Starbucks offers free coffee to voters

by Nicola Clark, Marketing 04-Nov-08, 08:30

LONDON - Starbucks is giving away a free cup of coffee to each voter in the US presidential election in a bid to drive voter participation and net lucrative PR coverage.

The promotion was generated by an idea posted by a customer on Starbuck's blog -http://blogs.starbucks.com/blogs.

Each voter will be able to get a free tall cup of brewed coffee at no charge. The campaign follows the launch of the Starbuck's global 'Shared Planet' initiative designed to combat criticism of the brand's ethical reputation.

The ‘coffee for votes' initiative is being supported by a ad campaign - which is also on the coffee brand's You Tube channel where it has received a mixed response.

One poster offered free cup cakes to those who vote Obama, while another commentator adds: 'If you vote McCain, we'll spill a Tall cup of hot coffee over your dumb face.'