Frank Green customers using the company’s Paywave feature will be required to bring their wallet or phone when they go out for coffee starting November 30.
The company quietly began to reverse its practical payment wave function by removing compatible products from shelves.
It then sent an email to customers who had the relevant products to inform them that it would soon be deactivated.
The feature allowed people to simply scan their reusable cups and bottles at the register to pay for their morning coffee.
It used the Visa Pay Wave system and linked to the Frank Green payment app that customers could download to their phones. Each customer could load up to $400 into the app; $25 was the minimum recharge allowed.’
In the app, customers could manage their balance to ensure they always had a way to pay for their morning or afternoon drink.
The company first announced Frank Green Pay on their website in 2015 and in 2017 they made a video celebrating the “next generation” of the tap to pay system. But the announcement of the cancellation of the product was much quieter: an email was sent to those who use the service or purchased a compatible mug and registered their data.
‘We wanted to take a moment to share some important news about the Frank Green Pay service. Unfortunately, this service will end on November 30, 2024,” the email said.
Salary wave function will stop working on November 30
‘We want to make sure you can fully enjoy your experience with us, so take the opportunity to use any credits you currently have in your account before the deadline. After November 30, any remaining credits will no longer be valid and will be refunded to your account.
Mugs featuring the Frank Green Pay chip were dubbed “smart mugs” by one customer who noted that they “will get a lot dumber” in December.
She also noted that it would only be devastating news for her “and the hundred other” people who use the feature.
The tap-to-pay feature was implemented before there were so many different cardless options for paying for things.
Now most people have access to payments through their mobile phones and smart watches.
‘To help us serve you better during this transition, we ask that you refrain from recharging your account. “This will allow us to keep everything organized and ensure you can make the most of your existing credits,” the email said.
The Frank Pay app has received negative reviews over the years.
“Great cup, but I won’t be using the checkout feature because of the fees,” said one customer.
The paid wave range has been discontinued, although the website still retains its main range
‘Save the fees and get a regular cup of coffee, without the payment feature. Paying 3% extra just to pay with the cup is ridiculous when I can touch my phone for free.
‘The app is clunky and requires login to check balance, meaning I have to check from home or carry my phone anyway. I don’t like that you can’t just register a credit card (like on a phone) and get charged the exact amount.
‘What happens when there is $2 left in the account and you can only top up with $25? It is forcing you to spend more. Total waste of money.’
The cups were always a little more expensive than the chipless styles.
“I love the cup and the idea, but I could also pay with my phone and save a few cents on each refill,” said another customer.
A third echoed the sentiment: “The mug is a smart idea and I love that it’s eco-friendly, but taking money from customers is not the way to run a good business.” The mug is expensive as is. “There is no moral justice in charging customers every time they go to recharge.”
The app got a rating of only 2.2 in the Apple App Store.