and on and on....."
BP, you really think the responsibilities mentioned above are not for our customers???
If we do not place the orders we would be out of product.
How would you like it if your manager did not give you a review therefore no raise and documented feedback on your performance?
First impressions for our new hires to so show our enthusiasm for our company and ensure we set the expectation for great customer service.
Facilitating classes to make sure our partners are trained according to the training plans.
Of course none of this is for customers. We just do all of this for the hell of it.
Posted by: Aralia | June 03, 2008 at 10:08 PM
and btw BP, I'm on the floor about 24 - 30 hours a week. None of my customers knew I was the manager until I told them.
Posted by: Aralia | June 03, 2008 at 10:51 PM
David, for as much as you despise our company, it surprises me that you have enough time to observe that our recovery coupons are passed out like candy.
I would have to disagree on this point. I see them being used rarely and strategically, but there are many times I'm in my store, or when I'm reading in another local store, where there are entire shifts/days when no recovery coupons are used.
If you have the right staff in place, you don't need recovery. Most of us get that.
No need for bias, let's work with the facts.
Posted by: P.R.I.D.E. | June 03, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Here's a silly thing about the "free" wi-fi:
If you get a card in the store, you won't be able to get online. You'll first have to go home to log online and register it. Then you'll get free wi-fi on your NEXT visit to Starbucks. This is kind of annoying. This is something they should fix. They need to come up with a way to allow customers to register their cards in the stores. Other wise, it's just going to annoy and confuse people.
Posted by: waltie | June 03, 2008 at 11:26 PM
"Here's a silly thing about the "free" wi-fi:
If you get a card in the store, you won't be able to get online. You'll first have to go home to log online and register it. Then you'll get free wi-fi on your NEXT visit to Starbucks. This is kind of annoying. This is something they should fix. They need to come up with a way to allow customers to register their cards in the stores. Other wise, it's just going to annoy and confuse people.
Posted by: waltie | Jun 3, 2008 9:26:20 PM"
Ummmmmm I dont think it works like that, which is admittedly a ridiculous process, if it were the case. Just tonight before closing I sold a customer a 5 dollar card so he could use the wifi and drink his mint mokacino and sure enough the starbucks.com/card domain is not blocked by the at*T portal, so you can register it on the spot. Hot spot that is. Whoa.
Posted by: SUPERBARISTA | June 03, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I'm an ASM (although I practically run my store) and I spend probably 35-38 hours a week on the floor versus 20 hours that others have mentioned. Aralia is absolutely right. Managers have other duties to attend to other than working the floor regardless of whether they are scheduled coverage or not. ALS does build time into the schedule for admin filler task time, but all managers will tell you it's not enough time and besides ALS automatically schedules this time, not the manager.
Part-time partners (most of them, but not all) don't understand everything that goes into running a store. All they see is a manager sitting in the back reading a report and "doing nothing". Grant it, there are managers who take advantage of their position and do "do nothing", but most of us are doing something!
And yes, when we are reading those reports and analyzing (sp?) our business we are putting customers first. How is this you ask? Because as Aralia said, if we didn't take the time to do these things are business would suffer. If I'm not reviewing my labor everyday, then I will always be overstaffed (partners standing around talking because there are too many of them in the store and they don't have anything to do) or understaffed (not enough partners to serve customers and keep the store clean), and if I'm not reviewing my inventory, I may have too much product on my hands, or, worse, not have enough product.
Sbux system of time management for managers is completely out of whack. You can't have an 8 hour block of Non-coverage and realistically take care of everything. Even scheduling non-coverage in blocks thoughout the week is not enough. Things happen even when you are coverage. And if your away from the floor too long, partners get mad (they think you've abandoned them, even though as a manager you've worked with only two people and it's busy and you've dealt with it, why can't they?)
Okay, I think I've written too much, if anyone wants to hear some of my possible solutions for changing managers' time I will be happy to start another post.
Posted by: Cali ASM | June 04, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Darleen-You mentioned there are so many other things to do then work the floor? Thank you. You just summed it up. Customers come second.
You know what? You don't know bubka. If the manager doesn't do the orders, no product is delivered. Guess customers don't need product, they can buy the comfy chairs! You should really quit talking about something you obviously know nothing about!
Posted by: Darleen | June 04, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Looks like they got the kinks from yesterday worked out. Entering this comment from my local Starbucks. Nifty.
Posted by: Rae | June 04, 2008 at 08:21 AM
CaliASM, what does ALS stand for?
I've definitely seen managers at work behind the bar, running the espresso machines, and so on. Though I notice that they schedule themselves mornings.
Has anyone here (this is directed to partners) really watched the PPR video which has a bunch of scenes inside the store at 1912 Pike Place? There's a great scene of that store manager passing a drink across the bar, and working on the espresso machine. She says she was just working and didn't realize right away that she was in the video because there's no LCD in that store!
Posted by: Melody | June 04, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Train your shifts to place the orders. Managers don't have to do everything. In fact, managers shouldn't do everything.
