Customer calls Starbucks about prioritizing mobile beverage orders

The rise of online ordering has presented businesses with new challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing the needs of in-store customers with those placing orders through third-party apps.
An example of this balancing act is a recent viral TikTok video criticizing Starbucks. The video was posted by Natalie (@natalie_toks) and has amassed over 1.4 million views as of Sunday.
In the clip, Natalie argues that it’s unfair for those who are physically present in the store to have to wait behind those who placed their orders via apps.
@natalie_toks Everybody. Time. Chipotle is also particularly to blame for this. #chipotle #starbucks #starbucksfailanceagain #starbucksfail ♬ original sound – Yasssssss 🔥
The footage shows a row of Starbucks cups sitting on the counter waiting for those who ordered them online to pick them up, accompanied by the overlay text: “When they prioritize third-party app orders over people.” who stand right in front and wait from them.”
The video has received mixed reactions, with some commenting that orders are made in the order in which they are received.
One commenter argued, “I mean it’s in the order they get them.”
Another said: “Don’t you realize the stickers are printed in ORDER?”
Others defended the use of online ordering apps, with one commenter stating, “I order and pay through the Starbies app. I may not stand there, but if I pay first, it gets done first.”
Another commenter added: “You don’t understand what the hell I used to do [endure] Place online orders for Chipotle. You would prioritize if you were also yelled at by 10 bouncers.”
The Daily Dot contacted Natalie via email and Starbucks via press email.

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*Initial publication: January 22, 2023 10:40 am CST
Vladimir Supica
Vladimir Supica is a Serbia-based freelance writer for the Daily Dot. He enjoys traveling around Europe, reading non-fiction books and playing with his dog Max.
https://www.dailydot.com/irl/starbucks-prioritizing-mobile-orders/ Customer calls Starbucks about prioritizing mobile beverage orders