Starbucks debuts iPhone, BlackBerry app for faster payments
March 2nd, 2011 - 4:00 pm ICT by ANINew York, Mar 2 (ANI): Coffeehouse chain Starbucks has introduced a new BlackBerry and iPhone app, which allows customers to quickly pay for purchases through their phones.
The app, which is funded through a credit or debit card, works when customers wave their phones over a barcode sensor to pay for their beverage of choice, and they no longer have to wait in line either.
And unlike a Starbucks card, users can see the balance in their account on their screens as money is added or debited, as well as loyalty program points.
The app, which was test-marketed in New York in October before a national rollout last month in 6,800 Starbucks-owned shops, has been a huge time-saver for subway train operator Todd Murrell.
Murrell, 37, of Jamaica, Queens, uses his BlackBerry to pay for his Sumatra or grande vanilla Americano coffee habit five to six times a week.
“After I enter Manhattan, I have eight to 15 minutes from when I get to the World Trade Center before I have to start my [route] again,” the New York Daily News quoted Murrell as saying.
“It’s fast and convenient when you need it,” he stated.
Customers can also use the app, which is free and can be found in stores for iPhones and BlackBerrys, to buy the variety of items sold in Starbucks’ shops, including packaged coffee, food and even CDs.
Starbucks said that an app for users of Android phones is in the works. (ANI)
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