Starbucks Cuts Some Prices, Raises Others

Reader Comments

Back to blog

I guess I have to admit it that I am fed up with the latest rise of Starbucks prices. We are in the middle of a recession don't ya know, but still Starbucks has its prices going up. Its a sad day for me to say that after the past four years or more of being a loyal customer, daily consumer of Starbuck lattes - I announce to you today I am saying goodbye.

TigerBlade of CA 7:27PM August 29, 2009

Interestingly enough, I think it's a great idea. Starbucks hasn't been doing "Premium Brand things" for a while...

http://whowhatwherewheny.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/starbucks-raises-prices-will-it-work/

Dev of CA 8:05PM August 24, 2009

Hmmmm, let's see here a 3lb bag of starbucks roasted coffee beans from Costco cost me about $9 bucks. It lasts me about a month as I grind enough for 3 days at a time(about how long it lasts in t freezer before it begins to lose it's richness. I pour the water in my own coffee maker at home and while it percolates I get the hug my kids and take out the trash and grab the paper. So my total time cost is about 3 minutes a day and my total $ for the equivalent of a

"venti" for my wife and me is less than $1.

I didn't waste time or gas in a drive through or time going inside. It's always brewed the way I like it, I get to enjoy the aroma of fresh brewed in my home (part of that Pavlovian response that "wakes" me up). I can enjoy the coffee while I listen to the pleasant chatter of my children or while I help them with their homework. When I get to the office I am not worrying about the coffee in my hand. Nor did I contribute another plastic lined cardboard cup to a landfill.

I do miss the variety of different coffees one can get at the local Starbucks but I can always get a 1/4 or 1/2 pound of something fresh at the market when I really need a change.

I kinda miss seeing and being seen...you know what I mean? But,over a year's time I've saved (conservatively - regular coffee only at $1.90 x 5 day/wk x 50 weeks) more than $350. I like seeing that in my bank account while still enjoying good coffee.

It's no brainer in my mind. Wake up and smell the coffee people.

Keith Kerberq of AZ 1:25AM August 22, 2009

I can buy whatever I want with the money I earn. Do I buy it to impress, absolutely, I'm impressed every morning how good it tastes! If you want to drink Folgers, go right ahead. Also, shop at Walmart while you are at it. It's cheap thinking that allows companies to work their employees silly and not give them any benefits. I buy my coffee every morning and discuss with my favorite Barista her kids. They have health insurance though Starbucks because I choose quality coffee and ethical comppanies that give fair wages and benefits.

Angela Halloran of NE 2:35PM August 21, 2009

A coffee a day. Just $5.00 time 365! Yow! That's money! As aan old retired school teacher, I could never afford that! I bought a house instead!

In Hawaii yet!

Aooha,

Uncle Jim

Jim Curtice of HI 2:34PM August 21, 2009

Starbucks should be commended for taking a very small item of daily necessity, and transforming it, by essentially playing a "class" game (you belong or you do not)- I have yet to see men (women) in overalls and soiled shirts, workboots, etc. walk into one of these....... I would say no mater how much they lower, they will NEVER get any part of this business.

The regular customers (who still go to Starbucks) do not give a ******* about a 5 penny or a dime difference in price: Argument - let Starbucks RAISE their prices overall, by say even a quarter ($0.25) that will not affect the number of lattes, drip coffe, etc. served. Such "moneyed" folks will continue to do what they have been doing since Daddy Warbucks and Annie first met; and such folks would move, surely,

Sheeraz of TX 2:31PM August 21, 2009

Screw Starbucks. Make your own coffee or buy it anywhere else. There's no need to pay so much for a cup of java.

Mark of AL 1:41PM August 21, 2009

but people making less than $100,000 a year (or maybe $200,000, depending on expenses) should never darken their doors. Why?

Because unless you're buying that drink as an "investment" to impress important people for "selling yourself in a business setting" reasons, the cost is not sensible. There is always a lost opportunity cost of money spent on one thing that might have been spent or invested in other things.

Coffee is coffee. Folgers instant is pretty good. Most any kind brewed in a pot is fine.

Muser of NM 10:41AM August 21, 2009

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, is the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back. Send her your personal finance questions.


advertisement

Latest Video

advertisement