What fun to get a coupon in the mail for 15% off merchandise at Starbucks! (Valid beginning November 16, 2010) Now that is the kind of perk I like. Thank you My Starbucks Rewards. For the record, my coupon will quickly be used on Christmas Blend whole bean coffee, the Huxley Mouse, and Christmas Blend Via Ready Brew.
For those of you reading this blog post and feeling confused, My Starbucks Rewards is the loyalty program that Starbucks has through their card. A customer simply needs to get a Starbucks card (meaning any gift card), load money on it, register the card, and use it to pay for purchases while at any participating Starbucks. You can use ANY card to be a part of My Starbucks Rewards. Many people have a confused belief that once you have reached the Gold card level, you’re required to switch and use that card. This is simply not true. There is no extra perk associated with that specific card.
Once a customer is at the “Gold” level of rewards, he or she starts receiving free drink coupons and other coupons in the mail. From my perspective, it’s nice to have a reward that offers a little variety, and that’s why I love getting the coupons like the 15% off coupon. Of course who doesn’t like a free drink, but variety is the spice of life. And a reward that is always a free drink coupon sort of loses its element of surprise and delight after a while. It stops being a surprise when you know what is coming in the mail.
On November 4, 2010, Starbucks announced fourth quarter earning results for fiscal 2010. I streamed the webcast of this at investor.starbucks.com. Interestingly, Howard Schultz provided listeners with some interesting trivia about the success of My Starbucks Rewards and the Starbucks card in general. (Thank you Howard Schultz. What perfect timing). Did you know that there are about 1,250,000 Gold My Starbucks Rewards level members, and the program is only about ten months old? (My Starbucks Rewards officially went live December 26, 2009). More than two million people have joined My Starbucks Rewards since its inception. During fiscal 2010, Starbucks customers loaded 1.5 billion dollars onto the @StarbucksCard, 20% greater than fiscal 2009! I thought those were all interesting facts!
So you too can be a part of My Starbucks Rewards. It’s easy to do. And you will soon be getting coupons just like the ones featured here! What would you use your 15% off coupon for?
(Want to win a $5.00 Starbucks gift Card? Be one of the first 10 people to leave a comment in this thread or any other StarbucksMelody.com thread AND to tweet this blog post with “@SbuxMel” somewhere in the tweet. Must have a United States address, be over the age of eighteen, and must strictly be one of the first 10 to comment and tweet this. Contest ends at 11 a.m. (PST) or when all gift cards have been given away, whichever is earlier.).
Thank you to Molly at Seattle Custom Framing for the help with the pics for this post.
This is an open thread. Feel free to talk about anything Starbucks related. Test products? Christmas merchandise? Via Ready Brew? MyStarbucksIdea? The new partner only community Starbucks site? Coffee? You name it…
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Yay! I got this certificate too and I cannot wait to use it and see the rest of the Christmas stuff! I wonder which cup design they will choose for the the ceramic mug they do that looks like the red cup….there are 2 Grande designs this year that I know of.
Also I just ordered an Espresso machine, so I think that Christmas blend espresso roast is a definite need 🙂
Hi Melody, I got mine in the mail this week too, and plan to SHARE (since that seems to be the big theme this season) it with the first customer that walks in Tuesday morning and purchases merchandise. I didn’t think the new Starbucks reward program was going to be all that great as compared to the original black gold card, but it turns out that it’s even better- at least it seem so to me.
I am really HOPING for this coupon. (not yet) I would definitely make some plans for it.
I received one of these coupons in the mail as well. It was such a surprise since I’m used to only receiving drink coupons. My coupon’s going on a bag of Christmas Blend. If the Christmas ornaments were back out, I would be using the coupon on those too.
I want my coupon! So far it’s been just the drink coupons and the random “get it before the rest of the world does” email.
I love Starbucks and their rewards programs. Thanks for this blog! I just got an email with a coupon for their new ice cream flavor!
