A Good Deed Cost This Starbucks Customer $53, And They’re Rethinking How They Help People

A man who wanted to help someone in need says his act of kindness at Starbucks ended up costing a lot more than he expected. William Martell shared a Facebook post about an interaction at Starbucks that started with a simple request: a young homeless woman asked if he would buy her a sandwich.

Since it was her last day in town, Martell decided to say yes. What he expected to be a quick purchase, however, turned into a $53 Starbucks order. Now he says the experience has him reconsidering how he approaches similar situations.

According to Martell, the Starbucks was especially busy when the woman approached him. He said only one barista was taking orders and making drinks, with customers ordering more complicated items instead of just coffee.

The Woman Asked for a Sandwich, But the Order Grew

When it was finally his turn to pay, Martell said the woman’s order went beyond the sandwich she initially requested. “She orders a complicated drink and grabs some energy bar things,” he wrote.

After checking his Starbucks app later, Martell realized the purchase totaled $53. “Um, I won $30. So I’m in the hole $23 due to a good deed,” he wrote.

Martell said he still wanted to help but admitted he wondered if there was a cheaper way he could have handled the situation. “I should have taken her a couple of blocks to the nearest Subway and bought her 2 footlongs with a BOGO on that app,” he wrote.

Commenters Shared Their Own Experiences With Helping Strangers

He added that if she had only ordered a sandwich and coffee, he “would have been an easy touch again,” but the larger order caught him off guard. Martell’s post quickly turned into a discussion about generosity, boundaries, and what happens when helping someone becomes more complicated than expected.

Many commenters shared their own stories of trying to help people who asked for food or money. One person recalled buying groceries for someone who asked for eggs, only for the person to later ask if they could also get bacon. Another commenter shared that they prefer buying food directly instead of giving cash because they feel more comfortable knowing exactly what they are providing.

Others defended Martell, saying the unexpected order did not change the fact that he was trying to do something kind. “You did a nice thing. Just take the karma,” one commenter wrote.

Some suggested alternatives, including giving someone a set amount of money or offering a gift card instead.

Martell Says He’ll Approach Similar Situations Differently

Despite the unexpected total, Martell made it clear that he doesn’t regret helping someone who asked.

His main takeaway was that next time, he may approach the situation differently. Whether that means offering a specific amount of money, buying a simpler meal, or choosing a different way to help.

The post ultimately became less about the $53 Starbucks charge itself and more about the complicated reactions people can have when an act of kindness doesn’t go exactly how they imagined.

(feature image: Nan Palmero / Geralt / Starbucks Suminodo Albi)

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