Across the world on 6 October 2008, Starbucks came under fire for its 'dipper well policy'.
While Starbucks defended itself against the criticisms, I must say they've responded very well to consumer and public demands.
This corporation moved really fast. Within a week, Starbucks had removed its running taps and told the world that they would be trying out a new hygiene policy with the new single use spoons.
As much as I would gleefully ridicule companies who wield major market share in our locale, I can't help but be convinced by their pro-consumer attitudes. At this scale, the corporation's CEO in Seattle would have to have an actual hand in its new policies to be implemented across the world. That change, by virtue of its speed, is amazing.
So while corporations make mistakes, it's absolutely impressive that they make amends just as fast.
For that, I will still drink coffee from Starbucks.
3 comments:
I have been musing over this for a while! actually, why does the Govt care if starbucks is willing to pay to keep its taps running, if this is indeed how it prefers to run its business (and if that's the price that we presumably want to pay for high end coffee). Why must the PUB goons step in and play Big Brother and tell Starbucks that it shouldn't waste water and better yet, bully starbucks into changing how to make its coffee? Is PUB doing this to other industries (eg water fab, which wastes even more water?) Alternatively, if I choose to run my taps all day and pay for it, or if I like to take long showers, does PUB have the (illiberal) right to stop me? I think this is where Govt oversteps the line. But of course, as consumers, we can choose where to get our coffee. That in itself is enough punishment (and presumably Starbucks recognises it wld lose more than gain if it continued with the dipping well)
jeffrey: hehehhe. i do suppose because there's general outrage across the world that they're wasting resources. so if the media chooses to pick a bone with that and the consumers react, then Starbucks will have to defend or compromise its position somewhat. otherwise how to sell their expensive coffee?! ;p
frankly. i was thinking why on earth PUB must go down to the outlets. shouldn't it be NEA & PUB if it's so, for public health- just to make sure and for environmental concerns? i can't quite understand PUB's rationale of 'water wastage'. but it's kinda a very public 'positive' move of which i'm not sure they've jurisdiction over even if there's water wastage! you're right, if i wash dishes at the sink and leave the tap on all night or something, who's to stop me?!!!
exactly!
I think just for that, I shall organise a "Run the Tap For One Whole Day" Day. Better yet, I'll do it at the Speakers Corner. Wait, there no tap. Alack, no money either, all down the stock market drain.
I have to declare also that I'm kinda biased from the experience working with PUB at this little conference this year...
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