P.S. am I the only one who tries to save as many free drink coupons as possible before I have to use them? I’m up to 4 now. 🙂
I Cannot wait to use it to stock up on christmas blend, thanksgiving blend and espresso blend. Yes, I want to buy all three, I really can’t decide on which one I want so I’m going to get all three 🙂 I might actually buy a few more bags of christmas blend because for the last 6 years, every Christmas I buy my mother in law a few bags of Christmas Blend- it’s the gift that keeps on giving 🙂
Mel- do you know if the coupon could be used more than once in that time period?
I just love reading your blogs Melody so don’t give it up. Gotta get going to the lake now but I’m tweeting this and hope I did it right. I always wondered what that button was for. Oops busses won’t wait and as I get older my magic feet aren’t as magic as they used to be and I can’t run after busses anymore so Bye.
Whoa! I have a lot of “Amy B” right now. Confusing. @AmyB – I think it is a one time use coupon. I noticed that the price of the newest reserve coffee jumped – The Ethiopia Ky Kybero is like $18.95 a half pound, so the 15% coupon will be very helpful. I may buy a couple pounds of it. I’m planning on giving some of it away.
Okay I have to run soon, but just catching up on the contest:
1. Hayley (@wildflower_eyes) – winner
2. DeniseR – Winner -because I owe you my friend!
3. GAStarbucksgirl – Did you tweet this?
4. Dana (@dragynally) – Winner
5. Coffeevanilla (@coffeevanilla) – Winner
6. AmyBrandt (@amy123) – Winner
7. AmyB (@amyablue) – Winner
8. Steve you have to make a comment that is on one of my threads – A Starbucks topic. Not about you learning how to tweet this and missing the bus – And I don’t see that you tweeted this.
By my count, 5 more gift cards to go…
Great post. I enjoy the Rewards program, but I think they shortchange the gold member and need to badly review now their rewards. I also think MSI needs to be revamped. 15% off coupon? Not yet by me.
I LOVE My Starbucks Rewards. Especially because you can use any registered Starbucks card! I have several I’ve gotten over the years that are special to me. Plus, I kind of think they could’ve done better on the actual gold card design…I liked the black one better! I think it would be awesome if once you reach gold level status, you could order any of the cards they sell online and have them personalize it for you. I’m often torn between being proud of my gold card status and wanting to use the personalized card, and having another Starbucks card that I like better! Haha. Maybe it’s just me… 😉
Anyway, love the 15% off merch coupon! I’ll keep an eye out for mine in the mail! 🙂
I never get the special coupons, but I am starting to get the emails!
Even better than 1 coupon? TWO coupons! My husband and I are both gold card members, so we each get one. I always get to use the coupons (even free drinks!) because my drinks are usually more expensive than his. 🙂
Haven’t gotten a 15% card yet. But I do have my gold card as well. can’t wait, cause i want to get Huxley as well, and the Xmas via. I am glad that the company has much love for the consumers of their products.
I have not yet gotten one, and have no room for a cute mouse – tempting to buy him for a toy drive though
I nearly forgot, since it’s an open thread
who else is excited to get their paws on full leaf TAZO JOY tea?
oh I forgot about joy. cannot wait to have a cup of joy tea again this year
I might pick up another bag of the Anniversary blend, if I can still find it. It has really grown on me since my time with it this year 🙂
I am still crossing my fingers that a few partners will come by and fill us in and how that community partner-only website link (I posted in the blog article) is shaping up … Does it look like it wil be more of a success than V2V?
I am only 2 stars away from earning the GOLD level!!! WooHoo!!! Have loved finding your website and will be in Seattle Thanksgiving week! My goal is to try to catch you in a downtown Seattle Starbucks!! I do follow you on Twitter and gave you a FF shout-out!!
LESLEE it is so refreshing when you hit that gold level and get a card wtihyour name printed on it. i am 43 yrs old and when i got it, I was like a kid on Christmas morning.
Yep Melody, I Tweeted 🙂 You know me, I Tweet every thought in my pretty little head LOL
Hey! Everyone needs to try the new Espresso Roast Christmas Blend when it arrives next Tuesday morning (U.S. stores) I think it’s even better than Christmas Blend. It’s the same beans, only roasted longer. It’s delicious, and very smooth!
I just recently enrolled in the rewards program and got a Starbucks (RED) card but I really wish I would have done it a looong time ago. I’m still on green level though but I can’t wait to get to gold level and get my Gold Card!
