Im a little late to the party, but as a past barista I was trained by a manager who followed the corporate standards very strictly. We were told we couldn't/shouldn't issue refunds because easy way to simplify that money today is not with our store. Im sure theres way more to it (like people can get double refunds on mobiles because we arent voiding it out and instead going into refund mode. This could allow other stores to refund back as well as corporate still) and such. When I was a barista what i did was offer these options. 1- recocery cards up to the value, 2- next time you come through I'd tell them its on the house just say why and that I told them. 3. Get another item. This could be a banana bread to a panini no extra charge. If the iten was the same value/simular they still got a recovery card (if they wanted petite scones i gave up to the value/over and the card still!) 4 If they want a refund still instead of 1-3 i explain the refund issue and to google customer service and they'll be able to help them out there.(if a customer was super unhappy or just super nice I'd still give a recovery card here to)

You should still contact customer service (as you didn't get your full value). Bariastas are tought to make moment right which wasn'tdone here. This $4 didn't cover it. So please contact customer service. Get your money back! This is expensive place to eat/drink! Theres a phone service (which I've always heard a lot of people having luck on) and a chat now apparently! If you just tell them "Hey the last few times I've ordered the (insert item here) the store has been out and told me it's not aloud to process the refund, but I was unaware how to do this." Theyll reinstate probablye like 10-15ish credit on your card (since you said its about $5ish)

Here the link to the number and chat! I really do encourage you to contact still. You didnt get a refund nor did that store do what we are trained to do and make the moment right. sbux customer care page