Introduction:Recently, Luckin Coffee’s collaboration with Korean illustrator YEYE on the "Sloppy Pup" joint campaign has sparked widespread discussion. However, many consumers noticed that the price of the joint set on the mini-program soared abnormally from the original 20–40 yuan to 60–70 yuan, only to suddenly drop to around 30 yuan a few hours later—drawing consumer dissatisfaction and demands for refunds of the price difference. This article delves into the possible reasons behind this price fluctuation and provides practical purchasing advice along with a guide to avoiding common system bugs.
As Typhoon Bebinca swept through the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, many chose to stay indoors to avoid the strong winds and heavy rain. Yet, a group of consumers set their alarms early in the morning, ready to snap up the "Sloppy Pup" series merchandise jointly launched by Luckin Coffee and Korean illustrator YEYE. Themed "When Autumn Winds Blow, Drink Velvet," the collaboration features an illustration of a fluffy white dog standing against the wind in the typhoon—an image both heartwarming and humorous, resonating with many fans.
Luckin’s joint offering includes four limited-edition themed fridge magnets, stickers, cup sleeves, and paper bags, among other merchandise. Even a single cup comes with a specially designed joint paper bag, allowing customers who purchase just one coffee to take home a collectible item. However, many users were shocked to find that the price of the two-cup joint set displayed on the mini-program was60 to 70 yuan, significantly higher than the usual range of20 to 40 yuan, prompting many to exclaim “too expensive” and reconsider their purchase.
Notably, some consumers who purchased via third-party platforms found that after redeeming coupons, the actual payment was not much different from past joint set prices, suggesting that shoppers compare purchasing channels. Still, for those who had already bought at the higher price through the mini-program, emotions were understandably hard to calm—especially when they discovered that the same set hadplummeted to 30-something yuanjust a few hours later, leading many users to demand price difference refunds from customer service.
Regarding this unusual pricing situation, an internal Luckin employee speculated that it was likely due to apricing input errorwhen the product went live. The employee further explained that although the official system occasionally glitches, based on past practice, if it is confirmed that the overcharge was due to a system mistake, customer service usually compensates with coupons rather than direct cash refunds.
This is not the first time Luckin has encountered system issues during joint campaigns. According to feedback from frequent deal hunters, the first day a joint product goes live on Luckin is often riddled with various system bugs, such asdelayed coupon distribution,incorrect price displays, and even cases like the "Black Myth: Wukong" collaboration where redemption failed. As a result, many seasoned consumers advise, “Don’t rush to grab the first wave”—it’s better to wait for the system to stabilize or observe other users’ feedback before purchasing, reducing the risk of running into problems.
To successfully purchase desired joint merchandise, experts recommend that consumers familiarize themselves in advance with the official mini-program’s operation process and set up purchase reminders. Additionally, before placing an order, double-check the contents of the set and the actual payment amount, and if necessary, compare promotional differences across purchasing channels. In case of encountering price anomalies or system issues, remember to save order screenshots for follow-up processing.
In summary, while Luckin’s "Sloppy Pup" joint campaign has stirred controversy due to pricing anomalies, it also highlights the various potential issues that can arise with popular joint merchandise during its initial release. As consumers enjoy these limited-edition collectibles, they should also pay close attention to system announcements and price changes to avoid overpaying due to system errors.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
