Selecting the ideal drinks machine for your office can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your office's needs.
With the vast array of office drinks machines available today, making the right choice can be overwhelming. From fresh coffee to instant drinks, fully automatic to self-serve, and coin-operated to free vend, the options are endless. This article will help you navigate these choices and select the best machine for your office.
The first step in choosing a drinks machine is to estimate the number of drinks your office will require daily. A general rule of thumb is to assume three hot drinks per day per employee if they are paying for the drinks themselves (coin-controlled). This number can double if the drinks are provided for free. Additionally, consider the extra drinks required for visitors and customers.
Next, decide whether you want to offer fresh tea and coffee or instant drinks. Instant coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks are generally cheaper to buy, service, and maintain. They also have a lower cost per cup. On the other hand, fresh-brew options provide superior taste but require more maintenance and daily care. A designated staff member may need to spend up to an hour each day on basic maintenance duties for fresh-brew machines.
Decide whether you want to offer free drinks or have staff and visitors pay for them. Free vend is a great perk for employees and can boost productivity by eliminating the time spent waiting for kettles to boil or brewers to finish. However, it comes with a considerable cost. Coin-controlled machines allow you to set a price that covers the cost of the machine, maintenance, and ingredients, potentially breaking even or making a profit. Remember to account for VAT or sales tax on the selling price of the drinks.
Some modern machines offer a hybrid option, allowing you to provide a certain number of free drinks per day, after which employees must pay. This can be a balanced approach, offering perks while controlling costs.
Consider the layout of your office when deciding where to place the machine. You can opt for one central location with a larger machine or several smaller machines in more convenient locations. Many companies prefer the latter, more informal approach, using multiple pour-over type fresh coffee machines along with water coolers. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if the drinks company provides free loan coffee brewers in exchange for purchasing their coffee.
Before contacting a drinks machine supplier, consider the following:
By addressing these factors, you'll be better prepared to discuss your needs with a supplier and obtain accurate quotations.
Choosing the right drinks machine for your office involves careful consideration of daily consumption, type of drinks, payment methods, and machine placement. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that meets your office's needs and budget. For more detailed information on coffee machine options, you can refer to National Coffee Association and International Coffee Organization.
This article is designed to help you navigate the complexities of selecting an office drinks machine, ensuring you make a choice that benefits both your employees and your bottom line.
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