FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Our product tests are open to Starbucks Partners only.

How do I add my name to the panelist database?

Fill out the form HERE. Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and follow the directions in the email and make sure you fill in the consumption survey.

Do I need to sign up for individual tests?

No, once you are in our database you will be invited to a test via email. Please look out for emails from starbucks@compusensecloud.com.

I've been invited for a test! What are next steps?

1. Follow the directions in the invitation email to sign up for a session time.
2. Look for the confirmation email for your chosen session time.
3. Add the calendar attachment to your Outlook calendar.
4. Come at your designated time and participate in the full duration of the test.
5. Leave all test materials in the testing area once you are done.

What is the time commitment?

We are testing food and beverage products all the time! Some weeks, there may be 2 or 3 opportunities to participate, and some weeks there may be less. You may be invited to only one or you may be invited to all of them. A typical Product Guidance Test takes about 20 min for a panelist to complete. Sometimes you may be invited to a test that requires a longer time commitment. You will be notified of the longer time commitment before choosing to sign up for that particular test. You may participate in as many or as few as you would like.

What does a panelist do?

Panelists are invited to participate in various types of tests.

Food and beverage tests are typically completed in individual booths at the Product Guidance Lab (PG Lab). You may be asked to taste a sample and rate it in comparison to a identified 'control', or you may be asked to simply rate how much you like or dislike a particular sample.

Panelists may also be asked to participate in Focus Groups where your unique feedback is gathered in a group discussion setting.

What is the purpose of these product guidance tests?

Product guidance testing helps Starbucks product developers with the development process. Some tests may be on existing products in the market, and some tests may be on new products & concepts that haven't launched yet. ANY and ALL testing is CONFIDENTIAL to Starbucks and should not be talked about outside of the testing area.

I LOVE the product being tested! Can I take the extras with me?

NO, please do not remove any product from the testing area. ANY and ALL test material is CONFIDENTIAL and must be left in the testing area (including trash!).

I got an invite! Can I invite the rest of my team, too?

If you are invited, please only bring yourself to the test. Your coworkers may not have been chosen to participate even though you have. If you know people who are interested in adding their name into our Panelist Database, please have them fill out an application form HERE.

I got an invite! What should I bring to the test?

If you are invited, please only bring yourself to the test. All materials you will need will be provided for you. Do not use any electronics including your laptop, cellphone, or tablet while in the testing area. Only use the provided equipment. Please do not bring any food into the testing area. ALSO, please do not take ANY photos of the products being tested.

How do I prepare for the test?

If you are able to do so please do not eat, drink (water is ok), or chew gum 30-45 minutes prior to attending a test. If that is not feasible, please try to refrain from consuming foods that are strong in flavor prior to attending a test. Example: hot sauce, raw onions. You may also request water and crackers to cleanse your palate prior to beginning the test.

What is the panelist etiquette when participating in a test?

While in the waiting area, feel free to chat! However, when you enter the booth testing area, please do so quietly. During testing please keep quiet and refrain from talking or making noise to yourself or to others. For confidentiality reasons please do not speak about the test to others after exiting the testing area. This includes talking to panelists who also participated with you.

Help! I have forgotten my session time OR I can no longer participate in a panel.

Please login to your account HERE. Click on the 'Schedule' tab to view all the tests you are scheduled for OR cancel a test you have previously confirmed.

I haven't been invited to be part of a study in a while. What's going on?

There are many reasons why you might not have seen an email from us lately. Timing and qualification for tests vary based on project needs and prioritization. If you are able to login to your account, you are in our system. Continue to check your email for other opportunities to participate in tests - we look forward to having you!

I've heard panelists get rewards for their participation. What does that look like?

Partners who are in our database will receive points based on the number of tests and type of tests they participate in. Your online account will show your current point balance. Points will be exchanged for Starbucks e-gift cards based on the chart below:

50 pts - $5.00

100 pts - $10.00

*Our team aims to distribute these e-gift cards at the end of each month. If you notice a delay in your expected e-gift card, please give us another week or two (we're a small but mighty team!). If you have specific questions, please reach out to starbucks@compusensecloud.com.

I forgot my username/password. What do I do?

Your username is your email. For assistance with your password, go directly to the panelist login page HERE and click on the link that says “Lost Password”.

You may also contact starbucks@compusensecloud.com at any time for assistance.

How can I remove myself from the panelist database?

We appreciate your time and hope you enjoy participating in our product guidance tests. However, if at any time you would like to remove yourself from our panelist database, you can do so by clicking 'Unsubscribe' found on your panelist account page.

I've heard about partners who are trained panelists. How do I sign up for the trained panel?

Great question! Our acuity screened panelists participate in our coffee and food panels which occur on a weekly basis. In a Coffee Panel, we evaluate coffee from Starbucks Roasting Plants to help ensure quality and consistency. In a Food Panel, we evaluate Starbucks food items to help ensure quality and consistency from our various suppliers. Occasionally, Coffee and Food Panels will also include products that are still in development. If you are interested in joining this panel, please follow these steps:

1. Fill out the survey HERE to get on our waiting list.
2. Look out for an email from starbucks@compusensecloud.com for scheduling and instructions for the next round of Acuity Screening (occurs every 6 months or so). This test helps determine your ability to identify the basic tastes.
3. Wait for results. If you pass, you will be added to our panel list.
4. Once you are added to our panel list you will start receiving weekly invites for coffee and food panels. Please attend as often as possible to help ensure our coffee and food products are up to Starbucks standards!

**If you have any additional questions, please email us at starbucks@compusensecloud.com with the subject line "Questions about Trained Panel".