Comments on: Chicken or the egg? Consumer demand, corporate response http://greenlagirl.com/2005/10/12/chicken-or-the-egg-consumer-demand-corporate-response/ Urban environmental lifestyle blog in Los Angeles Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:07:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Transmogrifier http://greenlagirl.com/2005/10/12/chicken-or-the-egg-consumer-demand-corporate-response/#comment-386 Transmogrifier Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://greenlagirl.com/?p=138#comment-386 That was really detailed. I guess what Starbucks is trying to do here is put the onus of creating demand solely on the consumer. To really get an idea of consumer demand for fair trade:<BR/><BR/>1. Fair trade must be available as an option (i.e avaliable along with some other coffee, the way it is this week). It would be good if it is available all the time, but I think to get a good idea it should be atleast couple of days a week.<BR/>2. It must be advertised very visibly so that consumers know that they have an option. It should not just be a policy document on their website.<BR/>3. At other times (when fair trade is not brewing) too it must be easier to get without all the fuss. (Americano would really be great!)<BR/><BR/>That would clearly give an idea as to how many consumers choose fair trade <I><B>when options are available.</B></I>What is happening now is clearly nothing like that. There is no way Starbucks can get a good idea of consumer demand for fair trade with its current policies. The only option (for customers) in the current situation is to NOT worry about the fuss and awkwardness and just ask for fair trade whenever it is available/affordable. I guess a bit of explaining to the baristas about supporting the cause may soothe a few anguished baristas. They may still mark someone as the "fair trade guy/gal" but in a good way! There will be some who won't be supportive no matter what. Then we must remember that <I><B>it's not personal it's business</B></I> and still ask for that cup fair trade. That was really detailed. I guess what Starbucks is trying to do here is put the onus of creating demand solely on the consumer. To really get an idea of consumer demand for fair trade:

1. Fair trade must be available as an option (i.e avaliable along with some other coffee, the way it is this week). It would be good if it is available all the time, but I think to get a good idea it should be atleast couple of days a week.
2. It must be advertised very visibly so that consumers know that they have an option. It should not just be a policy document on their website.
3. At other times (when fair trade is not brewing) too it must be easier to get without all the fuss. (Americano would really be great!)

That would clearly give an idea as to how many consumers choose fair trade when options are available.What is happening now is clearly nothing like that. There is no way Starbucks can get a good idea of consumer demand for fair trade with its current policies. The only option (for customers) in the current situation is to NOT worry about the fuss and awkwardness and just ask for fair trade whenever it is available/affordable. I guess a bit of explaining to the baristas about supporting the cause may soothe a few anguished baristas. They may still mark someone as the “fair trade guy/gal” but in a good way! There will be some who won’t be supportive no matter what. Then we must remember that it’s not personal it’s business and still ask for that cup fair trade.

]]> By: beev http://greenlagirl.com/2005/10/12/chicken-or-the-egg-consumer-demand-corporate-response/#comment-387 beev Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://greenlagirl.com/?p=138#comment-387 Thanks, green LA girl. This is inspiring stuff.<BR/><BR/>Your site is very cool.. I've added a link for you from AEC. Thanks, green LA girl. This is inspiring stuff.

Your site is very cool.. I’ve added a link for you from AEC.

]]> By: Siel http://greenlagirl.com/2005/10/12/chicken-or-the-egg-consumer-demand-corporate-response/#comment-388 Siel Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://greenlagirl.com/?p=138#comment-388 Hey Transmogrifier -- Thanks for thinking through this issue. I'm trying to think too about what is both "reasonable" to ask of Starbucks to do that'll give consumer demand for fair trade coffee a fair chance -- City Hippy will go to Starbucks with the challengers' thoughts -- backed up by experiences -- on 10/31, so the suggestions you provided are really, really appreciated. <BR/><BR/>And thanks for stopping by, beev! I've added you too :) Hey Transmogrifier — Thanks for thinking through this issue. I’m trying to think too about what is both “reasonable” to ask of Starbucks to do that’ll give consumer demand for fair trade coffee a fair chance — City Hippy will go to Starbucks with the challengers’ thoughts — backed up by experiences — on 10/31, so the suggestions you provided are really, really appreciated.

And thanks for stopping by, beev! I’ve added you too :)

]]>