Starbucks introduces service that lets Chinese customers order and collect coffee on the road

Starbucks has introduced a pick-up service, dubbed Starbucks Curbside, in 150 stores in Beijing and Shanghai where customers can order coffee while driving and collect it from the curb,

The customized, hassle-free method to enjoy coffee during rush hour traffic was created by Starbucks in collaboration with Amap, a producer of digital map content.

Starbucks plans to expand the service to more than 1000 locations throughout China over the next year.

To use the service, customers enter their destination in Amap and then click on the Starbucks Curbside symbol to order their drink.

The system locates the most practical cafe along the route and directs the driver there. The technology determines the optimal moment for Starbucks personnel to make and deliver the beverages by anticipating when customers will arrive at designated pick-up locations.

All a customer needs to do to pick up their orders without getting out of their car when they come to the designated pick-up location is roll down their car window.