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 voucher 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.
Step 3: Message the Seller to Obtain Your QR Code
This step is key to the entire redemption process, as the QR code is essential for unlocking your savings.
- Open your purchased information and open a chat with the Seller: Under your Starbucks order, you’ll see an option to “Contact Seller” (联系卖家).
- Request the QR Code: Send a polite message asking for your QR code. They have probably already shared a URL (link) to the QR code in the chat. Click it! Sellers typically send this directly via chat rather than within the main order details.
Note: Starbucks vouchers on Taobao offer considerable savings compared to buying coffee outright in-store, often reducing costs by 20-30%.
Step 4: Retrieve the QR Code and Save It
Once the seller sends the QR code, take a screenshot or save it immediately. This code is what you’ll use to redeem your coffee in-store or through the app.
Step 5: Open the Starbucks China App and Redeem
- Open the Starbucks China App: Head to the “Star Codes” or “Coupons” section, where you can input, upload, or scan the QR code.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Once redeemed, the app will confirm your voucher is ready.Note: Following the link in the seller’s Taobao chat also enables you to make your order with the store through a browser.Note: In the seller’s chat, there may just be a URL. Click this to complete your purchase order.
Step 6: Visit a Starbucks Store and Enjoy Your Discounted Coffee!
With your QR code ready, simply head to any Starbucks in China. 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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