The most recent coupon sent to Gold Card holders by My Starbucks Rewards is a coupon for free oatmeal. Who here got this one? Do you like the oatmeal? As usual, when the Starbucks Card sends out rewards, I catalog it here. As to the oatmeal, I especially like it with a pump of gingerbread sauce in it, but that is no longer available. I tried dark cherry syrup in it, and that was good too, but also is no longer available. The pumpkin spice syrup overpowers the oatmeal.
There have been a number of My Starbucks Rewards coupons so far. Which has been your favorite?
Here are blog posts on the previous coupons:
Just checking in with my readers … are you getting these coupons and what do you think? The oatmeal is already one of my favorite breakfast items so I really like this coupon!
For those people reading this who are confused, you can start getting perks and rewards from Starbucks by registering your Starbucks card, loading it with money, and using it to pay for your purchases. After you use your card just five times, you will already be at the “green” level of rewards which entitles you to some wonderful perks. At the “green” level, there is no charge when the customer substitutes soy milk or breve milk in a beverage. Also at the green level, standard syrups are free of charge; this means that your vanilla latte would be the same price as an unflavored latte. If you are buying a pound of whole bean coffee, and paying with your loaded registered card, you can get ANY tall beverage free with your purchase, when your card is “green” level or higher. This means that if you are buying a pound of Verona to take home, and you want to buy a tall mocha Frappuccino in the same transaction, then the Frappuccino will be free. The register does all the work, and automatically takes off the price of the Frappuccino, assuming you’re at the “green” level, paying with the Starbucks card, and buying a pound of coffee.
One swipe of the card at the register equals one “star.” As I’ve mentioned already, after earning five “stars” the card is at the “green” level. When the Starbucks.com/card account associated with that card has earned thirty “stars” the person is now at the “gold” level of perks.
I wrote a blog article about the four common pitfalls of My Starbucks Rewards, and although that blog article is now almost a year old, I still think it is worth reading. I find that there are still aspects to the My Starbucks Rewards that can be confusing to both partners and customers, so here is a short discussion of a few pitfalls:
Now it’s your turn. If you got this coupon, please say so, and let us know how often you’re using your card.
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I got my free oatmeal coupon yesterday. I was surprised for sure. I have stopped getting the oatmeal because I have had too many disappointing experiences with it. I have yet to have a barista make it the right way. I also wonder if they are sending out this oatmeal coupon because McDonalds has been having commercials on their new oatmeal. I will use this coupon, though. This is the first rewards coupon I have gotten in 2011.
I got one. It is the first coupon like it that I have received with my gold card (outside of 15th & Birthday cards). Thanks to your blog and your previous post, I DID change my preference settings to receive communication from Starbucks and this is the first card (outside of 15th purchases card) I’ve received since changing that setting so thank you!
@Purple1 – I was impressed with the McDonald’s oatmeal. Have you (or anyone else) tried McDonald’s oatmeal? I ended up having to eat there the other day (on a trip with my son) and I chose the oatmeal for my lunch. It was actually quite good. In fact, the fruit toppings (apples, etc.) really give Starbucks a run for their money. If they were to put almonds or walnuts on it, then Starbucks would really need to step it up.
CD I have not been to McDonalds in ages and to be honest it is not a place I would go to. I am sort of hoping that SB will upgrade their oatmeal to make it more tasty, but I do not have high hopes for that to happen.
When Starbucks released Perfect Oatmeal, I ate it in dry fruit and brown sugar. It was good.
I tested it by another combination last month.
http://twitpic.com/3hzoby http://twitpic.com/3hzoww http://twitpic.com/3hzp4h
It was good taste for me. I think that there is match to Oatmeal else also. For example, it is soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Korea seasoned seaweed, etc.
In Japan, my Starbucks gold card is just a plastic board. It makes me sad. OMG.
I’ve been dying to try the oatmeal at Starbucks! Is it a breakfast menu only? Or do they serve it all day?
Wish we had coupons in Japan, too 😀
Melody,
Why do you use black version gold card?
I have gold card but I use black version to payment. Because I don’t want scratch to gold card. Haha.
here we go again. NO.. not yet (I hope) It’s getting to be the PRINCIPLE of it with me.
I like the oatmeal with all the toppings, I’ll know this weekend if I got the coupon since they go to my grandparents now (working on moving)
i don’t watch tv so i hadn’t seen McD’s has oatmeal now, I may want to try it and compare.
Slightly Off Topic I love using the “card” on my blackberry phone – if only i could use the card to tip!
