Starbucks Marketing Strategy - Free Coffee!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 01:52PM When the coffee at McDonald’s was voted “better tasting than Starbucks”, Starbucks didn’t like it. But, rather than sit back and “take it”, they decided to fight back and that’s good news for coffee drinkers! Tomorrow morning, Starbucks will be giving away 12 oz coffee to anyone who asks for one between 10 AM and 12PM. Yep, free coffee!
The “giveaway” strategy is the same one that McDonald’s used when they introduced their organic brew. You could get a free small coffee from McDonald’s simply for the asking. Personally, the free sample that I got was what made me a fan of McDonald’s coffee.
Undoubtedly, Starbucks is following in McDonald’s footsteps. I think that’s a good thing. Free coffee. I’m wondering if they’ve changed their brew, as well. Otherwise, why would they give away coffee that’s been voted less tasty than McDonald’s? Being generous isn’t going to keep customers loyal. Good coffee and a fair price will. The days of high-priced gourmet coffee are quickly fading. Higher gas prices, higher insurance and utility bills, are quickly eating up any money Americans might have to spend on coffee. Don’t believe it? A report on CNN today says that 19% of people making $100,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck.
So, if you’re near a Starbucks tomorrow between 10 AM and PM, why not get in line and get yourself a free cup. But, be sure to get there early, so you don’t have to stand behind a long line of YouTube computer techs. :)
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