Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
Steven Millward · · 3 min read

Starbucks gets big China boost as WeChat adds gifting feature

WeChat users in China woke up this morning to find a Starbucks had been opened up inside the app.

The hugely popular messaging app and social network – with 846 million active users, mainly in China – now allows people to gift a coffee to their buddies from within the ‘wallet’ section of WeChat.

WeChat Starbucks gifting

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Inside WeChat’s Starbucks store there are two options: gift a specific drink or buy your friend a Starbucks gift card.

WeChat Starbucks gifting

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

The gifting option comes with a choice of six drinks and six designs for the accompanying e-card. The cheapest are the US$4.50 latte or cappuccino.

WeChat Starbucks gifting

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

The gift cards range from US$7.20 to US$72. They can be used at any Starbucks across mainland China.

WeChat Starbucks gifting

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Payment is done using WeChat Wallet, which is baked into the messaging app. And then you choose a friend to message the gift to.

WeChat Starbucks gifting

Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.

Community Writer

Steven Millward

Interested in ecommerce, social media, gadgets, transportation, and cars. If you have any tips or feedback, contact via Twitter: @sirsteven