Short-Term Benefits
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and Starbucks is the world’s largest brand. As the company’s prices vary significantly by region and establishment, it’s important to understand exactly how much a large cup of coffee costs. Prices can range from around $2 for a basic cup of drip coffee up to $5 for a specialty espresso drink or latte. The size and ingredients also play a role in the cost of the drink, with larger sizes, additional syrups and added whipped cream often adding a surcharge of a few cents to the cost.
The convenience of purchasing a cup of the retailer’s signature brew from a Starbucks shop is one of the main reasons customers choose them over other locations. As of 2019, the company had over 30,000 stores operating worldwide across 75 countries, creating a ubiquitous and global presence. Starbucks also offers drive-through options for those who need to get their coffee on the go. Finally, most stores also offer a mobile ordering app, making it easier than ever to get your cup of joe delivered to your doorstep.
Economic Advantages
The Starbucks brand has provided a multitude of economic advantages, both in terms of job creation and global revenue. The company currently employs over 350,000 people, with a significant portion of those jobs located in rural areas that have limited access to higher paying positions. Along with the potential for career advancement and benefits, Starbucks has also created a strong presence in local economies. The retail chain often offers community members an incentive to shop locally with discounts and loyalty rewards, in addition to creating jobs that pay livable wages and provide health insurance, something many small businesses like independent coffee shops cannot afford to offer.
As far as global revenue goes, Starbucks has been steadily increasing its profits since its birth in the early 1970s, with 2018 being one of the company’s most prosperous years, netting over $24 billion dollars. Significantly, the company has been able to consistently maintain its prices over the years, and its large cup of joe still falls into the less expensive and budget-friendly category despite retail prices being significantly higher throughout the country.
Price Comparison
Although Starbucks may not always be the most affordable option for take-out coffee, it often sits firmly in the middle of the price range. For example, independent shops can often provide cheaper options for those on a tight budget, but when it comes to quality or convenience, Starbucks usually comes out on top. That being said, customers can usually find a few other coffee shops that provide similar services for a slightly cheaper price.
On the other end of the spectrum, visitors to expensive cities like London and Tokyo can sometimes find prices higher than Starbucks’, with independent stores offering specialty espresso drinks and lattes at a higher price point. When in doubt, price checking can be incredibly helpful when deciding how to order a cup of coffee, and it helps to understand the local pricing system and how that translates to international cost variations.
Environmental Impacts
When it comes to making the right choice for both your wallet and the environment, it is important to consider other factors than just price. As with most businesses, Starbucks uses a variety of plastic and paper products to package its food and drinks. The company offers customers a 10 cents off discount when they bring in their own coffee tumbler, and some stores will even refill customer’s tumblers for the same price as their to-go cup.
To help the environment further, customers can make a conscious decision to use their own coffee filters or purchase biodegradable coffee bags for their brewing needs. Additionally, some Starbucks locations offer plant-based milk and reusable cups in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and significantly contribute to the health and conservation of our planet.
Long-Term Goals
The Starbucks brand is also investing in long-term goals such as sustainable sourcing, ethical hiring practices and responding to environmental emergencies in their coffee-growing regions. Starbucks has also taken initiatives to improve water and energy efficiency in their stores nationwide, further reducing the company’s impact on the environment.
The company also engages with customers in a multitude of ways. From their Rewards Program, which provides discounts and special offers to members, to their Global Responsibly Sourced Sourcing Program, which operates at the farm level to source sustainably grown coffee, Starbucks has found ways to both satisfy customers and contribute to critical environmental issues.
Fair Trade Supplies
In addition to its corporate sustainability projects, Starbucks is also actively involved in supporting fair trade organizations and farmers in coffee-producing countries. The company offers a variety of blends from their Farmer Support Centers in Mexico, Colombia and South America in order to provide sustainable income for those who provide its beans. Starbucks also works with several organizations to ensure that the company’s products are ethically sourced, and that farmers are receiving a fair price for their beans.
Finally, Starbucks has created programs to help promote educational opportunities for farmers and their families, as well as help rebuild infrastructure in coffee-producing areas. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the coffee supply chain, as well as providing vital economic benefits to the communities.
On-Site Training
Starbucks also prides itself on offering on-site training to its employees, enabling them to gain more experience and advance their skills. Some of the company’s training initiatives include a “Green Apron” program, wherein they train their employees to be certified Baristas, as well as a “Partnership with Purpose” program that promotes job stability, career development, and valuable skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and resilience.
The company also makes an effort to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication or gone the extra mile for the customers or their colleagues. Their “Partner of the Year” program awards the successful industry professional a $5,000 scholarship, showing that Starbucks’ is willing to reward and honor their team’s hard work.
Financing Options
The company also offers a “Starbucks Card,” which enables customers to keep track of their purchases, load money on the card, and receive rewards and discounts. This provides customers with the convenience of being able to pay with their phone, through their account, or a combination of both.
Furthermore, for those who are unable to pay for their beverage in full, Starbucks allows customers to opt for a financing program to help cover the cost of their purchase. By providing immediate access to funds, the company can help customers cover the cost of their beverages without the need to be present at the store. To improve this offer, the company is now offering a “Pay It Forward” initiative, which allows customers to “Estimate the app and pay it forward” so that another person can buy a cup of coffee.
Reliable Services
In addition to its many other benefits, Starbucks provides customers with a predictably delicious cup of joe with reliable to-go services. Starbucks is known to consistently serve high quality coffee with consistent pricing, while simultaneously maintaining it’s commitment to being an ethical and sustainable company. Starbucks has been around for decades, due to its reliable services and popular drinks, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy the same spectacular coffee wherever they may be.
In an increasingly crowded field of coffee shops, companies and independent stores, the Starbucks brand stands out as one of the largest, most reliable and most established coffee sellers in the world. With its large cup of coffee providing customers with quality coffee and convenience, Starbucks is the perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts and novices alike.