Posted by: waltie | June 04, 2008 at 10:40 AM
No PRIDE, I don't despise your company, just your leaders that run around like chickens with their heads cut off. They keep saying that they are "going back to basics," but you see a new bear or game every other month. They say they are ready to make changes to stay afloat, but they keep leaking money like it's going out of style.
Don't be mad at me, be mad at your higher ups who don't care about you and your job. That's why I took my money out, and that's why I'll put money back in when you are about to be bought out.
Posted by: David | June 04, 2008 at 11:19 AM
CaliASM, what does ALS stand for?
Melody,
ALS stands for Automated Labor Scheduling. It's the system we use to create our work schedules and analyze our labor.
A lot of managers are required to work mornings because our district managers want us there during the busiest part of the day which is usually the morning rush. I like to work business hours so I mostly schedule myself 7:30am-4pm.
David:
I actually agree with your statement about being upset with our higher ups. I am!!!
Posted by: Cali ASM | June 04, 2008 at 12:34 PM
On a side note, partners are now eligible for free wi-fi. Sign up for an AT&T account at starbucks.com/partners.
Also, even if your store still has the T-Mobile equipment, the AT&T account will still work. Look for the network entitled "attwifi"
I know there have been a few questions regarding this and just wanted to clear them up.
seventysix [76]
Posted by: seventysix [76] | June 04, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Wow- free limited wifi-what year is this 1999? This is sad.
Posted by: j | June 04, 2008 at 01:17 PM
While I realize customers don't quite understand the "no free wifi all the time" thing Starbucks has going, as a partner I gotta say that I enjoy it. I don't want to have to deal with loads of broke high school and college kids hanging out on their laptops all day and not buying anything. Nor do I want people hanging out all day using Starbucks as their office.
If you walk into one of the other coffee shops in town, it's hard to find a seat. It's not because they are so busy all the time, it's because broke college kids are doing their hours worth of homework but only purchasing a $2 iced coffee. It's not a worth-while trade.
Posted by: Stacy | June 04, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I am a store partner. I registered at starbucks.com/partners over 2 weeks ago and got my user name and my password which was confirmed by an email that was sent to me. Since then, including today, every time I try to log in in my store using ATT Wi Fi my username and password comes back invalid. I called AT&T Wi Fi customer service and was assured that there are glitches in the launch, they took down my store number and said that they attached a ticket so that they will try to resolve the issue. This was last week. Still no progress. I check every day. Anyone with a similar problem?
Posted by: LEGENDARY OR BUST | June 04, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Wow, I must apologize. I must have struck a cord. I was under the impression that you Store Managers new how to develop your team to where they place orders. I also heard you get time on Mondays or Tuesdays to do your administrative responsibilities. New question- Why do SM's avoid working the floor at all costs? Well, I guess that's still the same question. Will you SM's give me the same answer?
Posted by: Bubka Penis | June 04, 2008 at 04:26 PM
New question- Why do SM's avoid working the floor at all costs?
We don't. New question...
Posted by: Darleen | June 04, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Hey Bubka Penis-
You're attitude is starting to match your name. Stop being a bubka penis!!! Worry about YOUR job, starbucks isn't paying you!
Posted by: carol | June 04, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Love the free wifi for partners. Not only does it work in Starbucks, but it works EVERYWHERE that AT&T has a hot spot, which is in the tens of thousands.
I used it a Starbucks this morning, then at a Barnes and Nobles, and then at a Kinkos!
Posted by: Trent | June 04, 2008 at 07:53 PM
New question- BP do you sit in a cubicle on your computer all day trying to figure out ways to irritate people in customer service?
Posted by: Aralia | June 05, 2008 at 12:53 AM
The new wi fi is pretty nifty but why is SBUX so resistant to a really simple bene that could win a lot of goodwill? I've been using a SBUX card for several years (since i'm part of a cashless society) and keep reloading as it goes down. A free coffee for every 10 cups I buy would IMHO, appeal to those of us who drink coffee but don't have two hours a day to soak up some free wi fi.
Posted by: I heart my baristas | June 05, 2008 at 11:41 AM
If I need to *buy* a card to use the "free" wifi for two hours, how is the wifi free??
Just now, I was connected to the Tmobile signal, and the login page kept redirecting to att's site. No way for me to login thru att bc I don't have an account with them. Took forever to get the tmobile login to not redirect. IDK what that was about.
I might have to start going to Panera...They undertsand what "free wifi" means. I have no problem with paying for wifi (as I am with tmobile). I do have a problem with a service being advertised as free and then being told that I need to purchase something in order to receive it.
Posted by: liz | June 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Anyone know about the WiFi situation in Canadian stores?
Free WiFi would be a great benefit as the HotSpot rates are $8/day.
I find myself avoiding SBUX stores in favor of shops with complimentary WiFi service.
Posted by: CapMan | June 15, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Nobody in my Starbucks has a clue how to access the free 2 hours. Can't even access the att.com website after registering at home. I'm returning my card and using another coffee shop!
Posted by: Sailguy | July 06, 2008 at 06:27 PM