Starbucks & Polygon launch a loyalty program on web3

Starbucks has partnered with Polygon on a Web3 campaign to enhance its customer loyalty program. According to the project’s blog, customers and partners entered the Starbucks Odyssey waitlist on September 12. Partners expect it to debut in late 2022.

One coffee with tokens, please

The previous Starbucks Rewards loyalty program concept incorporated gaming dynamics with the option to swap virtual points for actual products. Customers will be immersed in an environment where they will go on excursions, complete surveys, participate in missions, and be rewarded with NFTs in Starbucks Odyssey.

The limited-edition NFT set will also be available via the Starbucks Odyssey app.

Despite being stored on the Polygon blockchain, you can buy these NFTs with a credit or debit card, rather than a cryptocurrency wallet. The platform’s architects believe that this will make it easier for users to connect with Web3 by decreasing the entrance barrier.

However, it is unclear how much Starbucks NFT will cost or how many will be available at launch. Yet, a group of artists is already working on NFTs.

Polygon Matic as a provider

Starbucks Odyssey, according to Ryan Butz, vice president of loyalty, strategy, and marketing, leverages technology that complements the company’s objectives and promises.

Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, stated:

“Polygon will offer a launching pad for Starbucks’ entry into Web3 as an infrastructure provider that allows people and technology to freely and internationally interact and share value.”

Starbucks Odyssey details

Starbucks Odyssey was created by a team that included Adam Brotman, the creator of the Mobile Order & Pay system and the Starbucks app, and Starbucks technologists and marketers. According to Starbucks marketing director Brady Brewer, they did not wish to invest in Web3 as a side project, as many do. The new technology is intended to boost the coffee chain’s revenue.

Brewer explains:

“Our new loyalty program happens to be built on blockchain and web3 technology, but the user may not even be aware they’re dealing with blockchain technology. It’s only a tool.”

Other Starbucks innovations

According to TechCrunch, in describing the new reward program, Starbucks has always been quick to catch up on technology trends: they quickly offered Wi-Fi in its coffee shops and delivery via mobile app and began utilizing mobile payments long before Apple Pay became popular.