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Starbucks sparks debate after charging couple over $4K for two cups of coffee

News - Nov 22, 2023
Starbucks sparks debate after charging couple over $4K for two cups of coffee

The couple was charged $4,000 in tips for two cups of coffee at a Tulsa Starbucks, forcing them to cancel their trip. 

Deedee (left) and Jesse O'Dell (right) were charged over $4K for two cups of coffee. Image Credits: Facebook
Deedee (left) and Jesse O'Dell (right) were charged over $4K for two cups of coffee. Image Credits: Facebook

After being shocked by a tip for their drink, Jesse O'Dell and his wife, Deedee, promptly contacted Starbucks to inform them that they realized the error and that it was a system glitch that caused the incident.

Although Starbucks officials told the O'Dells that they would be sending checks to cover the costs, the couple recounted spending an entire day making '30 to 40' calls to customer service after the promised checks bounced.

A picture of the receipt showed an astonishing bill of nearly $4,500 for two coffees, while the actual price should have been $11.83. This included an unexplained $4,444.44 tip.

A picture of the receipt showed the bill of nearly $4,500 for two coffees. Image Credits: FOX23
A picture of the receipt showed the bill of nearly $4,500 for two coffees. Image Credits: FOX23

The O'Dell were supposed to cancel their tip while they waited to get their money back. They lodged a formal report with the Tulsa Police Department.

At this time, Jesse said he decided to 'not tip' for their drink at the checkout at the store.

Days after January 7, the couple realized they had been charged after Deedee discovered the charge when the card was declined while she was shopping with her four children.

Starbucks sparks debate after charging couple charged $4,444 dollars in a tip. Image Credits: FOX 23
Starbucks sparks debate after charging couple charged $4,444 dollars in a tip. Image Credits: FOX 23

Immediately, the couple began frantically reaching out to Starbucks. Then they received their answer about the incident. The district manager assured the couple that it was a mistake and that they would issue checks immediately for them.

A typo on the initial checks was the cause. Image Credits: FOX 23
A typo on the initial checks was the cause. Image Credits: FOX 23

Jesse told McClatchy News: 'If it wasn't the barista then it's definitely your network, which is a really big issue.'

Jesse said: 'We contacted their consumer service helpline probably 30-40 times that day. They assured us they are sending new checks.' 

After repeated attempts to get their money back, the couple complained to the local police department as they awaited the issuance of new checks.

As reported by Daily Mail,  a Starbucks representative said in a statement that a typo on the initial checks was the cause of the payment failure.

The couple canceled their family vacation due to a financial setback. Image Credits: FOX 23
The couple canceled their family vacation due to a financial setback. Image Credits: FOX 23

Subsequently, the case has been resolved, and the couple received and successfully cashed the replacement checks on Monday, February 6, according to a Starbucks representative.

However, the couple still cancel their trip due to losing their budget. 

Watching the video: