Case Name :      Starbucks Canada: The Mobile Payments Decision

Authors :           Deborah Compeau, Cato Pastoll, Tyler Rochwerg, Brandon Vlaar

Source :             Ivey Publishing

Case ID :           W15169

Discipline :        Information Technology

Case Length :    12 pages

Solution Sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

In December 2012, the management of Starbucks Canada, an autonomous subsidiary of the U.S.-based multinational coffeehouse chain, is trying to decide how best to implement mobile payments in its 1,350 locations across Canada. While the company has currently been using a mobile application to accept payments through its proprietary Starbucks Card, rival Tim Hortons has recently introduced a more advanced mobile payment solution. There are many new and emerging technologies to choose from, including Square Wallet, Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons, MintChip and Mobile Wallet/Credit Card Near Field Communication. Will these systems allow for an enhanced store experience? Are customers ready to start paying with their smartphones? And which payment service will be the Canadian lead going forward? The future of Starbucks and mobile payments is exciting, but the choices are almost overwhelming.