Starbucks Launches ‘Mobile Order & Pay’ Advance Ordering

For those who look for a first- or business-class line at the local Starbucks, the coffee company may have just the thing.  On Wednesday, the Seattle-based chain announced Mobile Order & Pay, a system that allows customers to place orders for pickup at a specific Starbucks location, bypassing the line at the store.

The functionality has been integrated into the Starbucks iPhone mobile app, which was updated to version 3.2.  The feature, which will roll out nationwide in 2015, is currently available in Portland, Oregon.

The new feature requires app users to accept a one-time location services prompt that permits Starbucks to identify the nearest location that accepts Mobile Order & Pay, and uses a customer’s connected Starbucks card to pay for purchases.

To use the app, a customer simply clicks on “Order” on the top right of the app and selects the desired items.  The app supports the ordering of beverages by size, number of espresso shots, and dairy selections, among other choices.  Once the items are selected, the customer selects the most convenient store.  The app will display the approximate wait times prior to making the selection and can also provide directions to the store.

Clicking “Order” confirms the order and payment is made from the customer’s registered Starbucks Card.  Baristas begin to prepare the order immediately upon receipt at the location.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)