A FAMILY of six was left stunned and out of options after they were charged thousands of dollars for only two beverages.
They purchased the drinks, an iced Americano and caramel frappe, at a Starbucks location they’d frequented for years.
Two drinks at Starbucks cost one couple thousands of dollars (stock image)[/caption]
Jesse and Deedee O’Dell (pictured) typically pay around $11 for their order[/caption]
Their receipt showed a total considerably higher than expected[/caption]
Oklahoma residents Jesse and DeeDee O’Dell had made that same order at the coffeehouse giant for the past 16 years with no issue.
The cost for both hovered around $12, but in early 2023, it was $4,456.27, according to a receipt they provided the Kansas City Star.
In the moment, the couple didn’t realize they’d paid a bit extra for their go-to Starbucks order.
Except, DeeDee became suspicious after her credit card was declined while at the mall with the couple’s four kids.
After double-checking the receipt, the couple was stunned.
COST CONCERNS
Itemized charges showed the Americano at $3.95, frappe at $5.95, and another single shot of espresso for an extra $1.
The subtotal was $10.90 and a tax of $0.93 should’ve made for a grand total of $11.83 before gratuity.
A gratuity charge was listed at $4,444.44, bringing the total all the way up to $4,456.27.
“I felt disbelief,” Jesse told the publication.
“I don’t have that kind of money sitting around just to play with.”
Jesse immediately contacted the district manager at the Starbucks, who told him it was a network issue that led to the payment discrepancy.
Two checks were then sent out totaling the gratuity amount that allegedly bounced when they tried to deposit them.
Afterward, the father of four attempted to contact Starbucks about “30 to 40 times that day,” according to a conversation he had with CBS affiliate KOKI in February 2023.
A Starbucks representative said new refund checks would be sent out to the couple immediately, according to Jesse.
Starbucks Fall Menu
Starbucks has dropped the new fall menu on August 26. Check out all the new and returning items.
Returning fall favorites
- Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
- Raccoon Cake Pop
New items
- Pecan Oatmilk Cortado
- Pecan Crunch Cookie
- Coconut Oatmilk Macchiato
TRIP TERMINATED
Still, the couple still went ahead and contacted the Tulsa Police Department, as Jesse claimed he specifically selected “no tip” when paying for the drinks.
“I know how to press buttons. I didn’t press that button,” he argued.
The checks have since arrived, with the issue resolved.
A Starbucks representative later told KOKI that it was likely human error that lead to the incorrect total.
Even so, given the hiccups with the checks, the over $4,000 drinks briefly put the couple in a financially challenging position.
They were forced to cancel a family vacation due to a lack of disposable funds.
“We had planned to take a trip but had to cancel and the tickets are non-refundable,” Jesse noted.
Several other Americans have also been stunned by added surcharges at restaurants this year.
One diner spotted a $5 added fee on a receipt that came with a rude message, and decided to let it slide.
Others have consistently noticed a “silly & disingenuous” charge at several restaurants.
