Hiring vs purchasing a coffee machine – benefits and disadvantages

So you have made the decision to get a coffee machine for your business, what a great choice! Thanks to our consistently praised ‘open and flexible’ customer service, our clients regularly ask us “should I buy or rent a coffee machine for my business?”

In this blog piece, we will be discussing the positives and negatives between both options, to help you make the best decision for your business and continue your path to consistently great coffee in your office place.

Renting benefits

Cost-effectiveness

Renting a coffee machine can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing a machine outright. It allows you to spread the cost over a longer period, making it more manageable for your specific budget.

Maintenance and repairs

A lot of coffee machine hire companies offer maintenance and repair services. This means that if your machine breaks down or needs servicing, you won’t have to worry about finding a repair service or paying an unexpected charge.

Try before you buy

Hiring a coffee machine allows you to try out different models and brands before committing to purchasing one. This means that you can find the machine that best suits your needs and preferences.

Convenience

Having your own coffee machine means that you can enjoy a cup of coffee whenever you like, without having to leave the office and wait in the back of the queue at your nearest coffee shop.

Specific contract duration

With renting a coffee machine you have piece of mind that throughout the duration of your renting period the coffee machine will be fixed if it has issues by the renting company. At FreshGround we offer three-month, one year and five-year plans for our clients to choose from. As well as allowing changes whilst a client is in a contract as well.

Flexibility

Hiring a coffee machine offers greater flexibility compared to purchasing one. With some companies you might be able adjust the size of the machine to your needs, and you can switch to a different machine if your needs change in the future, for example FreshGround here at FreshGround, if one of our clients requires alterations to their contract we are more than happy to help..

No upfront cost

Hiring a coffee machine means that you don’t have to make a large upfront investment. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses or individuals who don’t have the funds to purchase a machine outright.

Hiring a coffee machine can be a great option for those who want to enjoy a quality cup of coffee without committing to the upfront cost of purchasing a machine. It offers greater flexibility, maintenance services, and the opportunity to try out different models.

Free loan option

An alternative option to renting and buying a coffee machine is a free loan option. Free loan is when a company commits to buying a minimum amount of coffee beans per month, and gets the coffee machine to use at no extra cost.

Renting disadvantages

While there are several benefits to hiring a coffee machine, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Ongoing costs

Although hiring a coffee machine may seem more affordable upfront, the ongoing costs can also add up over time. Rental fees, maintenance costs, and consumables like coffee beans or pods can become a significant continual expense.

Dependency on the hire company

When you hire a coffee machine, you’re relying on the rental company to provide you with a machine that meets your needs. If the company is unable to provide you with the machine or level of service that you require, it can be frustrating and impact your ability to enjoy your coffee. For this reason, we would always recommend going with a company who clearly has your business’ best interest at heart. At FreshGround, we offer an opportunity to trial our coffee machines for a week to ensure you’re fully content with the service you’d be receiving.

Long-term costs

While hiring a coffee machine may seem more affordable in the short term, it can be more expensive in the long run. If you plan on using the machine for an extended period, it may be more cost-effective to purchase one outright.

Limited availability

Depending on where you work, the availability of coffee machine hire options may be limited. This can make it difficult to find a machine that meets your needs or is in the right location.

Overall, when considering whether to hire or purchase a coffee machine, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully. While hiring a machine can offer flexibility and affordability, it may not be the best option for everyone.

Buying benefits

Cost savings

Initially the upfront cost of purchasing a coffee machine may be more expensive than hiring one but in the long run, it can be more cost-effective. You won’t have to pay ongoing rental fees, which can add up over time.

Convenience

Having your own coffee machine, through buying or renting, means you can enjoy a cup of coffee whenever you like, without having to leave the office and wait in the back of the queue at your nearest coffee shop.

Variety

With your own coffee machine, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of coffee beans to best suit your team’s tastes. You’re not limited to the options provided by a rental company.

Your own asset

When buying and then owning a coffee machine it is unequivocally yours! You are able to move or potentially sell the machine without any restrictions.

Overall, buying a coffee machine can offer greater customisation, convenience, and cost savings compared to hiring one. It can also provide greater variety and durability, allowing you to enjoy a quality cup of coffee for years to come.

Buying disadvantages

As you have seen there are several benefits to buying a coffee machine, but what are some of the potential disadvantages of buying a coffee machine?

Upfront cost

The upfront cost of purchasing a coffee machine can be significantly more than hiring one, which can be a significant barrier for some businesses and their budgets.

Maintenance and repairs

When you own a coffee machine, you’re responsible for its maintenance and repair costs. This can be a significant expense, particularly if the machine requires repairs or replacement parts.

Limited flexibility

Once you’ve purchased a coffee machine, you’re committed to that particular model for a period of time. If your office needs change, or your team increases significantly in the future, you may need to purchase a new machine to accommodate those changes.

Space

Certain coffee machines can be quite large, so you’ll need to have enough space to accommodate it in the office. This can be a challenge if you only have limited space. You or members of your own team might not necessarily have the experience of a machine engineer to fit the machine and overcome the challenges of your office space.

Technical skills

Some coffee machines can be quite technical and require a certain level of expertise to operate effectively during the setting up process. In most offices, there will not be a specific member of staff whose job is to fit every machine in the building, especially in the case of a coffee machine it is best to leave it to the professionals!

Overview

Overall, while owning a coffee machine can offer many benefits, it’s important to weigh the potential disadvantages against the benefits. The upfront cost, maintenance and repair costs, and limited flexibility are all factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase a coffee machine.

The decision to hire or purchase a coffee machine depends on a variety of factors, including your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

If you have a small office or only need a coffee machine for occasional use, hiring a machine may be a more cost-effective solution. Renting a coffee machine allows you to try different models without committing to a large investment upfront. Additionally, renting may come with the added benefit of maintenance and repair services, ensuring that your coffee machine is always in good working order.

Owning a coffee machine allows you to customise your coffee experience to your liking and can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay ongoing hire fees. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of being able to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anytime you like, without having to leave your office (or chair if your colleagues are extra nice!).

Ultimately, the decision to hire or purchase a coffee machine depends on your individual circumstances. Consider your budget, how often you’ll be using the machine, and your desired level of customisation and convenience when making your decision.

You can also ask the experts. Here at FreshGround, it is our job to help give you the best coffee experience possible. Simply get in touch and we can support you.