Starbucks says to our Customer : pay or leave,
Are you one of those people wasting hours away at Starbucks sipping your favorite latte as you work, catch up with friends, or simply people-watch?
For many, Starbucks has become a haven for those seeking a warm place outside the office or home. This is the open-door policy that enabled customers to lounge as long as they wanted using the Wi-Fi and power outlets; it has been at the heart of the Starbucks experience for years.
Well, all that is about to change. In its latest shock announcement, Starbucks declared that its open-door policy would soon come to an end. It, therefore, leaves a host of millions relying on coffee shops for some temporary space as a workspace or in order to get to meet with other people.
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The days of lounging at Cafe are officially over—at least in the way we’ve grown accustomed to it. But do not worry; this is not the end of the Starbucks experience, period. In this post, we’ll dig into what brought about this massive policy change, how it might affect you, and most importantly, what you can do about it. Are you ready to find out what comes next for your favorite coffee chain? Let’s dive in.
Why Did Starbucks Give Up on Open Door Policy?
Change has been knocking on the door for some time, but it arrived quicker than many anticipated. Starbucks is known for its open-door policy, but the company believes it’s high time to close the door a bit by scaling back the free-for-all lounge space it once offered to customers.
Two driving forces behind this change are due to changing business strategies, rising demands, and the changing expectations of customers. So, what was the cause for this change?
One of the major reasons for this change is the growing need to balance customer access with a greater demand for more efficient operations. Because of the recent rise in mobile orders and delivery services, the in-store environment of Starbucks has changed dramatically.
Long-time regulars sitting in one spot for hours—to work, study, or socialize—took up space that could otherwise be used for paying customers. As a result, Starbucks had to enforce fresh time limits and limit behaviors that were tolerated.
But here’s the catch: Starbucks did not pull the rug from under loyal patrons. Instead, it promised to have “creative spaces” for people willing to meet or work there, now with more formality. Translation: less hanging around staring at an empty table while waiting for an outlet, and more potential enjoyment of one’s coffee time.
What Does This Mean for You?
You’re probably thinking, “Wait, does this mean I can’t hang out at Starbucks anymore?” Not quite. You may have to say goodbye to endless hours of lounging with your laptop, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your Starbucks experience. Here’s what you can expect moving forward:
- Time Limits and Reserved Spaces
Starbucks is introducing more organized seating options and time limits for certain spaces. No more hogging tables for hours on end! However, with these changes, you’ll also have a better chance of securing a spot, without the frustration of watching someone else occupy your coveted corner for what feels like forever. - Exclusive Membership Benefits
Starbuck can keep membership plans exclusively for users of reserved seating or benefits to frequent customers who are likely to come to a certain area frequently. This could be seen as a “Starbucks VIP” experience which would assist you if you’re willing to pay a little extra for some added flexibility. - More Efficient Service
The new sit-down Starbucks location will allow them to focus more on customer service and wait time because fewer individuals sit at tables for longer periods. It indeed might be faster access to your favorite drink and an overall smoother experience.
Maximizing This Change
There is always a silver lining. Maybe you will not get everything as per your expectations, but there are ways you can change and still manage to enjoy .
- Plan Your Visits Smartly Try to visit them during off-peak hours. Mornings or middle of the afternoons tend to be a less busy time when you might enjoy your drink without the bustle of a full store.
- Look for Less Crowded Starbucks Stores There are over 15,000 Starbucks stores in the U.S. So you can always locate a quieter, less busy shop. You might discover some gems in your local neighborhood you never knew existed before.
- Try a Different Kind of Work
Break up your work routine and do not sit at one location for the whole day. Take the time limit that applies to you and make Starbucks a productive stop on your route; walk in, get it done, and once the clock expires, leave to move to another location.
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A Surprising Fact You Did Not Expect To Learn
Here’s a shocking fact: According to Starbucks’ 2019 report, it was found that 30% of all revenue came from the drive-thru and mobile orders meaning fewer customers inside the stores. This drastic shift in consumer trends is no doubt one of the reasons behind such a change of policy. Over the years, Starbucks has evolved with new changes in consumer habits by adapting to competition and changing times. Shocked? Not just you.
The End of an Era?
So, what is the take-away here? Though the open-door policy of Starbucks is something of the past, this change does not represent the end of an era. It is a signal of a company evolving to meet changing customer needs. The days of sprawling out at your local Starbucks are probably over, but with a little planning, you can still have the best of the Starbucks experience. Who knows? Perhaps this change creates better opportunities for the next cup of coffee.
After all, each shift has a new set of opportunities. Now it’s your turn to discover them.
This change. How do you think this will affect your Starbucks regime? Take your thoughts to the comments section below!