Sure, prices on everyday goods have been climbing with the ongoing cost of living crisis, but $4,000 for coffee? That was obviously an error, and a shocking one at that.
The incident left the couple stunned, especially since they had been loyal customers at the chain for years.
But everything changed in 2023 when what should have been a simple order ended up draining thousands of dollars from their account and completely changing their view of the company.
The payment included a mysterious gratuity fee of $4,444.44 added to the order. The strangest part? Jesse recalled clearly pressing the ‘No Tip’ option at the register.
It wasn’t until days later that Deedee discovered the problem, after her card was declined at the mall while shopping with their four children. That’s when they realized just how much had been taken from their account.
The couple was informed that refund checks were being sent to cover the full amount. But when they arrived, both checks bounced, according to CBS reports at the time.
Frustrated and desperate, Jesse said they called Starbucks’ customer service helpline “probably 30 or 40 times that day” until someone finally told them that replacement checks would be issued. Even then, the couple was left waiting.
Later, Starbucks confirmed that the issue had been fixed and that the couple had finally received the money they were owed.
“While the original refund checks had a typo and therefore did not go through, we issued new ones on January 31, which were received and cashed by the customer on Monday, February 6.”
