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Why Is Starbucks So Expensive? (Not Just Their Coffees)

We all love Starbucks. We love Starbucks for their great coffees, their cakes and hot sandwiches, but there is one major problem which seems to make everyone hesitate. Expense.

Why Is Starbucks So Expensive

Although they have an array of warming drinks and food, it would be a lie to say that Starbucks is cheap.

Starbucks is an American multinational coffeehouse chain with over 30,000 stores in 80 countries, 15,000 of those stores located in the United States.

From this, it is safe to say Starbucks is the ultimate coffeehouse and a coffeehouse which is hard to defeat. But why is it so expensive?

There are a variety of reasons as to why Starbucks is so expensive, and we are not just talking about the price of their coffees.

Starbucks is a famous known coffeehouse based all over the world and with time they made a name for themselves.

Founded in 1971, Starbucks has grown into a popular establishment, gaining the love and attention of many coffeehouse lovers.

Below, we will be listing some of the main reasons as to why Starbucks is such an expensive establishment.

Customer Loyalty

One of the biggest reasons for Starbucks’ high prices is because of their customer loyalty.

Since their founding year, Starbucks has gradually rose to success, growing a large fanbase and millions of loyal customers worldwide.

Because of this loyalty shown by customers, Starbucks has no need to lower their prices for customers will still purchase from their coffeehouse.

As well as this, it can be argued that the higher prices somewhat make the facility more appealing. This is because it shows that the brand is successful, high scale, and worth counting on.

The money made also allows Starbucks to continue to flourish and this is something that those millions of loyal customers want.

Store Location

It is rare for a person to walk out their door and not find a Starbucks a few blocks away. That is the great thing about the coffeehouse – it’s always there.

Their easy and convenient access is due to the locations which have been specifically picked out by a team of people.

Ways To Make Starbucks Affordable For You

These locations mean more customers and a better customer rating. However, real estate is expensive, and Starbucks needs the funds in order to generate these stores, meaning they need to charge more.

But with customers willing to pay, Starbucks have not had many problems.

Caffeine

Caffeine is addictive, and with a coffeehouse right around the corner consumed with coffee, anyone will pay anything to have their morning dose.

It helps people to wake up and make it through the day and because people can’t say no to coffee, the prices are nothing to worry about.

As well as this, people are willing to pay for a good quality cup of coffee and that is the one thing Starbucks can guarantee.

Starbucks didn’t grow to become what it is today just from luck. They grew because of hard work, dedication, and great tasting coffee.

Sustainable

Starbucks is a company focused on sustainability, and they work hard to do what is best for the environment.

It is their goal to reduce their carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and this is something which their customers will admire.

People want to support a company which looks at the bigger picture, even if that means spending a little more than average at this coffeehouse.

Convenience

To simply put it, Starbucks is convenient. Whilst it is true that making a coffee and grilled cheese at home is cheap and efficient, it is just so much easier to walk to your nearby Starbucks and have a trained barista do the work for you.

Not only is this helpful because of the strategically placed locations, but it is also helpful if you are in a rush, late to school or to an important meeting.

Having that ability to walk to a Starbucks or take a quick drive to your coffeehouse makes people have less issues with the price.

Ways To Make Starbucks Affordable For You

Although Starbucks is a pricey establishment, this doesn’t have to be the case for everyone. Starbucks care for their loyal customers and do not look to take advantage with their prices.

There are things which you as a loyal customer can do to make your experience at Starbucks affordable.

Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks offers a rewards service which allows their customers to have great incentives such as deals and even free drinks.

Simply download their app, collect stars, and depending on how many stars you collect you will be able to receive a reward.

Starbucks Disposable Cup

That reward can be anything from a free Starbucks coffee to deals and free refills. If you reach gold status, customers can also receive a free drink as a birthday gift.

Bring Your Own Cup

Did you know that if you bring your own cup into a Starbucks, they will knock ten cents off your drink price?

This may seem like a miniscule amount however every cent helps, and if you have the chance to get money off your everyday morning coffee then grab hold of that opportunity.

Ask For An Extra Cup

One thing you can do to make Starbucks cheaper for you is to order a venti and ask for an extra cup.

This is because the price of two separate drinks is more expensive even if you are getting the same amount as one venti.

Essentially, by purchasing two separate drinks for yourself and a friend, you are spending more when a venti is cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it is clear how expensive Starbucks can be. However, with such loyal customers and a strong brand, this is not something many people care about.

So long as they are receiving good service and great coffee, people don’t mind spending that extra money.

As well as this, Starbucks work to make prices achievable for everyone, starting with their effective rewards system.

When supporting Starbucks, you can be sure that you will receive service and great coffee which is worth the extra spend.

Jess Smith
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