Great news for last-minute gifting this holiday. For those who also forgot Aunt Nancy, thankfully she can still get her Christmas java-fix with a Starbucks gift card. But we’re not telling you to run to the store. Verizon Wireless has announced that eGift gift cards are now available through Verizon’s Messages app. Members using Verizon’s proprietary application can send text messages with Starbucks gift cards of $5, $10, or $25 to anyone (on any carrier) with a message of your choice. A wallpaper and gift card icon can also be chosen.
These cards come with a barcode users can scan directly at Starbucks or even load into their current Starbucks app. While the offer is definitely a ploy to get more users jumping onto Verizon’s messaging app, it’s certainly still an interesting way to send a gift card this Christmas.
For more, check the full press release below:
VERIZON WIRELESS NEWS
December 18, 2014
Giving a gift is now as easy as sending a Text
Starbucks Card eGifts now available through Verizon Messages
It’s been 22 years since “Merry Christmas” was the first text message ever transmitted. Today, Verizon is making last minute gift giving for all your holidays a little easier by offering Starbucks Card eGifts through the popular Verizon Messages app.
Whether you want to say “Happy Holidays”, “Happy Birthday”, or just say “Thanks,” Verizon Messages users can text an eGift card of $5, $10 or $25 to virtually anyone on any U.S. carrier. Just click on the eGift icon, choose your background, choose your amount, add your message, and send. The gift card will be billed directly to the sender’s Verizon Wireless account. The recipient simply scans the barcode of the eGift Card right from the message at any Starbucks location when paying. They can also load the card into their Starbucks® Mobile App if they choose.
Launched in 2012, Verizon Messages allows users to seamlessly send and receive a text message over the Verizon Wireless network or Wi-Fi from their smartphone, tablet, PC Mac and web browser. It also offers 90 days of messaging storage, customized backgrounds, image editing tools, location sharing with Glympse®, and a driving mode to limit distractions.
Verizon Messages has been recognized by industry leaders and consumers for the unique benefits it provides. It was chosen “Best In Show for Emerging Technology” at CTIA in 2013, and picked By ZDNet.com in 2014 as one of their 10 cool apps to start the year. Earlier this month, a study named Verizon Messages as the #1 most-used consumer app by sports fans in stadiums across the country.