In 2019, Starbucks made $26.6 billion serving you your favorite morning fix.
That’s a lot of sweet greens you didn’t make and here’s why:
On the rare occasions that I fancy a mediocre coffee, I turn to Starbucks.
As I don’t casually walk around with a porcelain cup, I go for the styrofoam surprise.
You know the drill. An undergrad BA in Creative Design takes your order, tries to upsell you
on some pastries, and then kindly asks your name in an attempt to establish what food
safety consultants might call a critical control point.
After all, you don’t want to end up zipping someone else’s secret Frappucino mix.
I’ve been Vladimir, O.J., Boba, and—my favorite—Wayne, Bruce.
Unless you camp at their doorstep, you need to drive, walk, or ride your bike to Starbucks.
Then you need to park or chain your bike to anything anchored. You are obliged to check
your social media just to make sure you didn’t miss out on any product placement.
On average, you spend 5 minutes waiting to be served, and another 3 to pay and get your
“cup of joe”.
Luckily you can multitask, so you diligently run through all those notifications that have been
pinging, buzzing, or shouting on your phone.
Those 8 minutes fly by on a lucky day. Special conditions may apply during rush hours.
Steamy cup in hand, you get back to your car. Or you’re happy to see your bike’s still hanging on that post. You hit the road, all set to kick off your day, make waves and changes, and build that company you’re dreaming of every single day.
First you check that last ping. Just to be sure. Alright, good to go.
Let’s round it off: Starbucks took 20 minutes out of your morning.
There are 262 workings days in 2020. I’m an optimist, so let’s assume you need fixing once a
day.
That’s 5240 minutes of your life—or 87 hours.
Three full days you’re never getting back.
On Amazon, a French press coffee maker will set you back $20, keep you in charge of your
time management, and will not misspell your name.
While you enjoy that coffee, take a moment to pause and analyze how you prioritize your
time, and how that helps you get closer to your target. Imagine how you could spend those
87 hours rejuvenating your body and mind, playing with your kids, learning a new language,
or pursuing that genuine idea that would boost your earnings multifold.
You have that choice every single morning.
Let Amazon make some money, too.