by Kerry Lutz, Financial Survival Network:
Starbucks keeps jacking up prices, slashing rewards, and making their loyalty program suck more every year. What used to be a cool spot with solid rewards now just feels like a money trap, where loyal customers are expected to spend more and get way less in return. Their brand? Totally wrecked by greed and bean counters.
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For years, Starbucks was the go-to spot for coffee lovers who knew they could count on the company to treat their loyalty with respect. They offered a simple rewards program, prices were manageable, and it felt like you were part of something more. Fast forward ten years, and Starbucks has gone from fostering community to fostering corporate greed. It’s not just about coffee anymore—it’s about how much they can squeeze from your wallet while giving you the least in return. If you’re still a loyal customer, brace yourself—Starbucks has been rewarding your loyalty with disloyalty.
The Relentless Price Hikes
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price increases. Over the past decade, Starbucks has ramped up prices every few years. In 2014, a medium-sized cappuccino set you back about $3.65. Now, in 2024, that same drink costs a whopping $5.25. That’s a 44% increase! Meanwhile, your paycheck probably hasn’t gone up by 44%. But for Starbucks, inflation and operational costs are just part of the excuse. Each price hike is just another way for them to cash in on their loyal customers.
Here’s a quick rundown of how they’ve bumped up prices over the years:
| Year | Price Increase | Examples |
| 2014 | 5-10 cents | Brewed coffee and espresso drinks slightly increased. |
| 2016 | 10-20 cents | Higher-end drinks like lattes and cappuccinos were hit. |
| 2018 | 10-30 cents | Specialty drinks, customizations saw an increase. |
| 2020 | 4-5% increase | Cold drinks and blended beverages became pricier. |
| 2021 | 3-5% increase | Brewed coffee and espresso continued to rise. |
| 2022 | 6-10% increase | Bigger hikes, driven by rising material costs. |
| 2023 | 5% increase | Inflation and supply chain issues drove more increases. |
| 2024 | 3-4% increase | Focused on iced drinks and customization charges. |
The Great Loyalty Program Betrayal
Starbucks didn’t just stop at price hikes. They’ve spent the last decade cutting back the very rewards that loyal customers once loved. Their Rewards Program—once the gold standard for customer appreciation—has been gutted by corporate greed. From quietly killing off the monthly free drink to making it harder to redeem points, Starbucks has systematically shredded what was once a customer-first program.
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