Why are people willing to pay ridiculous prices for BAD BAD BAD coffee from Starbucks?

For the same reason people buy iPhones...they think its a status symbol and makes them cool, when in reality it makes them a fool.

Well I personally like the taste of Starbucks coffee

Stupidity plays a large part.

Yeah, most of the coffees they serve at Starbucks are pretty bad but try the Starbucks "Reserve" coffees, you'll love them.

Only certain locations offer their Reserve line. Look around in your area you will find them. They're amazing coffees.

I recommend trying them all but Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Chelelektu would be a good place to start, it's one amazing coffee, so flavorful! Sure it's going to be a little pricey, in my area its like $4.30 for a tall but it totally blows away anything you can get at Duncan Donuts.

And don't add cream or sugar to any of their Reserve lines... they're meant to consumed black.

i dont drink coffee i just eat the food there

Robert, I've read the answers you've received so far and am amused by most of them. I could tell you a story about trying to get a plain cup of coffee in a very exclusive mall in Dubai which is hilarious. People who criticize you for liking Dunkin Doughnuts coffee are snobs. So are people who laud Starbucks coffee. The fact is, tastes differ and coffee is an acquired taste. Drink what you like and don't apologize. In Europe they claim American coffee is terrible because it's made so weak, I agree with them, but again, it's a matter of personal taste. I refuse to pay the ridiculous price for Starbucks coffee unless I'm with friends who take me there or in an airport where I can be sure of getting a good cup of coffee that I like (very strong). I never buy coffee or eat out unless I'm with friends. I prefer my own cooking and when it comes to snobbery, I'm terribly guilty because I purchased a coffee machine that is programable and grinds the beans and will make coffee, espresso, or cappuccino to my specifications at the push of a button.

In answer to Robert's comment: I agree There's a difference between bitter and strong. However, and once again, it'a an acquired taste. The roast has a lot to do with the bitterness. Dark roasted beans generally have a more bitter taste, but it also depends upon the variety of beans and where they're grown. Trying to get a plain cup of coffee at Starbucks is almost impossible.....I have no idea what a frappuccino is.

I like like like Starbucks. But prefer Pete's.

When your taste buds develop beyond fruit punch and bubblegum you will understand.

Obviously not everyone shares your sophisticated taste in McDonald's and Dunkin' Doughnuts.

I don't see why people drink coffee at all...or why they wouldn't just make their own...but to each his/her own.

The waste generated by drinking "take out" coffee is just awful. At least at Starbucks you can give them your own non-disposable cup. Not to mention that Starbucks has clean, comfortable facilities, more convenient locations, excellent customer service and more upscale and healthier food choices than McDonald's or Dunkin' Doughnuts...all things many consumers desire.

Personally, I can't stand the smell of being in a McDonald's...yuck.

because they think it looks cool and make them look rich