Implementing dual standards both domestically and internationally?, Starbucks "Star Gift Card" Users | Management Fee | Star Gift Card
Does Starbucks' Star Gift Card have a dual standard in terms of deferred management fees, both domestically and internationally?
Previously, Pengpai News reported that Starbucks "Star Gift Card" charged users an extension management fee. After more than 300 cards expired, users were charged more than 3000 yuan in management fees. Users questioned the unreasonable deduction, which attracted widespread attention.
The Starbucks China official website states that the card is valid for three years and management fees will be charged upon expiration;
In the process of further investigation, a reporter from Pengpai News found that there is still a situation of differential treatment between domestic and international rules for the "Star Gift Card". In the terms of use of Star Gift Cards in multiple countries, the validity period of the card is not set, and no management fees are charged.
![Implementing dual standards both domestically and internationally?, Starbucks "Star Gift Card" Users | Management Fee | Star Gift Card](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/b3b851e219158f36a1b238827fb6f329.jpg)
In response to the differences between domestic and international sources, Pengpai News reporters have contacted Starbucks personnel multiple times, but as of the time of publication, no response has been received.
According to the official website of Starbucks China, "Star gift cards" are referred to as "Starbucks gift cards". This gift card belongs to a single purpose commercial prepaid card, which will be sold to the public in countries where Starbucks stores exist. The stored value in the card can be consumed at any Starbucks store and cannot be withdrawn.
The Star Gift Card regulations stipulate that the validity period of prepaid cards is three years from the date of activation, and cardholders should use prepaid cards during the validity period. After the expiration of the validity period of the prepaid card, it will be automatically extended for 30 days, but the issuer will deduct the "extension management fee" from the prepaid card account. This fee will be charged at 1% of the card balance, but the minimum is RMB 2. The calculation of subsequent extensions and extension management fees will continue until the balance in the card is fully deducted.
This clause has been controversial for not being reminded at the time of purchase and not marked on the card, and has been referred to as the "king clause", causing dissatisfaction among many consumers.
![Implementing dual standards both domestically and internationally?, Starbucks "Star Gift Card" Users | Management Fee | Star Gift Card](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/abebd28ae89b73af34cca0dd6d1b697d.jpg)
During the investigation process, a reporter from Pengpai News found that the regulations of the "Star Gift Card" sold abroad do not include such "domineering clauses".
Starbucks US official website states that the card has no fees or terms
Taking the official website of Starbucks in the United States as an example, the terms of the "Star Gift Card" stipulate that "we will not charge any activation, service, hibernation, or inactivity fees for your Starbucks card. Your Starbucks card has no expiration date, and the value of your Starbucks card will not expire..."
A reporter from Pengpai News checked the official websites of Starbucks in multiple other countries and regions. The Starbucks websites in countries such as Canada, Japan, and Thailand all stated that the "Star Gift Card" will not expire, so there is naturally no provision for extending the management fee.
![Implementing dual standards both domestically and internationally?, Starbucks "Star Gift Card" Users | Management Fee | Star Gift Card](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/4ea4fcf73e5f447b09832654020bd1c2.jpg)
Starbucks gift cards purchased by consumers in the United States. It states: This Card does not expire, nor does Starbucks charge fee
It is worth noting that the terms of the Starbucks "Star Gift Card" in Hong Kong and Macau, China are the most stringent. It not only sets a validity period of three years, but also stipulates that "the balance of the Starbucks card will expire three years from the last transaction date, and any expired balance will be immediately confiscated without further notice.".
Why does the "Star Gift Card" sold globally treat Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and Macao differently?
In response to the above situation, Pengpai News reporters have contacted Starbucks brand PR personnel multiple times, but have not received a response. On June 2nd, a reporter from Pengpai News called Starbucks' official customer service, who stated that they would provide feedback after recording the situation and have a dedicated person respond. But as of the time of publication, no response has been received.
![Implementing dual standards both domestically and internationally?, Starbucks "Star Gift Card" Users | Management Fee | Star Gift Card](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/06dcd6de39c2bd25be549bcbafe3a57a.jpg)