Coffee anyone?

After a meal, I usually yearn for a hot cup of cappuccino. It somehow gives me that satisfying feeling of relief. It also keeps me awake. At WestPoint Shopping Centre, I usually go to Gloria Jeans because they give me a ten per cent discount upon presentation of my Seniors Card. I therefore pay a discounted price of only $3.00 for a regular cup instead of the regular retail price of $3.35.

On top of that, Gloria Jeans has a Frequent Sippers Club Card that gives a Free Regular drink after a customer buys ten drinks. They simply punch the card every time it is presented.

Last week, a friend insisted that we meet at Starbucks Coffee Shop in Blacktown. I arrived 20 minutes earlier than the appointed time so I went straight to the cashier to buy a regular cup of cappuccino. I presented my Seniors Card hoping to get the usual 10 per cent discount but no, the cashier said that they do not honor the card.

A bit disappointed, I took out a $5 note to pay for my coffee. I was given a 25 cent change. I thought – isn’t that a bit too much – being charged $4.75 for the usual regular size of cappuccino I always buy at Gloria Jeans!

I was actually being asked to pay $1.75 more than the $3.00 I normally pay just a few steps away.

But, sir, “our coffee tastes better and the aroma makes a lot of difference,” – retorted the cashier.

I certainly did not notice anything different except for the additional money I had to pay.

?

Updated: 2008-07-03 — 01:29:39