Background Information
Starbucks is a well-known coffee chain throughout the world. As one of the world’s most beloved brands, Starbucks offers a variety of high-quality coffee beans that are used in their stores and sold for home use. As with any branded product, Starbucks has developed specific prices for their coffee beans so that customers can make an informed decision when purchasing.
Prices of Starbucks Coffee Beans
Starbucks’ coffee beans range considerably in price depending on the flavor, region they’re sourced from, and packaging. For a 12 ounce package of Starbucks’ traditional house blend, you can expect to pay between $8.99 and $9.99. This is a widely accessible and affordable option for most customers. Their specialty blends — such as the espresso roast, Ethiopia, Veranda and Decaf — can cost up to $12.99 per 12-ounce package, reflecting a slightly higher price point than their house blend. When purchasing Starbucks’ coffee beans in larger-sized servings — such as an 18 or 24-ounce package — you can expect to pay a slightly reduced rate in order to encourage larger purchases.
Buying directly from Starbucks
Buying Starbucks coffee beans directly from their stores or their website is the most expensive purchasing option available. Purchasing coffee beans directly from the store will cost about $4 for a 12 -ounce package. If it is an online order, the cost increases to about $12 for the average pack.This is in part due to packaging, marketing and higher production costs. The benefits associated with buying directly from Starbucks extends beyond the actual cost of the coffee beans themselves. In addition, you get access to a wide range of flavors, ideas, and tips on using the coffee, as well as the option to purchase custom blends of your own.
Buying from Third-party Vendors
In addition to buying directly from Starbucks, you can save money by buying through third-party vendors. Supermarkets, department stores, and other vendors regularly stock Starbucks coffee beans at reduced prices. However, it may take some digging through their shelves to find the different types of Starbucks coffee beans, as many will only stock their house blend. You may also find special offers such as ‘buy one get one free’ or other discounted deals throughout the year if you’re willing to search for them.
Comparing Prices with Office Coffee Suppliers
For many offices and businesses, coffee from a large office coffee supplier can be significantly cheaper than Starbucks. This is due to the difference in pricing for coffee beans as large-scale suppliers are generally able to source them in bulk at a lower cost. They can also provide coffee in large containers ready for use in coffee makers and other machines. However, the flavor and quality of the coffee may not be as good as Starbucks’.
Analysis & Insights
Since Starbucks’ pricing is reflected in the quality of their products, those who don’t mind paying a bit more for a superior product should find that buying Starbucks coffee beans is worth the extra cost. However, for those who are more sensitive to price, there are many other options to consider. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, supermarkets, department stores and large-scale vendors can all provide discounts on Starbucks’ products. There is also the added benefit of searching for online deals or discounts throughout the year.
Organic & Fair Trade Options
For those wanting to pay a premium for organic or fair trade certified Starbucks coffee beans, prices can range from $13.99 for a 12-ounce package to $21.99 for a 24 -ounce package. These organic and fair trade certified beans come from responsible companies that use sustainable farming practices and organic growing mechanisms with the aim of being more environmentally friendly.
Bulk Pricing
If you are a regular customer of Starbucks, you may be able to avail of exclusive bulk pricing discounts. These discounts can apply to the purchase of large quantities of coffee beans in one transaction. These discounts can provide significant savings that may make up for the higher cost associated with Starbucks’ products.
Aluminum & Reusable Containers
Starbucks sells its coffee beans in a range of containers to help with storage. They also offer the option of purchasing beans in aluminum or reusable containers. Aluminum containers can hold up to 5lbs of beans, while their reusable containers come in two sizes – 4 and 5lbs – and are can be refilled with a variety of beans. Depending on your chosen type of container, a full package could range from $27.99 to $39.99.
Subscription Services
Finally, Starbucks also offers a subscription service which provides discounts on their coffee beans when you sign up on a regular basis. This ensures that you never run out of beans and can receive a discounted rate at the same time. Prices are dependent on the package and subscription length, but can range from $37.99 to $53.99 per refill.
