If you’re visiting China and looking to save on your coffee, purchasing Starbucks vouchers through Taobao is a brilliant way to enjoy premium coffee at a serious discount.
This guide walks you through redeeming your Starbucks coffee from Taobao, focusing on the essential QR code process.
Note: there are several methods of achieving this outcome. Here’s one that works for this author:
Step 1: Download the Taobao and Starbucks China Apps
To get started, you’ll need:
- The Taobao App: Taobao, similar to Amazon, is China’s main shopping platform and offers Starbucks vouchers at a fraction of the usual price. Set up an account using your details—ideally with a Chinese number if possible for smooth access.
- The Starbucks China App: You’ll need this to redeem some of the coffee vouchers, which is available on iOS and Android.
Step 2: Log in to Taobao and Check Your Orders
- Open Taobao: Log in to your Taobao account.
- Go to “My Orders” (我的订单): In this section, locate your Starbucks discount purchase.
Tip: Use the translate plugins on your browser to navigate all Chinese sites in English. But bear in mind that a: to use Google Translate you’ll need to turn your VPN on and b: Chinese sites like Taobao work better when you turn your VPN off. So a bit of ‘back and forth’ is needed. Alternatively, take cellphone screengrabs and run the images through Google Translate/Lens for translation.
Step 3: Read the Seller’s Message to Obtain Your URL or QR Code
This step is key to the entire redemption process.
- Open your purchased information and open a chat with the Seller: Throughout your Starbucks order, you’ll see an option to “Contact Seller” (联系卖家).
- You’ll see the order information and a URL to order your discounted coffee.
Note: Starbucks vouchers on Taobao offer considerable savings compared to buying coffee outright in-store, often reducing costs by 20-30%.
Step 4: Click the Link to Redeem
- Click the link in the seller’s chat. In your browser, select your nearest Starbucks. Be careful to select the correct location. Turn your VPN off to be sure your location is working accurately.
- Choose your drink, set a pick-up time and ‘hey presto’, you’ve saved a heap of Yuan.
- Alternatively, use the Starbucks App: Head to the “Star Codes” or “Coupons” section, where you can input, upload, or scan the QR code.
Step 6: Visit a Starbucks Store and Enjoy Your Discounted Coffee!
With your order screen ready (it might be wise to screengrab this to ensure the order code is saved), simply head to the selected Starbucks. Show the barista the code, or complete a mobile order if that’s part of the offer (again, use a translate plugin in your browser, or, if the sales instructions are part of an image, read the image using Google Translate).
Enjoy your coffee with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved compared to paying in-store prices directly.
Key Tips for Taobao Starbucks Savings in China
- Check Expiry Dates: Vouchers often have expiry dates, so redeem within the set timeframe.
- Significant Discounts: Starbucks vouchers on Taobao often provide a 20-30% discount compared to in-store prices, making it a smart choice for coffee lovers on a budget.
- Save and Organise QR Codes: Always save your QR codes as soon as you receive them to avoid any hassle.
By following these steps, you can enjoy top-quality Starbucks coffee while maximising your savings.
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