This is very cool. For the fall launch this year, Starbucks is offering a card with braille on it! The card is available on September 6, 2011, and it is a promotional offering only. I’m thoroughly impressed with how many creative ideas that Starbucks comes up with for their cards. I have a small collection of them and I love it. If you want to see my previous blog post on Starbucks cards, here it is:
I hope you enjoy the new card.
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On a separate topic, now and then people click the “contact me” tab on this site and send me emails. Recently, I received an email from a reader who wondered whether Starbucks is still selling retail mocha powder:
Hi Melody,
I’m hoping you can help me find out what’s happening with the Mocha Powder! It’s disappeared from the stores near me in Indiana. It’s unavailable on the Starbucks store website. I’m almost out and make mochas at home daily. I’ve asked at a store or two and the baristas have no idea what’s going on either. Help!
Does anyone know the answer to her question? I have to admit I have not been paying close attention to retail mocha powder, so I haven’t noticed if it’s coming or going, so to speak. If anyone has the official answer, I’d appreciate it.
For all the U.S. readers, hope you have a splendid Labor Day weekend!
~Melody
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Melody I love this new SB card! And kudos to SB for putting braille on the card plus the fall design is so neat. I always am looking at the new cards. I actually think they should add braille to the gold cards and green cards as well. Happy labor day to you as well. Hope you can relax this weekend.
That card looks gorgeous! I admire the use of braille, I think that’s a great idea that could be used in other products as well. I also love the use of warm colors, makes you think of hot drinks as the leaves are falling outside…
I AM SO GLAD YOU POSTED THIS. I knew I really shouldn’t say anything yet since I’m a partner, and dont’ want to reveal things early if we aren’t supposed to, but YES! So cool. Just another you inspired in me… collecting the cool Starbucks cards that come thru!
I think you’d be happy to know I started my blog back up again.
Did you hear about all the NY stores closed for our hurricane!? Crazy right? Starbucks was AMAZING though and still PAID US for that time they closed the stores! Everyone should know that. They CARE about us…. well, at least I feel like they do care about us. Maybe I’ll write a blog about that? Okay. That’s enough of a comment. ByE!
@Nick – That is a great comment! I am so glad you got paid! I wondered how you were doing. It’s been eons since I’ve seen you here. I was just looking at your latest blog post – all of your content seems so glamorous to me since you’re in NYC. I’m in a hurry getting off to work, but I had to say hello. Btw, as is obvious, a partner gave me the card image, but what’s odd is that I looked on ebay and there are already some of these cards listed on ebay! I wonder how that happens!
Melody
Very pretty new card..I had heard something about this. I love the various cards, too. I wish wish wish I had kept so many from when they 1st came out….. especially all the Christmas ones.
re: the mocha powder. I saw a few bottles left in a Sbux this week and since I’d heard something about this (that it would be no more) I asked. The partner didn’t know BUT he said they’d stopped ordering it so, seems likely it is going. too bad. (making more room for VIA I guess… 🙁
This fall Starbucks card is so pretty! I think I saw Sarah tweet about it and we were wondering what exactly the braille said…until someone mentioned that it said “Starbucks.” That’s such a creative yet important idea. Hope they start doing it here, too.
I’m super excited that fall is here 🙂 The fall leaves design makes me smile and I’m
looking forward to adding it to my collection. 😀 I really dig the photos you pist here! Thank you 🙂
I have actually been making these inquiries myself for a customer. The mocha has been through several iterations in packaging and recipe, so I was curious to see whether we’d just be getting it in a different form.
My CSR has informed me that it is no longer available, and will not be available in any form in the near future, and does not have any word about whether it will ever be back.
95% of the time, all my mocha powder goes on clearance and gets marked out without anyone ever buying it, so it certainly seems like it’s a product and a few people really, really love, and the rest don’t even know exists/don’t love.
This particular customer bought 9 from me, and I swear it’s more than I’d sold in the whole last year, lol!
PS. I also swooned when I saw the new cards. Love the braille, and love the design. I’m a sucker for autumn colours though… 🙂
Braille on a Strabucks card. What a wonderful idea. I certainly am very impressed and hope more companies will do it. Blind people drink coffee too and I think it is just great that Starbucks has come out with this. Thank you Melody for bringing this to our attention.
I have tons of retail mocha powder in my store.
Melody’s reader – Maybe I could ship it to you? 🙂
I didn’t go through all the comments since I am at work, but mocha powder is no longer on the order form. It may be back during holidays. I did not see it on the sky guide the other day either. Sorry!
I love this card! I am a language major though. Lol. We have a few deaf customers who will love it though. 🙂
*sku guide
I can not wait to buy one of these cards to go with my Feliz noche Buena and Hanukkah cards(my “language cards”).
@Kaori— Yes! I love this card!
Apparently I managed to get one before they were supposed to be out. I found one a week or so ago and haven’t seen them since. Then I read this post! So lucky me, I’ve been using this one exclusively lately. I’m so ready for fall, and this card makes me feel like it really is right around the corner! 🙂
Very nice new Starbucks Card! And the new logo looks so pretty on it! 🙂
Going slightly off topic … are the keychain cards gone forever? Used mine everyday, then lost it thinking when I asked for a replacement, that’s what I’d get. But no, just the full-size card, which is all I see in stores.
I love that new card. We have one out where partners can check it out, and I find myself playing with it every shift. I love it!
Wait until you see the rest of the fall product Melody! I love the tumblers. I don’t usually buy plastic ones (I used a stainless steel one every single day though!) but I’m super tempted because the anniversary blend ones are beautiful!
re the mocha powder: I’m pretty sure it’s being discontinued, but don’t quote me on that.
Hi Ann! Welcome to the blog! Please “like” the blog’s facebook page too.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/StarbucksMelody/180068562003180
I don’t think Starbucks is going to be producing anymore of the mini cards. I don’t totally get the reasons why, but from what I’ve heard, they are a little more environmentally wasteful to produce (more wasted plastic??) and the demand isn’t high enough to make it worth it. At this point, all you can do is go to ebay and try to get an unused card. Sorry.
~Melody
Will definitely be picking up one of these cards. Nice!
The SM of my local store said today that indeed the everything bagel should be in the store starting Wed. I guess the ASM got it wrong.
I think this is great that they put braille on it, i know it can really help those who are blind. I recently saw a device where you could “stamp” money with its face value in braille and then if a blind person came across it they would have to ask if they gave the right amount.
I must say, that is pretty darn cool. Actually, whenever companies veer away from the standard/boring credit card or cash card designs, it can get pretty creative.
For example: making cards partially-transparent; printing the card vertical; having the magnetic strip be silver instead of black; etc. Now: braille. Very nice.
When these cards start showing up on eBay, I wonder how much they’ll end up selling for. I’m guessing a lot, initially, then less as time passes.
I love this starbucks card. It would also be cool to have a card similiar to the peppermint candy cane cups they had a few years ago.
Thanks – I found a keychain card on ebay (now I’ll probably find the one I lost).
I’ve been enjoying your blog – I have two kids, one a former Starbucks partner (Ireland) and one current (NY). I’m considering getting a job there myself, big fan.
Mocha is still in stock online:
http://www.starbucksstore.com/Starbucks%C2%AE-Mocha-Powder/011003334,default,pd.html?start=1&q=mocha
Mocha Powder:I also just noticed that it’s back at the online store. It hasn’t been on there for awhile and I was surprised (and happy) to see it back.
Good morning Ann! I’ve been meaning to get back to you. Thank you! I think it’s cool that both your kids have worked at Starbucks! Please tell others about the blog. I just try to create my own uplifting content (mostly anyways). This Friday, the 9th, is exactly my two year anniversary of blogging, and I’ll have a look-back-type-post then. Glad you found a key-chain card.
Thanks!
Melody
I’m sorry to be Mr. Wet Blanket, and if this were a card specifically to promote blindness-awareness or raise money, that would be one thing. (Perhaps it is.) To think, however, that suddenly with some dots on a Starbucks card are going to open the world of coffee to the blind, or even making their buying experience easier, is absurd.
Every blind friend I have uses their own system for accommodating their disability. (Credit cards for instance are notched so they can feel which card is which quickly; and for that matter, they do pretty well ordering coffee, getting groceries and a surprising number of everyday tasks with a little extra thought.)
Braille was created for reading books, has been adapted (with limited success) for computer-human interaction. Punching little dots on everything under really says to me “we want to prove that we care but don’t care enough to think, empathize, and do something useful”.
I don’t know who’s responsible for this and the failed rebranding logo snafu, but really, get with it. The Starbucks brand deserves a lot better than this new-marketing-grad crap.
re: “new fall stuff”. I have to say, the “anniversary” mug is really very pretty, as well as the tumbler. The cup gives no mention of the Anniv. coffee (which I really dislike), so, I had to get it. I’m sure you’ll be putting all this up sometime Melody…. the cup is brown with a ribboned-like bronze color label across one side that reads: “Starbucks Coffee” and underneath that it says, also in the bronze color, “2011”. Then, on the other side is the ‘full body” siren (holding up a cup of coffee…all also in the bronze color. AND, she has her belly button!!! so, I think someday it”ll be a story in itself. pretty really….and I like the date across the front ALOT!
besides the Anniv. blend and these 2 cups ( 1 cup, 1 tumbler), I didn’t see ALOT of new fall anything…..besides of course the pumpkin spice, which seems always very popular.
I have to look around but for now, that’s my ‘store report’ from Chicago for today 🙂
Just an interesting little tidbit—I noticed on Starbucks’ website, as well as in stores, there’s a note that goes with the card, which explains why they decided to add Braille to this Fall Starbucks card.
