Why do people like to go to Starbucks?

Question

What is it about the Starbucks "experience" that makes people want to spend around $2 or more on a coffee when it can be made at home for cheaper?

Answer 1

Starbucks isn't really about selling coffee. The majority of what they sell is milk and sugar concoctions, most of which would be difficult at best to duplicate at home. Who can froth milk into a cappuccino on their stove at home? Who has the right guar gum emulsifier mix in their pantry to keep their frappuccino from separating into ice chunks and milk? Not me.

They also sell atmosphere. They offer a "third place" next to work and home where you can go to relax with a drink (and friends, your laptop, whatever). The coffee shop is always an acceptable break from work - I've always gotten away with an extra forty-five minute coffee break if I returned with a latte for the boss. It's a cheaper alternative to a bar, especially attractive if you're too young to drink alcohol.

Starbucks has its place. Their drinks may not be the best quality, but frankly, most people are far too lazy to brew a pot of coffee and clean the machine in the morning. Besides, all the cool kids are walking down the street with a green mermaid cup in hand. Don't you want to fit in?

Answer 2

I agree-- It's a great gimmick. The last time I went to a Starbucks was in 2005 in New York City, where there seemed to be on on every corner in the Times Square area. My husband and I took his sister to NYC for her high school graduation gift. Well, she's in to the whole NYC/Hollywood glitz, glamour latch onto something because the it Hollywood chick of the second has it, and/or this magazine says it's cool, type of stuff. So of course, for her to go to Starbucks in NYC was pretty much up there for her. I got some coffee because I wanted the caffeine. However, I thought it was way too bitter and had to douse it with cream and sweetner. While she and my husband went to restroom, I stayed with the drinks. I helped myself to a sip or two of her Frappuccino (the only thing she'll drink; I guess she thinks it's cool), and thought, "What's supposed to be great about this?"

I understand the wanting to get out for a couple of hours thing. In my town/neighborhood (it's a suburburb of Columbus within the city limits) in which I more or less live, there is a local mom and pop coffee house and a Starbucks on the next block. Both seem to be pretty busy, and I would always go to the mom and pop joint, to support the local economy. Some friends and I would meet there once a week for a Bible study and to hang out and to take a min-vacation from life. While their prices are comprable to Starbucks, I liked the coffee better. Before my husband and I moved (we're in Michigan for a year), I went to the local place with my laptop and treated myself to a cup of coffee. We had been without cable for a month and I missed Saturday mornings just sitting and reading and playing on-line while lingering over coffee. So I treated myself to a cup. It was a nice break from packing and boxes, and the constant reminder of the change coming up and occuring.

Personally, I prefer to stay home. It's cheaper and more comfortable. I'm currently drinking coffee that's half decalf hazel nut cream and half regular (from Equal Exchange coffee; More expensive than what we normally pay for coffee, but given what it's going to, and the yummy taste, it's worth it) and a mix of a free Folgers sample and a free Senseo sample.

It's interesting, though. From what I've heard and understand, Starbucks only proftis about $.50 per cup. (There was a story on Dunkin Donuts coffee, Starbucks, and now McDonald's when Michgan, at least the Detroit area, became a test market for their fancy new coffees, and they said some of this.) The rest goes to purchasing supplies and paying employee benefits, like health insurance. Awhile ago, when I subscribed to "Fortune" magazine, there was an interview the the Starbucks's CEO. From what he said, they really seem to care about them. It was enough to at least make me want to apply there the next time I need a job. (I just may, too, especially since they're in walking distance. Fortunately, there are several places within walking distance of where we live in Columbus where I can work; Most of which are local companies, too.)

Just my two cents.

Answer 3

Good question-- Starbuck's coffee is over roasted for my taste-- AND it's way too expensive. I've only had Starbuck's 3 times in my life cause I hate the taste of it. Plus, I can buy a BIG can of Folger's for $4.99 right now, and it lasts a month for 2 people.
All I can say is that there's a sucker born every minute. Starbuck's is a place to hang out for those who do not want to go to a bar.

Answer 4

Well: according to Starbuck's they are an Coffee Shop
that Serves Flavored blends like Alcappachino ,Vanillia
Moccas because they like it & very cheap breakfast during
morning hours before going towards their jobs each day !
yes it's been made with coffee Creamer if done at home ok?

Answer 5

Because that's where all the "stars" go. Some people think that they are like celebrities because they'll spend 5 bucks on a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Answer 6

Starbucks is the new social scene. Some do the bar scene while others are doing the Starbucks scene. Great place to meet guys and girls for that fact...just ask my x-husband.

Answer 7

Why do people go to bars to drink, when they can buy a bottle and get plastered at home for 1/2-1/3 the price?
Why do people go to restaurants to eat when making dinner at home is cheaper and better for you?
Why go out to a movie, when you can see it for free eventually on TV anyway?
Same diff...just with coffee.

Answer 8

I have no idea. I have never felt the urge to go to starbucks and pay their price for coffee, when I can make it at home for a fraction of what they charge. I guess people go to see, be seen or looking for some one to talk too. Me, I enjoy my coffee at home, with a lot of peace and quiet.

Answer 9

People want to go to Starbucks because they want to relax. They want to work using the internet connection.
The people like their coffee.
Some people don't have a coffee maker.
The employees are nice.
You get to read newspapers for free.
No discrimination
Calm music.
You can talk with your friends.
Healthy sandwiches

Answer 10

Decent coffee
Friends that work there = free coffee
You work there = free coffee
Cheaper than a bar
Free meeting space for corporate crowd
Get out of your house to study
Chess
Social scene = trendy (frappacinos)
Hooked on coffee but no time to make it in the morning
Can actually afford it three times a day