Other than my sweet 16 and borthday cards I haven’t gotten any other coupons in 2011 yet
Just got my card for free oatmeal in the mail, as we ‘tweeted’, very exciting! I have had the oatmeal once before, and really liked it. I go to Starbucks once or twice a week, generally for tea, or a latte, and once in a while a baked good.
Can’t comment on McD’s oatmeal – I don’t really go there, and in my daily travels I pass many Starbucks (and Dunkin Donuts too) but not one McD’s.
I did get my free oatmeal card in the mail, I haven’t tried Starbucks oatmeal yet, though. I enjoyed reading the link you had to your four common pitfalls thread. What drives me crazy if when I know all these things about how it should work, and the baristas don’t! When a barista is arguing with you that buying a pound of coffee only yields a free brewed drip coffee, or that they can’t give me a free coffee for turning in my empty bag because there’s no scanner barcode on the bag, it’s hard to win those arguments ’cause they’re the employees and supposedly know more about how it works than the customer. So of course everyone waiting behind you in line assumes you’re wrong and are just being ignorant and stubborn and bottling up the works. It’s incredibly frustrating.
@tobias – I’ve got to get to work and need to reply to many comments here. I hate this problem of free tall ANY drink with a pound of coffee. The only way you can make sure you get ANY tall beverage free is to simply NOT talk about it. Starbucks doesn’t recognize (and from my experience, most people don’t see this) that it IS human nature to confirm a freebie before you get it: So the cust says, “Hey don’t a get a free pair of socks if I’m buying jeans?” It the store person or barista gives the wrong answer, it leads to bad experiences. The solution is NOT to have the conversation because too many register baristas have no idea that the register will automatically take off ANY tall beverage as free with one pound of beans and using a registered card at the “green” level or higher. But the problems with this one little thing are phenomenal. Order your tall mocha Frappuccino, buy a pound of Sumatra, and the register will work its magic.
I too, received one of these in the mail yesterday. I really enjoy receiving these little coupons because they’re so unexpected that they make a nice surprise.
I got mine in the mail today – SWEET! I love getting these sort of cards. It makes me feel “special” to be a gold card member. 🙂
Yay!!! I was included this time!!!! (came today) and I do enjoy Sbux oatmeal…pefect for our blizzard that JUST kicked in, full force. we’ll see. Maybe I can x-country ski to my Sbux tomorrow. (they’re on a ‘code white’ here……along with hospitals and responders etc)
re: McD. oatmeal. I haven’t had it…since I would likely only go there about 3X/yr: 2X would be for a “shamrock shake” in March and one would be for a double cheeseburger when I was on the road and NEEDED it. BUT, I have it on fairly good authority that it is very similar to Sbux and, pretty good. ???
@denise r – yay! Glad you got the card. Of course, neither of us will probably be able to use it tomorrow! As for the McD’s oatmeal, it’s water based instant oats, like Starbucks. The biggest difference is that they use real (not dried) apples and it was good. Like you, McDs, is not a typical visit for me, but my 9 year old chose it when we were out running errands so I went.
Oatmeal has gained traction in a few stores since Starbucks introduced it. Jamba Juice has a much better oatmeal – not instant. Many also use milk instead of water, making for a creamier treat.
Melody got me hooked on the Dark Cherry syrup in the oatmeal at Starbucks. I bought a couple of bottles so we’d have it at home but we’re down to our last quarter of the last bottle. (Bring back Dark Cherry Mocha Starbucks!). I never tried the gingerbread in the oatmeal – maybe next Christmas.
For everyone getting hit by this winter storm, stay safe.
I got the oatmeal coupon today and I have to say it’s pretty good marketing because I had no idea they had oatmeal.
My favorite was the breakfast sandwich coupon. I had never tried the sandwich before and I was surprised how good it was. Now I wish I just had more time in the mornings to stop in and get it.
the problem I have is that I’m usually asking them to ring up a venti and subtract the price of a tall so that I’m getting the same amount free and am paying the standard amount of increase in price for the additional ounces, which they always do for me without any issues in regard to bringing in an empty bag- I pay them a bag and the $0.60 price difference and get a venti, but if I ever ask for that to be done when buying a pound of beans, it almost always results in confusion as to what constitutes as a tall handcrafted beverage.
I got this one Melody 😉 I LOVE THE OATMEAL!!! You’ve GOT to try it with steamed apple juice! That’s the best way.
I received my coupon today and most certainly will belly up to the counter tomorrow and trade that baby in for oatmeal with brown sugar! Whoopie! At first glance I thought it was one of my 15’s and was pleasantly surprised to see it was for oatmeal.
