Starbucks

I just moved into the neighborhood and was revelling in my new-found urban lifestyle. I enjoyed strolling down to the local Starbucks, and did so last Sunday, March 1, 2009 to purchase the Miami Herald. That day, it was $1.25 (the marked price) plus tax = $1.34. Today, since I was in more of a hurry, I went out with exactly $1.34 in my pocket to purchase the paper again.

The cashier rung up the price as $1.61. I pointed out that that would be about 30% tax and it should be the $1.34 that I paid last week, directing her attention to the marked price of $1.25. She agreed and called over the manager, who stated that it rings up at $1.50 and there was nothing he could do. I explained that was wrong, possibly illegal, and that I brought with me only the $1.34 that I paid the week previously in that very location. He questioned whether I knew where or what day I bought the newspaper, but I definitley knew it was there. He said, "Well there is nothing I can do. I can't override the computer; you can pay $1.61 or go." Nice customer service. I offered to tender the $1.34 in my hand which was not accepted.

I have several gripes about this: (1) I would pay the $1.61, if that were the price ($1.25 was CLEARLY marked as the price of the paper); (2) their inability to remedy my complaint, especially having paid face value only a week earlier; and (3) their complete lack of regard, especially in this economy, for making things right with a paying customer. I won't be back.