Los Angeles, CA: Starbucks is facing a consumer fraud class action lawsuit filed by a customer who alleges the international coffee chain advertised prices for product that are lower than those charged by baristas.
Specifically, the lawsuit contends that Starbuck' advertising for reduced-fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich and sausage and cheddar breakfast sandwich include prices that are lower than that which the plaintiff, Sarah Martin, paid. The turkey bacon sandwich was advertised for $3.45 when it actually costs $3.75, while the sausage and cheddar sandwich was advertised as $3.25 when the actual price is $3.45, according to the complaint.
According to the complaint, there are at least seven Starbucks locations in Los Angeles county where the in store pricing is different from the advertised price. The potential class action suit alleges violations of the California statutes covering consumer protection, false advertising, unfair competition, unjust enrichment and fraud.
Further, the lawsuit contends that Starbuck' policy regarding receipts helped it conceal the alleged false advertisement. "Plaintiff and members of the proposed classes relied to their detriment on Starbucks misrepresentations regarding the price of goods,"the complaint states. "tarbucks also has the policy of asking consumers whether they would like a copy of their receipt, which makes it harder to discover the misrepresentation."
The putative class would include any Starbucks customer who purchased items at California locations where the wrong price was advertised in the last four years.
The case is Sarah Martin et al. v. Starbucks Corp. et al., case number BC582335, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.
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I am so glad to hear someone is taking a stand on this. I had this happen to me a month or so back where my drink was maybe half full, I emailed the company. They sent me a 5.00 giftcard. I went back and ordered another drink and it was still short! I emailed them again about it and got no response. I haven't been back to startbucks since. I will take my business to Scooters.
Posted by Marilyn berry
on
I have been at starbucks for years to hear that was happen..what is going on? Van I go get a fair Latte?
Posted by Grace Amante
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I am so glad that I am not the only one that have experienced this at Starbucks. Contrary to what other people have said that this is a frivolous lawsuit - no it is not.
The first experience was five years ago when I ordered a Vanilla Frappucino and when I indicated no whip cream, one can clearly see how short/small the drink was with at least an inch of the drink missing - this is because they fill the rest of it with the whip cream. Then it happened several times again at which point I was turned off.
From then on I have purchased very little drink(s) from Starbucks. We still have the card because my husband travels and is on the road so he uses it but I probably go to Starbucks once every 3-4 months(maybe less).
Additionally, I can buy cheaper/better coffee (without the bitterness) elsewhere without hurting my budget. There is no status in overpaying/overspending.
Posted by Sarah Garcia
on
How do I join this?? I've been drinking Starbucks for years and always order a size up bc of this (i.e. Grande in a Venti) and the baristas ALWAYS STILL FILL MY CUPS UP WITH ICE B*STARDS.
Posted by Lita Davidson
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I want in on this lawsuit i even have pictures from the past under ky dribk was under filled even WITH the ice!!
Posted by Marie Quethera
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Prices vary at Starbucks, not always fresh ,,,, ratio ice to coffee off, have had issues over money being stolen
Marie q
Posted by Tristen
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I would like in this lawsuit as well. I have asked for no ice in my drinks and they still put ice in. I have to go back several times to make sure they make my drink right. They over use ice and it's expensive. The hassle of them messing up my drink makes me not want toe even go to Starbucks anymore.
Posted by Jay
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Those foaming lattes are ripping me off too. I have to order NO FOAM to get a decent fill now. I shouldn't have to try and beat them at their own game every time I order.
Posted by Helen Clark
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I used to order Starbuck's ginger soda, and it had so much ice in it so I started asking the Barista if he can put less ice in it. He told me he would have to charge me extra. So I didn't order their soda anymore. Really bad for business. This happened on Kauai in Hawaii at the Kapaa Starbuck's a while ago when they first started serving their on tap sodas. I know they don't call it soda but I forgot what they call it exactly.
Posted by Miss Jaymie
on
I want in on this lawsuit, I have had to go back to have my cup filled numerous times I will keep my receipt for every drink now and I also have photo proof. Its time they start being held accountable
Posted by Layla Mckendry
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I have been going to Starbucks all over Los Angeles for the last four years. I bought a number of lattes and breakfast sandwiches. When you have a loyalty card you never get a receipt nor see your itemized purchase.
Posted by Baltimore Ben
on
How do I join this lawsuit?.. Starbucks under fills my cup almost every time & saying something only gets me an angry hipster barista.
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