I seem to be getting all the coupons, including all my 15’s (hope I just didn’t jinx myself)
Hi Melody, the oatmeal wars are really heating up! We’ve tried Starbucks, McDonalds and Jamba Juice. So far my fave is Jamba Juice because you can get it with brown sugar and sliced bananas. Plus the texture is a little crisp, almost crunchy. I bought a Jamba Juice gift card just for this oatmeal. It’s not a place I’d normally go.
Still, you better believe I’m gonna be redeeming my *bux oatmeal coupon. I stupidly let the holiday pastry coupon expire.
Haven’t received my oatmeal coupon yet, but am looking forward to it! I love the oatmeal, haven’t had a bad one yet. I usually get it California style (fruits and nuts)
I got the coupon tonight and was very suprised because I haven’t received my last two drink coupons but anyway, I love Starbucks oatmeal. I’m an oatmeal addict though. I never get it in the morning but the Starbucks I most commonly visit is downstairs from my gym and I will often want a small snack before I work out and find that the oatmeal with 1 pack of fruit and either 1 or 2 packs of nuts is perfect for a long workout.
Because I’m lactose intolerant and rarely order a starbucks pastry, I think my favorite coupon could either be the oatmeal or the buy1 get 1 free card that I got from starbucks rewards before Christmas. I suprised a good friend of mine with that by buying her a free drink 🙂
Because someone brought up McDonalds oatmeal, I’ll give my two cents. When my husband and I were traveling for Christmas, we went to McDonalds down south and never knew they had oatmeal so I tried it and said wow this is so good. A few hours later, my stomach hurts. It turns out they put milk or cream in their oatmeal. Just a FYI for anyone that can’t consume dairy. In addition, I didn’t like the factt that everything in it had sugar and would have preferred if it had some kind of nut in it. But I guess that’s why I go to Starbucks and get their oatmeal 🙂
@mikecrimmons – A breakfast sandwich coupon? Did I miss that one? Did I not get it? When did that get sent out?
@DeniseR – Yippeeee! I am glad you got your oatmeal coupon. I was going to be angry for you if for some reason you were not included!
Saturday’s mail brought my oatmeal card, also one for my Daughter (a Gold Carder) and my Son (not a Gold Carder); my Wife (not a Gold Carder) did not receive one. So go figure.
Melody, your discussion about bringing up the “freebe” causing confusion is so right. I cannot count the number of times that a cashier has been surprized by a discount that the POS indicates. Word to the wise; be quiet, be sure and get your receipt, enjoy your benefits.
I had hoped we would hear from coolwatyr in this thread – I think she tweeted she got this coupon, and I think (not sure??) that recently she tweeted that she only recently got to the gold card level.
@DadCooks – The thing with the free tall ANY beverage makes me absolutely crazy. I think that Starbucks doesn’t care if partners know that – Why should they? Less than 5% of transactions are whole bean, if I remember correctly from the annual report, and probably some of those people don’t have a registered card at all. So 95% of the time, the problem doesn’t come up. I just don’t think that Starbucks worries about something that only happen like once or twice every 100 transactions because in the big scheme of things they have to worry about more common problems, speed of service, perfect beverages, and the like.
I got the coupon. As @purple1 noted, I think it is probably a response to McDonald’s introduction of their oatmeal breakfast, which is available all day.
I won’t use the coupon. I’ve never gotten oatmeal at Starbucks – it isn’t something I eat. Seeing as how they know exactly every drink I’ve ordered since I had a Starbucks Duetto in 2005, you think they’d know that – and tailor my coupon offerings a little better, but I guess not. Still, one of my friends may like it.
Seen through another prism, the coupon – and the rapid-fire response to the McDonald’s product must show that Starbucks is nervous about their breakfast offerings. Yes, the coupon is smart marketing – but good marketing is no substitute for an amazing product that people will come back for regardless of how much it costs, where the store is located or any other obstacle.
I’m not sure I really love the thought of the company getting into a marketing war, using coupons to lure customers back to Starbucks from McDonald’s over oatmeal. To me, it is just another brick in the wall of removing “coffee” from the logo…
And thank you Melody for starting the discussion!
@sbuxdrama – I saw billboard ads recently for the McDonald’s oatmeal and I didn’t think much of them. I haven’t stepped foot into a McDonald’s in years, but obviously there must be the connection – You’ve drawn the logical connection that the oatmeal coupon was timed to compete with the McDonald’s oatmeal. By the way, I have had the Jamba Juice oatmeal and loved it. Big steel cut oats and you can easily get a banana on top – That is superior to what Starbucks is offering, but there are very few Jamba Juice locations in Seattle, which is definitely a bummer. A number of the Jamba Juice locations here have closed. (there was one on Madison now gone, and one in the u dist now gone). I assumed the company wasn’t doing well???? (I have no idea really).
I received my oatmeal coupon last week I believe and I plan on using it before week end 🙂 Oatmeal is one of those things I really like but never think to make for myself. I’ve been curious about the starbucks oatmeal so now I have the perfect way to try it for myself! I’m thinking I want to try it with the fruit…I’m not sure yet but I will be sure to post back here to let you know which one I choose and what I think! 🙂
I got the coupon. I like my oatmeal with nuts, half a packet of fruit and a little cinnamon. I wish they had for here ware for the oatmeal.
Re Jamba Juice, the only time I’ve had their oatmeal was a year ago at the Charlotte airport, and I agree it was very good. I wish we had Jamba in Philadelphia.
I have not been in a McDonald’s in at least 5 years — Starbucks needn’t worry about me trying their “oatmeal.”
I received the oatmeal coupon in the mail yesterday. You were right, Melody, changing my privacy settings were the answer.
Now, speaking of billboards, I saw a new logo’d Seattle’s Best billboard in Downtown Los Angeles near the Convention Center (NB 110 fwy).
I was kind of perplexed as to what they are trying to convey….the new logo? their products at the supermarket? their drip at Subway and Burger King? I still don’t know.
Off topic a bit- There are a few Jamba Juice locations around here and they seem popular. Will have to try their oatmeal. Also, yesterday got to my local SB later than usual because of bad weather and they actually opened on time and it was packed. Bad weather again today and hope to get there later.
Haven’t received mine yet. I do like oatmeal on occasion, glad that Starbucks offers it.
I got mine on the 30th, although that’s the first promotional item I’ve received, whereas my father has gotten the Merchandise discount and the Free Holiday Treat. I spend more money, more often than he does, so I can’t make out why he gets them and I don’t.
Hi all! I did receive my oatmeal coupon on Monday as well, and I plan on having it this morning on my way into work.
I am guessing by the lack of commenting and lack of mention in the post, that the skinny latte coupon wasn’t actually true…I must have misheard.
I’m glad to hear to I have so far received every perk in 2011 for being gold. Thanks for keeping track so we can see what we might be missing out on! 🙂
Holy moly!!!! as Melody would say!!! we got SNOW!!!!!! snow snow and still snowing. 🙂
not even trains running! called my Sbux..they intended to open but are NOT. No one could possibly get there. I sent you some pics Melody. I don’t know when I will try and open our waist-deep front door!!!
Oh, btw, re: the free tall bev. with a #. Usually I DO remind them and yesterday I went in for a # of Casi C…… and the barista at bar just nodded to me: my regular drink..I say yes. Then the barista at the register rang me up twice….and actually charged me for the drink. (she totally forgot, I know both these people fairly well) Luckily I DID get a receipt and looked at them (had also put $ on my card first)….. went back up and she corrected it. But, I would never have known had I not gotten the receipt. So, I’ll be reminding them….. I felt bad she had to go thru all the process but she didn’t mind, she kept saying.
Hi Karldotcom! I am glad I could help! I love hearing those kinds of success stories.
@DeniseR – I don’t understand your story. You’re saying the drink appeared twice on your receipt? It’s a POWERFUL human nature to have that conversation with the baristas, but what a shame that it has the potential to lead to so many far less than “legendary” experiences. What was your usual? How does that happen that you get charged twice? Over active fingers? Did the register automatically subtract one of the two beverages.
And I know you’re in a blizzard but I want some snow too! Every year people predict these harsh Seattle winters, and in fact, it’s so rare.
@Melody: what happened yesterday at my regular store was NOT the norm. Here’s the sequence: I go to the register with a # of Casi C. !st: I ask the barista to load my card. done. Then she’s grinding the beans for me. In the meantime, the barista on bar nods over to me: (with actually just a nod and I nod yes) am I having my ‘normal’ drink, (4shot tall cinnamon dolce) The barista at the register knew I had a drink…..but just blanked out and was (kindly, as in a *star* per transaction) ringing my drink separately…after ringing the Casi C.and giving me those receipts. I paid no attention. I said nothing to the barista on the register. Luckily, I DID take the receipts and look at them because she had just charged me for the drink (not twice) but separately…she just blanked on that I was getting it with a #) So, then she creditd my card and yes, the “BEVERAGE” of my choice was free. and not ever rung twice. (except to charge it and then credit it) So, it’s good to check. and I know both these partners fairly well and they me. So……
I wish some snow for you. My Sbux is CLOSED TODAY!!!!! (I’m really longing for my excellent foamy drink today! no one is driving….but I thought I would x-country there if they open……down the streets, the rest is way too deep for x-country skis)
I DO wish SNOW for you!
