Staggering amount Starbucks' viral Bearista cups are selling for online following backlash

The viral Starbucks ‘Bearista’ Cup is being resold online for a jaw-dropping amount, with some social media users calling out the company for ‘setting’ consumers up with its supposed limited stock.

Last week (6 November), the coffee giant launched an adorable bear-shaped 20-ounce glass in stores alongside returning holiday menu favourites like the Toffee Nut Latte and the Eggnog special.

The elusive Starbucks cup, known as the Bearista, cost $29.95 and was released in an exclusive drop. Some stores received as little as one or two units, reported the Independent.

A spokesperson, however, told People it has sent ‘more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item’.

Due to anticipated demand, which saw people allegedly getting up at 4am to get their paws on one, the teddy bear chalice flew off shelves so quickly that the company was forced to issue an apology.

“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations… the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” the company explained to the outlet.

“We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologise for the disappointment this may have caused.”

With so many fans left disappointed, scalpers and people looking to make a quick buck have been listing their hard-earned Bearista for sale on popular resale sites, including eBay.

One screenshot shared on X showed three of the glass cups listed for auction, with prices reaching as high as $325.

The Independent said that it had seen cups going for $500 online, more than 16 times the retail price. People reported that one eBay user has listed the bear beaker for an eye-watering $1,050.

Starbucks drinkers have been weighing in on the situation, with one claiming: “This entire thing ticked me off so much (5 stores, sleazy people buying multiples and trampling others in line) that I just bought a knock-off on Amazon.

“If China gets my money instead of Starbucks or some greedy reseller, they’ll stop setting us up this way,” they added.

A second commented: “This is why we can’t have nice things anymore @Starbucks bring back the Bearista cup!”

“When people are lining up outside of Starbucks stores to buy a $30 'Bearista' mug in the shape of a bear, that's your first sign the economy is doing well,” another alleged.

If you missed out on the adorable coffee cup, then fear not; Starbucks has said more holiday merch is on the way.

The company has not yet given any dates or details of what will be made available to customers.

People has said Amazon and Walmart are selling dupes of the reusable tumblers, featuring a similar animal design and a green beanie hat like the original.

These jars lack the official Starbucks logo but are much more reasonably priced, retailing between $16-$24.