We already told you Starbucks is set to release an all-new iPhone app on March 19, which will feature digital tipping (U.S. only) and a new ‘shake to pay’ feature.
But there’s more innovation coming in the Starbucks mobile space—such as ordering via the mobile app while you’re in line to speed things up, according to Bloomberg. The feature will be tested initially in the U.S. says the company, which is definitely exciting for those who despise long Starbucks line ups at peak times (#firstworldproblems):
Starbucks is “actively working” on mobile ordering, Adam Brotman, chief digital officer at the Seattle-based company, said in an interview. The move would let customers select coffee or food while in line or before coming into a cafe, potentially speeding up service and saving time.
“It’s something our customers have asked for,” he said. “We’re not revealing a lot of details about it now.”
Brotman went on to reiterate over 11 percent of the company’s U.S. transactions take place on a mobile device—and that figure is expected to double in a year from now.
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Great idea!
It sounds great. the only problem I foresee is if there is a speedy barista and customers complain their drinks are too ‘cold’.
Perhaps they can make it hotter than usual. Personally, I would only order if I’m really close to the café, like across the street for example. I don’t see the point of ordering too much in advance. You never know if you’ll make it in time to get the coffees, e.g. traffic, interrupted bus/metro service, etc.
I agree, I know people who would complain if you gave them a bar of gold that it was too heavy and too shiny.
To prevent the cold drinks complaint, do you think there’s a way to only enable the “order your drink through the app” function when connected to the locations wifi signal?
That would be an idea. Or some sort of iBeacon integration possibly?