Starbucks Card Full Refunds Begin... Up to 2 Million Won Can Be Refunded Unconditionally for Two Weeks

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[Financial News] Starbucks, which has been embroiled in controversy over its "Tank Day" marketing tied to May 18, will offer full refunds of card balances unconditionally for two weeks.
According to the industry on the 1st, Starbucks Korea, also known as SCK Company, will provide unconditional full refunds of Starbucks card balances from today through the 14th. Refunds will be available both through the mobile app and at offline stores.
Unlike the previous rule, which required customers to use at least 60% of the final top-up amount before requesting a balance refund, customers can now receive a full refund of up to 2 million won regardless of whether the card was used.
For funds loaded onto cards in the Starbucks mobile app, refunds can be requested through the app. The money will be deposited into the designated account within seven business days after the request.
For unnamed physical cards that are not registered in the app, refunds can be processed by visiting a store. Customers can bring the physical card to a Starbucks store and ask a partner for a refund, and receive cash immediately on site.
Starbucks is believed to have introduced the full refund measure to ease the controversy over its "Tank Day" marketing, which has shown little sign of subsiding even after Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin issued an apology. The backlash began soon after the controversy, and criticism of the refund terms quickly mounted as a boycott of Starbucks got underway.
Under the current Standard Terms and Conditions for New-Type Gift Certificates, customers must use at least 60% of the face value for gift certificates over 10,000 won, or at least 80% for those worth 10,000 won or less, before they can request a refund of the remaining balance.
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\r\nThis rule was introduced to prevent prepaid cards from being traded like cash, a practice that could spread if users were not required to spend a certain amount.
\r\nHowever, negative public opinion grew among consumers, who said it was "an absurd structure that forces people to spend again just to get a refund when they want one for a boycott." In the end, Starbucks introduced the temporary exception of a "full refund."
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bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter