If you have ordered a drink from Starbucks recently, you may have found an uplifting and personalized message written on your cup, such as “Slay the day!” or “U R A STAR!” Have these messages positively changed your mood? Or were you annoyed that you could have gotten your drink sooner if the barista hadn’t taken the time to think of and write an unnecessary message on your cup? Either way, these new handwritten messages on Starbucks cups have raised controversy with many Starbucks customers.
Starbucks just recently implemented many new ‘benefits’ to their facilities, including condiment bars, free refills, and – perhaps the most controversial – handwritten messages on cups. Starbucks switched from printing stickers with the customers’ order and name on them to handwriting personalized and inspirational messages in an attempt to bring more customers through the door. The new CEO, Brian Niccol, hopes to boost sales by making more customers feel welcome in Starbucks. However, will this new strategy actually attract more customers?
One long-lasting problem in most Starbucks facilities across the country is that the wait to receive your simple coffee has become increasingly longer. This is due to the significant amount of orders coming in and the fact that Starbucks is understaffed. Niccol instructs all Starbucks employees to think of and write a unique message for each paying customer. Customers are worried that this will only add to the wait time, and they are upset that these messages that don’t matter are taking up more time. Many customers don’t pay attention or even notice the messages because of the fact that they are ordering a coffee – not a meaningless affirmation.
Another problem Starbucks customers face is the prices. Starbucks is widely known to have expensive and overpriced menu items. To ensure enough markers to write countless messages, Starbucks had to invest in 200,000 Sharpies, which raises concerns as to whether Starbucks needs to continue raising their prices even more in order to accommodate the spent money. Customers are also irritated that Starbucks is focusing on handwritten messages rather than the more significant problem, such as lowering prices so that more people can afford a coffee. More people are wondering why Starbucks doesn’t lower prices if they want to succeed in attracting more customers.
Not only are the customers unhappy, but the baristas aren’t so thrilled about having to think of and write a personalized and cheery message on each person’s cup. Having to think of different messages to write on the many cups takes more time and effort. It also adds to the list of requirements Starbucks workers are expected to follow. In addition, many Starbucks workers feel forced to build unnecessary connections with customers. However, many customers misinterpret messages on the cups, such as being too “flirtatious.” Customers are even worried that these messages could damage relationships. In response, baristas are cautious with messages, making some notes seem too “stiff” or not uplifting enough, which questions the point.
Despite the controversy around these handwritten notes, some customers do gain more of a confidence boost after reading the messages or seem to enjoy their visit to Starbucks more. What do YOU think about these inspirational handwritten messages?
By Eloisa Pap ‘30, Clubs and Classes Editor