Was at my local SB later than usual because of bad weather, but they opened as usual today. Crowded again. Baristas welcomed and happy to see me. Felt good. Looking forward to using the oatmeal coupon tomorrow and wonder if they perhaps have changed the recipe! Anyone know if they have? Melody you asked about using your card. Use it all the time. Certainly, for the amount of times I use the coupon I am not getting that many free coupons for food items or drinks besides the ones every 15 drink coupon. I guess the question again is how often do they send these coupons and how do they determine how often a rewards person should get a coupon and which coupon? Purely from a marketing standpoint and what you usually purchase?
Melody buys everything under the sun! in Sbux…and gives most of it away.
@purple1: are you in Chicago?
Denise R no I am not in Chicago. On the east coast.
Denise, I see. If I am getting a free drink, it’s all just one receipt for me. I buy a pound of coffee, order my drink, and walk away happy. It’s one “star.” The only time there is a problem is when I am buying two half pound bags of coffee, because the register will not know to add up two half pound bags for a free tall beverage.
@purple1 – As to what I normally buy: I buy everything. Literally everything. I don’t think my shopping habits at Starbucks are normal. And I think the registers give stars for when I’m buying gift cards, but I don’t normally (almost never) have those rung on up seperately. I buy Via for the office, whole bean coffee for home, new tumblers, pastries, Clover coffee, passion teas, snacks in the afternoons, and sometimes I buy in large amounts, as I have bought multiple bags of coffee to mail to people. Actually I’ve bought a TON of whole bean to mail out to people, and if I’m buying four bags of Reserve coffee at once, I’ll usually have them rung up separately. I just buy a lot, though I’m trying to cut back!
well. Chicago is about as totaly shut down as possible, and as ever! BUT, by about 1:30p MY Sbux DID open, for a limited time, closing at 6P. they didn’t really need to. Amazingly they DID get their food delivery! (which will probably alot be wasted) but no newspapers. none.
amazing. and a high risk situation (Sbux open) if you were trying to drive in their (today) 2-way(but only a one-way space) half-plowed entrance…… off a busy road.
But, I was very glad they did open…just felt bad for them. driving is horrible. horrible.
I just got this in the mail last week! I LOVE the oatmeal and I eat it pretty often!
@Melody: re the tall drink with beans. Mine is USUALLY all on ONE receipt, too. (with no charge for the drink) The barista at the register just spaced about the drink AND the beans.
@Melody et alii, I was wondering if you might have the answer to a question I have. I hope this isn’t too off-topic- I figured this was a good thread on which to ask it since the title says starbucks rewards, coupons and freebies… I bought a cup of coffee today with my card, and haven’t recieved a star for it. And I know that it says it sometimes can take up to 24 hours to appear, but the system has already adjusted my balance to reflect the drink’s $2.25 cost taken off the card. Wouldn’t those two updates generally happen simutaneously? I mean, if I refresh my balance and it recognises that it needs to remove a monetary value from my card, wouldn’t it then by course know that I earned a star? I guess I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow evening to see if it has added it by then, it’s just that in the past I’ve never had this delay, so I’m guessing that it probably isn’t going to be remedied in the next few hours either. And unfortunately I didn’t save me receipt. I was just wondering if you know of any other instances where stars have gone unrewarded. And I know it’s only one star after all, not that big of a deal, but I just thought I’d ask if anyone has any light to shed on the matter. Thanks.
Hey Tobias…
You should see the star tomorrow when you check the website….It usually is updated overnight.
Yum! Love our oatmeal. Such a good way to start the day!
Its fun to see when customers are so excited about getting offers like this. One guy had the biggest smile when he got his free oatmeal form this coupon. 🙂
Finally used my oatmeal coupon today. Except for the new design of the oatmeal cups, I did not find the oatmeal taste to be any different. However, it was nice to use the free ooupon.
Denise R glad to hear that there was a SB that opened by you! Gosh the pics on the news last night of all those cars stuck were so amazing! Hope you are better today! And you can get out to a SB to relax.