Maybe they're trying to cushion the blow.
Maybe they had it planned all along.
Regardless, the bean counters at Starbucks signed off on a plan to give customers Gold status for a year if they become a rewards member and make a purchase before May 2.
This comes on the day the company overhauled its loyalty program causing caffeinated conniption fits among the faithful.
I'm celebrating the first day of the @starbucksgold rewards program! #StarbucksRewards @Starbucks pic.twitter.com/sZpg8psiyh
— Ray Hoffmann (@Raynews21) April 12, 2016
Under the new rules, Green status members have to earn 300 stars to reach Gold status. In other words, spend $150. Gold status leads to perks like free items, monthly double star days and a personal Gold card.
The revised loyalty program has some people steaming because rewards are no longer based on the number of transactions at the Seattle-based chain, rather how much you spend.
The company announced the changes February 22, calling it customer's "#1 request". These people weren't requesting it.
#Starbucks Your new #StarbucksRewards I can do the math pic.twitter.com/KoFa3NDHQ6
— Greg Sesek (@gregsesek) April 12, 2016
The new @Starbucks #StarbucksRewards program is great! It’s going to help save me money since I won’t be going as frequently.
— woodd00 (@woodd00) April 12, 2016
