Dunkin or Starbucks?

Yesterday was one of those awful days where the cold, incessant rain on campus soaked my shoes, made everything in my backpack soggy, and put me in a gloomy mood.  Looking for a way to keep warm and get a little cozier, I decided to grab a cup of coffee on my way to class.  However, running a little late, I was forced to go to Dunkin Donuts, which was on the way, rather than taking the longer route that passes by Starbucks as I normally would.

Now let’s put this into perspective with a little background info… I made most of my friends at college by offering them a free cup of Joe from my Keurig, and my dorm room always smells like a freshly brewed latte.  Ask anyone who knows me:  I love coffee.  Priding myself on being an experienced, top-class coffee drinker, I have always sworn by Starbucks.  $4 for a Caramel Macchiato?  Don’t care.  It’s Starbucks!  The brand has my loyalty.  After all, Starbucks is just better, right?

Taking that first sip yesterday, I started to question my attachment to the brand.  In my hands was a really, really good cup of coffee… from Dunkin Donuts!  Considering the fact that I had spent under $2, I began to wonder… Why is Starbucks so much better?

Starbucks has a pretty interesting marketing strategy.  Unlike Dunkin Donuts, they invest very little in advertising.  Just think about how many billboards and commericals you’ve seen for Starbucks?  Not very many.  In the ads they do produce, they never attack the competition, even though Dunkin Donuts regularly mentions Starbucks in their marketing campaigns.  Instead, Starbucks focuses on their image, boasting an ere of unmatchable quality.  Their tactic works on me!  When I think of Starbucks, I think of an atmosphere, a relaxing place decorated in mellow earth tones, comfortable chairs, soft music, and the tantalizing aroma of coffee.  Being inside Starbucks makes me want to curl up with a book… it even motivates me to study!  Dunkin Donuts lacks this presence; it just feels like a fast food restaurant!

If a coffee shop can have an ethos, Starbucks definitely got it right!  Starbucks has become a lifestyle in our country.  It’s classy and elegant, qualities sophisticated coffee drinkers love to identify with.  They emphasize organic and healthy choices, which is also attractive, and though they have a sort of “high-class” ere about them, they also focus on philanthropy and helping others.  Illogical as it may be, coffee drinkers around the world are willing to pay the extra few dollars to make their morning cup Starbucks, because they know that they’re paying for quality, for an atmosphere, for a lifestyle, for, well, Starbucks!  Dunkin Donuts may have cheaper prices, faster service, and equally delicious coffee, but I don’t think it can ever truly compare.

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