Consider a change in 2020
If you work with a current coffee supplier and are thinking about a change for the new year or if you are about to introduce coffee as a service then here’s a handy checklist of the key points to consider when choosing your new partner in coffee!
The main point we would stress is that quality is essential in all aspects of this relationship, if you are going to optimise the commercial opportunity available to you. You need to have total confidence in the coffee being supplied, the machines you need to buy, the servicing of that equipment and responsiveness of the supplier to your needs – on a timely basis.
Here’s 6 key considerations that’ll help you make the right choice….
Coffee Quality & Variation
The modern customer is super-savvy when it comes to coffee preferences. To meet their various needs, it’s essential to have a good variety of quality coffee options available. Does your supplier offer premium coffee brands as well as low-cost options? Is there a wide variety of coffee available? To test this, its often worth calling into your supplier’s location to see for yourself. It’s a great sign if they have an inhouse roastery as they will really understand coffee if that’s the case.
Customer Service
Having a trustworthy supplier that consistently provides you with quality customer service – when you need it – is fundamental to choosing a supplier. If you’re having any technical issues, you need to be able to get a hold of someone to talk with and to get a speedy response – time literally is money if your machine is down. Also its good to be upskilled – whether you are a new business owner or a seasoned coffee seller – you may have questions on coffee roasting or the intricacies of a particular machine. Choose a supplier who is geared up to training staff and walking you through the coffee-making process. Education is an integral part of quality customer service.
Coffee Machine Range and Expertise
Having quality coffee beans is fundamental but ideally you’ll work with a supplier who can provide an end-to-end service, including a range of coffee machines and related equipment and the ability to service that equipment. And as part of the customer service, there should be a speedy response if you have any questions or issues with your coffee machine. A single supplier takes the hassle away from dealing with multiple companies and it makes it easier to be confident that the supplier will stand over the entire coffee experience that they are responsible delivering. A really good single supplier will set you up for long-term success.
Experience of the supplier
How well does the supplier really know coffee? Having a proven track record is an important factor to consider. How long have they been in business, how many brands do they provide, do they roast their own coffee, do they sell it directly to consumers? Are they involved in Barista training? All these elements of the business demonstrate expertise in coffee that many suppliers don’t have – the more of these boxes a supplier can tick, the better.
Go Ethical – Choose Sustainable Coffee
Sustainability is moving to the top of everyone’s agenda – you’ll want to combine a good relationship with your supplier along with a healthy relationship with the planet too. Try to find a supplier that operates in an environmentally friendly way – particularly when it comes to packaging and waste reduction. But also look into how ethical the sourcing of the coffee beans is as this is an important consideration.
Turnaround Speed
If you need a coffee machine quickly or you’ve run out of coffee beans – you don’t want to be wasting time chasing down a supplier while potentially losing customers as well. Having a quick turnaround speed is essential so make sure your supplier can respond quickly and that they are geared up to meet your needs. Ask for references from other customers if you have any doubts. By choosing a consistent supplier in this regard, you’ll be able to offer your own customers a consistent service – that’s one less worry on your mind.
At Eighty9, we have worked hard to tick all the boxes! JJ Darboven has over 150 years’ experience and we’ve been operating in Dublin since – well – 1989! If you have any questions on our coffee, machines or related matters, then please call us on 01 280 8898 or visit eighty9.ie
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