Consumers, take note: there is no such thing as a free lunch or even a free cup of coffee
Starbucks revolutionised the coffee industry by giving consumers the ability to customise their beverages. This started a trend towards a more sophisticated world of boutique coffee. As with any premium product, however, it came at a price.
As The National reported yesterday, some customers have been complaining that the coffee chain has been charging for "extras" that they didn't order. While Starbucks could do more to clarify its menu options and prices, customers should realise that premium coffee with extra ingredients, such as caramel shots, comes at a price.
Moreover, “upselling” is nothing new in the food industry. Many fast-food chains ask customers whether they would like to upsize their orders by highlighting the value in the larger quantity. But nobody expects to get an extra helping of chips at their favourite fast-food joint free. So why should we expect an elaborate espresso to cost the same as a normal cup of filter coffee?