Here’s the blurb on their website:
“Our Fall 2011 card is all about the brilliant colors of autumn’s changing leaves. But given that October is also National Disability Awareness Month, we thought we’d take this opportunity to release our first Starbucks Card with Braille lettering so that all can share.”
Melody,
I like the new fall card, too.
You probably know this, but they discontinued offering custom Starbucks cards as of last month. I was really disappointed. At least you got yours awhile ago.
[Off topic, have you seen the new Pour-over brewer/mug demo’d in-store? Was debating whether or not to get one. http://www.starbucksstore.com/Starbucks-%C2%AE-Pour-Over-Brewing-System/011014896,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=coffee-makers%5D
Thank you.
@Pencil to Paper
That is great info, Sarah! I had no idea October was National Disability Awareness Month!
I am way behind in the catching up to comments on this thread. For the record, I LOVE the braille card. It’s clever. It makes more people aware that October is National Disability Month, and it’s beautiful. I really needed to have written more on this blog post! Those three simple things are a fine reason to release a card! (awareness, beautiful, novel and clever).
@The Kwan – That pour over set up is beautiful! How did I miss that at Starbucksstore.com. That should be sold in stores! I like the pour over and use a Melitta pour over at home often.
@Densie – Ugh! I do need a whole blog post on the fall merch. It’s pretty. I love the black mug with the siren in white etched into it. I just wish there was MORE merchandise!
I saw the new black fall mug with the siren on it this morning and bought it because of its uniqueness. I like the feel of it.
Melody, that ceramic pourover brewer is available in stores. It’s pretty cool looking!
Kitenarie, I cant believe I missed that pour over in the stores. I really must do a blog post soon on fall merch! I want that pour over!
To Michele,
Could I get the Mocha Powder from you? I can’t find it anywhere and have heard it has been discontinued. It’s only on Ebay now.
Thanks so much, I love that stuff! I’m so sad it’s gone.
Carrie – let me look and see if there’s still some left. I have moved to a different store, but I am happy to go see if the other store still has some. If so, I’d be happy to hook you up 🙂
Michelle,
Thank you so much! I appreciate that! If they have some, please let me know. We can work the details from there.
Carrie
Michelle,
I just wondered if you were able to find out if there is any Mocha Powder left.
Thanks!
Carrie
If any of you working at a Starbucks has any Mocha Powder I would buy it. I have to resort to buying it on ebay for rediculous prices.
I managed to get some at a local Starbucks. I heard that it’s not discontinued, but merely out of stock for the time being.
I hope that’s true about the mocha powder…but I bought a can at a marked down price (orange-stickered: $4.99 vs 9.99 original price) I was told it was d/c’d. seems like it is…with that mark down. But, maybe they changed the idea???
I don’t know if we’ll ever find out. I emailed Starbucks itself, and they said they have pulled it off for now, but that it’s not discontinued forever, so who knows? For sure, it’s a very hard commodity to get. I bought 6 cans at my local Starbucks to get me through the winter. I sure will miss it next year if they don’t bring it back!
I have not seen anymore Braille cards which is a shame. There is a new Chinese New Year Card which is very nice and the first time I have seen that. I still wish they would have created a Hanukkah card.
They do have Hanukkah cards in select stores or online. I have one. (:
I have not (that I can remember but????? ) ever seen any Hanukkah cards and this would be in a mostly Jewish north suburb….. don’t think so, even tho they’ve had the “winter” of “holiday” blend with the Christmas blend in these areas. I DID see the braille card in the fall and I just recently saw one of the Chinese New Yrs. one. I really don’t get that…..other than hearing H.S. say last spring that their next biggest aim is “China”. Otherwise, it would seem to me that in the USA, there are a few cards (like Hanukkah) that could come before a Chinese New Yrs card. I thought it was odd…this choice…..given all the above.
btw: they must’ve really really over estimated Christmas blend this yr because there’s just a ton left around me….even after the BOGO ..which would’ve been a HUGE event if you liked the Christmas blend! and the “2lb” bags are, like many places, 30oz, not 32…so, NOT 2 lbs. (not that anyone claimed they were….I think I mentioned one time I thought they were 2lb bags.) In any case, either more people found it (C.Blend) not as appealing …..I thought last yrs was better but never been a big fan of it…or, as I said, Sbux really over-estimated.
It is sort of surprising to me that there were no Hanukkah cards in the stores especially around here. Diele says she got one in her store and online. Very odd marketing approach this year.
I don’t think I saw any Hanukkah cards this year, but I am not near any stores that would be in Jewish neighborhoods. If there was a Hanukkah card this year, does someone have an image of it that could be posted here? You can use the blog’s facebook page to show off the image. Thanks.
@Diele @purple1 – I found an image of the 2011 Hanukkah card here –
http://buckscards.com/store2/index.php?main_page=products_new