CardMarketing 2.0

Starbucks in the US has started allowing people to design their own cards — and is doing a fantastic job of it, too. In fact, the way it's promoting the new service on its website is pretty damn awesome — the usability is sublime and the fun factor is off the scale.

People can choose to design their reloadable cards through one of four themes, and I really like 'The Original', which allows you to design your card to look like the back of your cup — you know, the bit where the barista scribbles how you want your coffee, e.g. regular, two shots, skimmed milk, extra dry (see screengrab, below).



This means you can avoid having to engage in conversation with another human being before your coffee boost kicks in — just hold your forefinger over your lips, Sssssshhhhh-stylie, and wave the card in front of their eyes. That alone makes the card worthwhile.

They're also targeting the holiday season, allowing people to purchase cards with piccies of snowmen and sledges. If I lived in the States, I'd definitely be buying one of these as a prezzie for someone at Crimbo. It costs $4, which covers processing, printing, shipping, etc — seems pretty reasonable. Go and check it out, you'll enjoy!