Looking forward to all the Christmas coffees
Hi all! I just have a minute before this CLE begins. @leslee – I sure hope I am following you back on twitter! Sounds like you will miss the event on the 19th. @michael -using the (red) card is for a good cause. Don’t switch and use the Gold one. There is no requirement to switch!!
@hayley, @deniser, @gastarbucksgirl,@dragynally,@amybrandt,@amyb,@purple1@pencil_to_paper,@elly,@merryncole,@tim,@amazonv
^winners
CONTEST NOW CLOSED
Melody- That’s why I chose the (RED) card! But I believe the (RED) program is ending at the end of the year. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
@Michael – I don’t think it is ending…my Starbucks just got in a super cute new Red card. It has a black and white design on it, and a red heart with the (red) on it. It was created by Jonathan Alder. I think that means the program will continue for another year.
Open thread question – What are the thoughts on the Nicaragua Corcasan reserve coffee? That is one I have been wanting to try, it the notes in it sound good…I’m not in a reserve area but I have gotten to try a few. 🙂 I wonder if that one is worth ordering?
I have been thinking about what I would use the 15% off coupon and if I can still find them I would buy these great glasses that are a bit heavy but nice to hold. Fewer stores have them in stock. And also maybe some tea!
Oh, oh! I know what I’m gonna buy when I get my 15% coupon! I’m gonna buy another reusable cold cup. LOVE those!
Pencil to paper-
I thought about that too because the one that I had from this summer cracked on the inside but it still works. I thought about it and then I told myself I don’t need one because 1. mine still works and 2. I don’t really drink cold coffee and tea in the summer time. I think living in Boston has something to do with the latter. I do want one with the peppermint straw- its so cute
Amy B.—
I bought one with the peppermint straw last year! I love it. I wonder if they’re selling the replacement straws online in the peppermint colors. 🙂
I really don’t need another one either. I have two—a grande and a venti—and both are in great condition. I just like ’em way too much… 😀
Michael,
That card may be retired end of year, but sb has partnered with red through at least the next 8, so there will likely be a new card next year 🙂
tanx for your ‘rewards’ Melody, altho honestly, I didn’t even notice that when I first read thru quickly.
about the 15% off merchandise (which I still have not received, even after today’s mail:(, I was kind of thinking it has to be used on “merchandise”, which I always thought did NOT include coffee. ??? anyone?
Denise-
On the coupon, it says you can use it with whole bean coffee. I got this reward last year (don’t remember if it was at this time of the year or not) but I used it on coffee with no issues 🙂 HTH
Thanx Amy B for the info, however, after e-mailing Cecile, I was just told: this was given to a ‘select group of reward members’ based on their …..? and activity. And so, altho after 20+yrs, every single day at least ONE drink that I shouldn’t even be getting so regularly, buying any Reserve (formerly Black Apron) coffee that I think is good enough, and tons of gifts, etc……….
I’m done. I’ll be saving LOTS of $$$$ and I really can live w/out them.
btw, I got that coupon too last yr, when I still had the origianl black card, and used it on gifts.
so sorry for the rant but I am soooo disappointed (about the COMPANY!)
Melody, I’ll be sending you that precious Christmas (‘it’s a wonderful store’) cap. You should have it anyway.
@amazonv – I am VERY excited about the return of Joy. Looks like it’s going to be full leaf this year. (Have you ever tried Tazo Montage?)
@deniser – I have not received this post card either. Maybe they haven’t reached Chicago yet?
Denise, I knew when I started this blog post that there was no way that 1,250,000 people got the coupon. I would hope that if a loyal customer contacts Starbucks, that someone will just be empowered to send out a card. Better to give 15% off than lose a customer. I honestly dont know how many, or what percentage, got this card. Gotta run right now.
Well no card for me either so I must be on somebody’s “naughty list” 😉 .
Criteria must be random as my Daughter received a discount card and her purchases are no where near her addicted Dad.
I am carefully analyzing Starbucks recent business decisions and how much I have spent this past year. I am brewing/pressing more at home and have found several excellent craft roasters that provide superior beans. Starbucks may have “jumped the shark”. A business can get too big.
