Starbucks accused of rigging payments in app for nearly $900 million gain over 5 years by consumer watchdog group::Washington Consumer Protection Coalition complains to Washington state attorney general.

    • them@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      I know too many people that think Starbucks is the only place that makes good coffee and refuse to go anywhere else. No, you like strong roasts, lots of sugar, and plenty of advertising, most of which you can get anywhere else if you just ask.

      • paf0@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        My local coffee scene is basically different versions of Dunkin Donuts, even the indie places have old coffee with chemical flavors. There is one place that serves a tasty espresso shot but it has inconsistent hours and is a 20 minute drive. Starbucks is closer and the app is super convenient.

        We don’t all live in big cities with lots of options and Starbucks fills the void.

        • frunch@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          Have you tried brewing your own at home? I’ve gotten into making fresh cups using a single-cup Clever Dripper setup and grind the beans as needed. Soooooo much better than DD/Starbucks and very easy to make. It does take time though (approx 6-7 mins to make a cup start to finish) and a bit of $ to get started (maybe about $100 for dripper, kettle, filters, and beans), but i can’t imagine how much money i would have wasted on so-so (or worse) coffee bought at DD/Starbucks/etc everyday.

          • danthehutt@lemmy.world
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            11 months ago

            Either a thrifted moka pot or an Aeropress is king in this situation, imo. Super cheap, low barrier of entry, and leaves money for a decent grinder in the budget. Not to mention the super short brew time which is key for a lot of people.

            Also, get a hand frother! Life changer for making your home cuppa feel higher class.

          • paf0@lemmy.world
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            11 months ago

            Yes, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone else make it, and to hang out somewhere that’s not my home office.

            • frunch@lemmy.world
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              11 months ago

              Not saying i never buy coffee while I’m out! I just don’t have to go out and buy it every time i want a good cup… And i love a good cup of coffee, lol 💖

              Just throwing it out there–good coffee is easy to make!

        • them@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          This sounds reasonable to me. Starbucks is everywhere. But when you do have options they’re far from the top choice.

          You could have a look around to see if you have any local coffee roasters and then find out who they supply to try and get something a lot fresher.

      • SlopppyEngineer@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Coffee flavored lemonade. Last time I went to a Starbucks I asked for just a black coffee, and the look they gave me really expressed the “dirty peasants and their inferior coffee taste” sentiment. Now I just make coffee at home to bring along.

        • GunValkyrie@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          That’s weird. Most Starbucks workers I know love when people order black coffee. It’s the easiest to make.

          • FontMasterFlex@lemmy.world
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            11 months ago

            You’re right. @slopppyEngineer is just projecting their own misconceptions. Source: was a Barista at Starbucks.

      • trolololol@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        This is helpful. It says unless you plant your own food you’re probably almost sure for real giving money to bad companies.

      • moistclump@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Tough to memorize. At what point is it just easier to list the good companies we don’t have to avoid?

      • SinningStromgald@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        I only drink filtered tap water and I take my water bottle everywhere so I don’t have to worry about that.

  • FontMasterFlex@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    This is nothing new. Why do you think damn near any place will sell you a gift card? Because even IF someone uses it, there’s almost always some left on the card, OR people spend over the amount, spending more than they would have originally. They are literally a ‘can’t lose’ for businesses.

    • xor@sh.itjust.works
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      11 months ago

      in California, all gift cards $10 or less can be redeemed for cash.

      you may have to argue with employees and management, but its the law… it’s also a misdemeanor for the cashier to refuse it to you.

        • xor@sh.itjust.works
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          11 months ago

          oh ive been there.
          i had the manager at a mcdonalds refuse me once, so i ended up showing him the law on my phone… which didn’t convice them… so i emailed corporate, who called me back, and the store… and then the store had the law printed on the window at the entrance…
          the next time i tried it there, had to still get a manager who said “i’ll just do it this one time”
          and i kept letting him know that i know he has to every time…

      • Kbobabob@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        (b)(1) Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder

        Not just under 10

        • xor@sh.itjust.works
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          11 months ago

          there’s more to that:

          Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder.4 Effective January 1, 2008, any gift certificate with a cash value of less than $10 is redeemable in cash, which includes currency or check, for its cash value.

  • 93maddie94@lemm.ee
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    11 months ago

    Do EZ-Pass next. I’m tired of getting charged $35 every time my account dips below the $5 threshold or whatever it is.

  • ben_dover@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    i went to Rome recently, and one might argue that Italy has the best coffee in the world. the queue at Starbucks went out of and around the building.

    • insert agitated Jackie Chan meme
    • Shard@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      You can even get a decent freshly ground and brewed expresso out of a vending machine. Why you would go to Starbucks in Italy.