These days, coffee prices are on the rise, but a charge of $4,500 for two cups of coffee reaches an entirely new level of expense.
Although the error was on Starbucks’ part, it didn’t lessen the anxiety for the customers affected.
Jesse and Deedee O’Dell, who had been loyal Starbucks customers for 16 years, typically began their mornings with an iced americano and a cappuccino.
However, in 2023, during their usual coffee run, a significant error occurred with the couple’s order.
Ordinarily, their coffee purchase would cost around $10, but one order in February 2023 ended up totaling an astounding $4,456.27.
The couple was unexpectedly charged a gratuity fee of $4,444.44, significantly inflating their bill.
Adding to the confusion, Jesse recalled choosing the ‘No Tip’ option on the payment terminal.
Deedee discovered the mistake only days later when she was shopping with her four children and her card was declined.
Determined to resolve the issue, Jesse reached out to the Starbucks district manager and was informed that a network error might have caused the problem with the card machine.
The company assured them that two checks totaling the gratuity would be sent to them. However, when the checks arrived, they bounced, as reported to CBS.
Jesse mentioned they had contacted customer service approximately 30 or 40 times in one day, eventually being assured that new checks would be sent. At the time of their interview, they had yet to receive these checks.
The family had planned a trip to Thailand, Deedee’s native country, to see her sister, whom she hadn’t visited in years.
Unfortunately, the couple had to cancel this non-refundable trip.
They have been collaborating with the Tulsa Police Department to address the issue.
The couple urged other Starbucks patrons to always review their receipts after purchasing coffee.
“This is something that has caused huge duress in our own family, and hopefully other people don’t have to go through something like this,” Jesse expressed.
“This was an unfortunate situation that has since been resolved,” the spokesperson stated.
“The tip was entered by the customer in error.
“While the original refund checks had a typo and therefore did not go through, we issued new ones on January 31, which were received and cashed by the customer on Monday, February 6.”