Starbucks Tests Coffee Delivery in the U.S.

Need your morning Starbucks fix but can’t get to the store? In China, delivery platforms like (Lian Ka Fei) and (Aixianfeng) have stepped in, offering the same cups you’d get in-store—but brought to your door. The big question: why hasn’t Starbucks done it officially? And what’s really going on with U.S. delivery trials?

Yes, Starbucks is starting limited delivery trials in the U.S.—in places like Washington, Alaska, and Idaho—via its mobile app. But in China, major food delivery services have long offered Starbucks coffee without official partnership, delivering cups in under 40 minutes for a small fee.

Why Isn’t Starbucks Delivering Officially in China?

Starbucks has no official coffee delivery service in mainland China. Any delivery you see comes from third-party ecommerce platforms—not Starbucks itself. These include , , and (Baidu Waimai), which send baristas to buy Starbucks drinks at nearby stores and deliver them. Starbucks confirmed it hasn’t authorised these services and that any in-store delivery is staff-led, not corporate.

How Do Third-Party Starbucks Deliveries Work in China?

On platforms like , you can order Starbucks just like any other item. One cup is enough to qualify for delivery, with just a 2 RMB service fee. On , the minimum order is 30 RMB before a 10 RMB delivery charge applies. Most Starbucks stores in China don’t offer official delivery, though a few high-end locations like those in and may provide it with strict conditions—but these are unofficial staff actions.

How Profitable Is Coffee Delivery for These Platforms?

Delivery services make little profit on coffee alone. Because brands like Starbucks and Costa have fixed, transparent pricing, delivery apps can’t discount or mark up the coffee. They mainly charge service or delivery fees. says its Starbucks delivery only breaks even thanks to minimum spend rules, serving mostly to build user loyalty. aims to grow coffee consumption in new settings, focusing on improving user experience and operational efficiency rather than margins.

What’s the Actual Delivery Model?

These delivery services operate much like food delivery apps such as or . When you place an order, a courier goes to the nearest Starbucks, buys your drink, and brings it to you. staff have confirmed they’re essentially acting as coffee proxies—no special access, discounts, or priority at the counter. The platform doesn’t get better treatment than any other customer.

What’s Happening with Delivery in the U.S.?

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said last October the company will begin testing delivery as part of its ecommerce push. This started with online ordering via the Starbucks app in select U.S. regions including Washington, Alaska, and Idaho. Customers there can now mobile order ahead for pickup or eventual delivery. Starbucks plans to roll out delivery more widely in the second half of the year, though U.S. customers still wait for full nationwide service—and international users (including those in China) have yet to access these features.

Would Delivery Work Better in China’s Crowded Stores?

Not easily. In China, Starbucks stores often face heavy foot traffic and long dwell times, stretching in-store staff. Launching delivery here would require hiring more workers to maintain service quality inside the café while handling outside orders. Experts say any delivery push would raise labour costs significantly unless paired with smarter operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Starbucks officially deliver in China?

No, Starbucks does not officially offer delivery in China. Any Starbucks coffee you receive via delivery apps like , , or is purchased and delivered by third-party couriers, not by Starbucks. Starbucks has confirmed it has not authorised these services, and any in-store delivery is carried out by individual staff, not corporate policy.

How quickly can I get Starbucks coffee delivered in China?

Through third-party services like , Starbucks coffee can be delivered in under 40 minutes in major cities like Beijing. Delivery times depend on proximity to a Starbucks location and courier availability, but many users report fast service, often within the half-hour mark.

Can I get Starbucks delivered via the Starbucks app in the U.S.?

Yes, in select U.S. regions—including Washington, Alaska, and Idaho—you can use the Starbucks mobile app to order coffee for pickup or delivery. Starbucks has begun testing delivery services in these areas as part of a broader ecommerce initiative, with plans to expand to more locations in the second half of the year.

Do delivery platforms make money selling Starbucks coffee?

Not really. Because Starbucks sets fixed retail prices, delivery services can’t mark up the coffee itself. They make minimal income from delivery or service fees. Platforms like say their Starbucks delivery services only break even and mainly serve to increase customer retention rather than generate profit.

How does third-party Starbucks delivery actually work?

Third-party services send a courier to a nearby Starbucks to buy your drink and deliver it to you. There’s no special access or discount—just a regular purchase made on your behalf. Essentially, these services act as coffee proxies, picking up your order like any other customer would.

Why hasn’t Starbucks launched delivery officially in China yet?

Starbucks has not launched official delivery in China due to operational challenges, including high in-store traffic and long customer dwell times. Adding delivery would require significant extra staffing without disrupting service inside cafés. The company has also not partnered with third-party delivery apps officially, leaving the market to independent couriers.

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