Starbucks’ Red Cup Day Sparks Secondary Market Frenzy on eBay
Starbucks' annual Red Cup Day promotion has triggered a surge in secondary market activity, with limited-edition reusable cups selling for up to $80 on eBay. The 16-ounce holiday-themed cups, designed to reduce single-use waste, typically sell out by early afternoon at physical locations.
Over 100 prior-edition cups traded on eBay in the past year at average prices around $10. This year's listings include premium versions featuring "bearista" lids, with some sellers attempting to command five-figure sums for collectible editions.
The promotion offers customers a $0.10 discount when using personal cups, though adoption rates remain unclear. The phenomenon demonstrates how corporate sustainability initiatives can unexpectedly create collector's markets.