FOOD NEWS
Here's What Happened To Starbucks' Recovery Cards
BY WENDY LEIGH
Starbucks has historically provided recovery cards or certificates as compensation for customers who are unhappy or have lost confidence in their company.
Compensation often comes as a future discount or free food or drink. Starbucks once offered paper certificates in 2006 but switched to plastic service recovery coupons in 2014.
Those paper handouts offered a free drink, covering all drink sizes. It's hard to find proof that the paper service recovery cards still exist, but they do.
In 2024, the plastic "service recovery coupons" only offer an amount of $4. They're issued less frequently, with direct funds being the primary method of compensation.
It's rare to issue a recovery card except for specific inconveniences, and dissatisfied customers can still chat with a Starbucks representative to get a refund.