How does a coffee machine lease work?

The growing cafe culture in the UK has meant that employees expect barista-style coffee experiences in the workplace. The office kettle days are numbered as more and more offices bring in innovative bean to cup coffee machines to keep their team happy and hydrated.

Whilst the UK has historically been known as a nation of tea drinkers, recent trends show that coffee has caught up. According to a report from Statista, coffee consumption in the UK is now on par with tea, reflecting the country’s growing love for coffee.

In fact, 63% of people in the UK now drink coffee regularly, with many getting new coffee machines for offices to meet the increasing demand for high-quality coffee at work.

There are loads of benefits to having a coffee machine in the office. These include having a choice of coffee drinks, premium coffee beans, quick and convenient access to fresh coffee plus it’s more affordable than you might think. Typically you can rent a coffee machine and get it up and running from just £3 per day. That represents fantastic value when you consider that a single cup of coffee in the capital can set you back around £5.

Choosing your coffee machine will depend on several factors like price, ease of use, sustainability, and the specific needs of your office environment. You’ll also consider the number of users, frequency of use and space restrictions. Plus, you’ll also need to decide whether you buy your machine outright or lease it.

We take you through the pros and cons of leasing so you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you and your office team.

Discover More: Should I purchase, rent or get my coffee machine on free-loan?

Lease or rent a coffee machine

Leasing is a great option for offices that are looking to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality coffee machine but without the upfront cost of buying one outright. Commercial machines can be expensive so if you’re a facilities or office manager balancing budgets, looking to lease or rent a coffee machine might be better in the long run.

With a leasing arrangement, you pay a fixed monthly amount over an agreed period, typically between three to five years. With Freshground our machines come with a service plan (choose from either Essential or Total Care) so during your lease you’ll be covered for maintenance and servicing keeping the office coffee flowing.

Some leasing agreements even include consumables like coffee beans, tea and office snacks delivered straight to your office so you never run out, making it a hassle-free option.

As your office team grows, you can easily upgrade to a newer model at the end of your lease term. Similarly, if you’re downsizing, we can help accommodate a change of machine to suit your changing needs.

It’s also wise to bear in mind that coffee machine technology is continually evolving, with new features and more efficient models being released regularly. Leasing allows your office to keep up with these advancements by upgrading equipment at the end of the lease term, ensuring you always have access to the latest technology​ and most sustainable and innovative machines.

Buying a coffee machine for offices

Only a small percentage of our customers buy their office coffee machine outright. The main reason for this tends to come down to just one factor – cost. Purchasing a high-quality coffee machine requires a significant initial investment, which might not be feasible for all businesses, particularly smaller companies or startups.

The key benefit of buying a coffee machine is it becomes an asset to your business. This means you have complete control over its use, maintenance schedule, and resale or upgrade. There’s no need to negotiate with a leasing company if you want to sell the machine or make modifications giving you more autonomy.

However, leasing or renting allows businesses to spread the cost over time, making it easier to manage cash flow. And, leasing means you’ve got a team on hand to help with servicing, maintenance, supplying coffee beans and so on giving you more time to get on with the important things like running your office.

How does a lease work exactly?

When you make your first enquiry about leasing a coffee machine with FreshGround, our process is designed to be straightforward and customer-focused. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens:

1. Initial enquiry and consultation

Once you reach out to FreshGround, you’ll be connected with one of their experts who will guide you through the entire process. From the initial consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your specific needs, including the size of your office, the number of employees, and the type of coffee preferences within your team.

2. Tailored recommendations

Based on the information gathered, our team can confidently recommend the best coffee machines to suit you. We’ve got a wide range of machines, from bean to cup to traditional filter machines, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We’ll also discuss the different leasing options available, including contract length and service plans. We can also chat to you about other options including free-loan and purchasing if they’re better solutions for your office team.

3. Quote and agreement

After you’ve selected a machine and leasing option that fits your needs, you’ll get a detailed quote. This will include the monthly leasing cost, what’s covered under the service agreement, and any other relevant details. Once you’re happy with the proposal, simply sign the lease agreement and we can get you up and running in no time!

4. Installation and training

Once the lease is agreed we’ll arrange for the delivery and installation of your coffee machine. We can also provide training on how to use the machine, ensuring everyone knows how to operate it efficiently from day one. Although our machines are simple and intuitive to use and maintain this shouldn’t take long.

5. Ongoing support

After the quick and easy installation, our relationship with you doesn’t end there. We offer ongoing support via your own dedicated account manager to make sure your machine will be maintained regularly and any issues are promptly addressed.

This continuous support is part of the lease agreement, providing you with peace of mind that your coffee machine will remain in top condition. Not only that but we have several online resources you can access in case you need a hand with cleaning, maintenance or making some easy fixes.

This seamless process ensures that from your first enquiry to enjoying your first cup of coffee with colleagues, everything is handled with expertise and care.

Get in touch

We hope this guide has helped you understand how easy and beneficial leasing a coffee machine with FreshGround can be. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, we have a solution that fits your office needs perfectly.

If you’re ready to elevate your office coffee experience or simply want to explore your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team or call us on 020 7553 7900.