I really appreciate many of the Baristas at my favorite Starbucks and will have to figure out a way to give them a year-end reward. They are working extremely hard under deteriorating working coniditions. I do not sense the holiday excitement in them this year (having to work around boxes of holiday stuff clogging the backroom and even floor space at the back of the public area–they are not looking forward to setup).
Lines and waits are long and a fair number of walk-outs. The Store Manager says counts are below last year.
Time to put on my happy face 😀
I beg and plead with my regular customers to sign up to the Rewards Program. It’s ridiculous the amount of money you can save… *sigh*
Great post! Hopefully your readers will catch on and sign up (if they haven’t already! Slow pokes! 😛 )
What’s the deal with not giving EVERY REGISTERED CARD HOLDER a 15% off coupon? I mean come on it isn’t forever and expires in a couple of weeks I think and Starbucks isn’t losing anything because they still make the rest which is 85% and look how much good will it creates for Starbucks by giving registered card holders a little gift. I really can’t believe how cheap Starbucks really has become. I received a 15% off coupon and after reading Dad Cook’s and Denise’s posts I know I spend far less than they do. Come on Starbucks if you can afford to pay Howard an unrealistic $14,700,000.00 salary I think you can afford to extend thia limited 15% off to every registered card holder. In fact I think Starbucks can afford to give gold card holders a 10% discount like with the black card instead of a free drink after 15 purchches that must be swiped separately which is reaally no reward at all.
Now that I have had my rant 😉 , here is a happy story and a leason.
Earlier this week my Daughter mentioned that one of my favorite Baristas, “H”, had made her an awesome Gingerbread Latte. I recommended that she be sure and tell “H” the next time she was in. The next day I go in for my usual morning routine and “H” is at the bar and beaming, she hollers out to me that my Daughter is awesome (my Daughter is very shy, but she has a way with words and expression).
When I get up to the register the crowd is gone (I was last in a rush) so “H” comes over to talk. “H” is an example of the Perfect Legendary Partner. She relates to me how important customer satisfaction is to her. When she started out in a drive-thru store many years ago she was surprised at how many people (drive-thru especially) had to have drinks remade. She vowed to herslf that she was going to learn how to be a perfect Barista in her customers opinion. (Now this was in a day that Starbucks provided a lot more time for training.) Well “H” says it took her year of hard work and study, but she got to that “zero-defect” point and strives every day to make every drink a memorable one.
My story telling cannot do justice to the pride “H” shows in her job and how much her efforts improve her customers’ day.
“H” is one of three Baristas at my favorite store that really know what they are doing. Occassionally all three are on at once and you will not see a better running “machine”. Even with just one of them on there is a noticeable improvement, they more than carry their weight and then some.
Being a Barista is not an easy job, but the difference between a Barista and a barista is Positive Attitude no matter what–it makes a hard job enjoyable on both sides of the counter.
Thanks for listening, I now return Meldoy’s Blog to her (sorry to take advantage of “open lines”). 😉
What a great story DadCooks, thanks for sharing! We do really appreciate all the great, hard working Starbucks Baristas out there!
Melody, I’m sad to say that I would not have known anything about the existence of this new Starbucks community partner-only website had you not blogged about it :-/ how did I miss that?
Starbucks should really do those rewards interenational…there are also great customers outside the U.S….:D
I’m convinced no matter what Starbucks does, there is no way a company that large and popular can make everyone happy. Some people are still hung up on the newI gold card. I see it as not every coffee shop gives its customer rewards. For instance, if you are a regular customer at Peets, you would know that.
I guess I just appreciate the Starbucks rewards card and it sucks that everyone didn’t get one, but I’m sure if you contacted Starbucks, they would give you one.
well, sadly, I DID contact Sbux and they have no intention of sending out…at least to me….the 15% coupon. as I’ve said, 20+yrs, lots and lots of $$$ spent and praises sung, and I am not included in this.
20+ YEARS! of nearly everyday, unless I was (Ican’t even remember when) sick.
hugely disappointed with the company that I NO longer feel so damn loyal to.
🙁