Reusable Starbucks cups are lining resellers’ pockets

Sports cards, sneakers, and… Starbucks cups?

Resellers are apparently making bank off devoted Starbucks collectors. For example:

• In 2020, 2 resellers claimed they made $5k in profit selling Starbucks holiday cups and accessories via Facebook Marketplace.
• A TikTok reseller said his wife sold a tumbler she bought for $20 for $165.
• In 2019, resellers snapped up Halloween cups and listed them for $100-$500.

Meanwhile, numerous Facebook Groups are dedicated to cup hunting, including this 13.7k-member public group that advertises itself as no-rules “cup chaos.”

Collectors happily show off their Starbucks hauls and massive cup stashes.

But, why?

Poshmark CEO Manish Chandra suggested “pandemic-triggered nostalgia.” He told CNN Business that Starbucks merchandise saw a 100%+ uptick in sales on the platform in 2020.

But cup collecting predates the pandemic. Thrifter Cary Williams told In The Know he thinks the coffee chain just has a passionate fanbase…

… Which can be a problem for baristas

While Grinch bots steal Christmas by gaming online retailers, Starbucks merch is only available in-store, which has led to some pretty wacky behavior.

• A former barista posted to TikTok that resellers rummage through store cabinets and even fight with employees and other resellers.
• Fights have allegedly broken out at Disney parks (the happiest places on Earth!) over exclusive Disney-themed Starbucks cups.
• Some stores have implemented sales limits on cups to stave off resellers and save some for collectors or, you know, people who actually drink coffee out of them.

BTW: If this has you curious, here’s a comprehensive site entirely devoted to Starbucks mugs.