Why Hasn’t Starbucks Thought of Using Their Re-Loadable Cards This Way?

By Karri • Jul 14th, 2008 • Category: small business

And being the coffee thought leader that they are, maybe they have but are waiting to execute?

They’d better do it soon because I’m putting my idea out there for the world –including their competitors–to see. If I can buy a re-loadable Starbucks card and even go online to customize it, why can’t I buy say 100 of these suckers a year, make ‘em look like my business card and give them out as such ? Who doesn’t LOVE getting a Starbucks gift card? Even if you don’t like coffee, you can still use the gift card to buy other miscellaneous treats and baubles that are really quite delightful.

Talk about greasing the wheels at a networking event too. It’s so much easier to self promote if you can piggy back your message onto something tasty … and caffeinated.

Wake up Starbucks!

Oh, one more thing, Starbucks: when you do finally get around to executing what I think is a fantabulous idea if I do say so myself, for the love of God, please allow us Internet-y types to transact the whole thing on your website. Make it user friendly. Make it fun. Make it so I can save my design online. And give us a discount for ordering lots.

That’s my bit of marketing brilliance for today. Now I’m heading off to SB’s to get a latte. Bye.

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2 Responses »

  1. Jonathan W. Anderson on November 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm:

    That’s more than wonderful! I’ve been drinking Starbucks for nearly a decade, and have been running several of my own business for 5 years (online and offline). That would put us so far above, in the eyes of our consumers. You know, I have a friend who works for a marketing group at Starbuck corporate (we sang together in the Whitworth Choir). I think I could propose this to him…not sure it would fly, but maybe someday you’ll be able to purchase your Starbucks reloadable business cards!
    -J

  2. Karri on November 4th, 2008 at 12:14 am:

    Well that would be delightful. Thanks Jonathan! When you do propose it to him, tell him a marketing gal in Alberta sent ya ;-) And of course, keep me posted! I’ll be the first to sign on - promise.

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