Starbucks serves up a little extra while you wait

by Stan Phelps

in purple goldfish project

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Try a new coffee or tea drink while in line

#351 in the Project is submitted by Ted Simon @tedlsimon:

Starbucks in Terra Linda

starbucks sampling

“When the line gets really long, it’s common for one of the staff to come out with a tray of complimentary samples of the latest and greatest beverage. A nice treat while you wait in line”.

Today’s Lagniappe (a little something extra) – Here is a launch event for Starbucks Pike Place Roast at Bryant Park in New York City.  I had the privilege of working on the launch.  The centerpiece was the recreation of the original Pike Place Market store for one day in NYC.  Here’s Howard Schultz debuting the coffee:

Lagniappe defined: A marketing lagniappe, i.e. purple goldfish,  is any time a business goes above and beyond to provide a ‘little something extra’. It’s that unexpected surprise that’s thrown in for good measure.

How do you stand out in the sea of sameness? How do you win repeat customers and influence word of mouth?  Are you Giving Little Unexpected Extras?

What’s Your GLUE?

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February 15, 2011 at 7:35 am

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1 Rick Liebling February 15, 2011 at 8:53 am

I love when places do that. So simple, so easy, and it’s not just a throw-away. They could hire a juggler or stand-up comic to keep you entertained, but the sample not only is a nice gesture - here’s something of value for free - but it’s a business driver too.

2 Stan Phelps February 16, 2011 at 6:11 pm

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