Starbucks Vietnam apologizes for ‘zero-VND price’ glitch on delivery apps

On Tuesday afternoon, the company posted a statement on its official Facebook page confirming that a system error earlier that morning had led to the abnormal pricing.

The sudden influx of orders following the zero-price listings was addressed by the cancelation of affected orders, either by the company or by delivery drivers, which impacted both customers and shippers.

“Starbucks sincerely apologizes to our valued customers and delivery partners for the technical issue this morning, which led to many orders being canceled due to a system error. We greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding and support,” the statement said.

The incident quickly drew attention on social media after users noticed several Starbucks drinks showing a zero-VND price on delivery platforms.

Many netizens were surprised, as Starbucks beverages are typically priced above the market average, with large drinks often costing more than VND100,000 (US$3.8).

Unsure whether the listings were part of a promotion or a technical error, many users placed orders out of curiosity.

While some orders were successfully delivered, a large number were later scrapped.

According to observations by reporters from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, many social media users said orders of fewer than 10 drinks were successfully placed and delivered.

Information about the zero-price listings then spread rapidly online.

Long, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, said he learned about the incident on Facebook.

By the time he attempted to place an order, Starbucks outlets on the app had already stopped accepting deliveries.

The glitch also frustrated many delivery drivers, who reported long waits at stores before orders were canceled or they were asked to cancel them.

Several drivers said the incident negatively affected their performance ratings on delivery platforms.

Customers visiting Starbucks stores in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi also reported longer waiting times as online orders surged unexpectedly, while in-store prices remained unchanged.

Despite the disruption, many commenters on Starbucks Vietnam’s Facebook page expressed sympathy, noting that the issue appeared unintentional and praising store staff for remaining professional under pressure.

Earlier on January 1, Starbucks Vietnam announced that it had opened its 150th store in the country, more than a decade after the American coffee chain launched its first Vietnam location, Starbucks New World, in Ho Chi Minh City.

The milestone store is located on Quang Trung Street in Thong Tay Hoi Ward, formerly Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.