“Starbucks rigs its payment platform so consumers are encouraged to leave unspent money on their cards and apps," the group says.

Starbucks accused of rigging payments in app for nearly $900 million gain over 5 years by consumer watchdog group::Washington Consumer Protection Coalition complains to Washington state attorney general.

  • FontMasterFlex@lemmy.worldEnglish
    431·
    10 months ago

    This is nothing new. Why do you think damn near any place will sell you a gift card? Because even IF someone uses it, there’s almost always some left on the card, OR people spend over the amount, spending more than they would have originally. They are literally a ‘can’t lose’ for businesses.

    • xor@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      22·
      10 months ago

      in California, all gift cards $10 or less can be redeemed for cash.

      you may have to argue with employees and management, but its the law… it’s also a misdemeanor for the cashier to refuse it to you.

      • Kbobabob@lemmy.worldEnglish
        41·
        10 months ago

        (b)(1) Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder

        Not just under 10

        • xor@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          6·
          10 months ago

          there’s more to that:

          Any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is redeemable in cash for its cash value, or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate at no cost to the purchaser or holder.4 Effective January 1, 2008, any gift certificate with a cash value of less than $10 is redeemable in cash, which includes currency or check, for its cash value.

          • GiveMemes@jlai.luEnglish
            6·
            10 months ago

            In case anybody is wondering this part is important because the thing the other guy posted just says it can be replaced with cash OR a new gift card of equal value. That doesn’t mean it’s the customer’s choice which one they receive though so businesses would just choose to replace it with another gift card.