New Cafe

Bean_Counter

What's the go with Coffee companies as far as getting supplied with cups, signs etc. (for free advertising) if you purcase their coffee.I have contacted several big names but they seem to keep quite about it. I'm in Central West NSW....

FreshCoffee2

Hi Bean Counter,     A) you havent said where you are, so please permit me to make a generalised assumption (nevertheless based on experience). "Cafes" in country towns (that are not area centres), usually use say no more than 1 to 2 kilos of coffee a week if that, in places where what's left of the population is drinking instant coffee at home. So kilo sales of bulk coffee are tiny, and there will be little if any supermarket turnover for the brand.     It is therefore unlikely that suppliers that actively promote in the cities in the way you describe, are going to get involved in distant country areas due to the simple economics of the situation.   I am taking your comment about "free advertising" on face value, because when you go into a business your projection/plan should allow for you to make ends meet and make an income on your own, without having to rely on the business being externally subsidised in some way.   C) Please purchase an espresso machine in excellent condition. I think I'd rather have a smaller but new or near new machine, than a larger older used machine that spits overheated, foul water / OR, travel to the sellers premises and ask them to have it turned on for a demo before you pay and put it in the car. Make sure the condition of the boiling water coming from the boiler outlet is not UNacceptable...most older machines have had milk in the boiler. D) If you choose to buy a machine from a catering equipment reseller (rather than your coffee supplier), I suggest NOT buying sight unseen. I have seen many espresso machines purchased in that way, that were described as being in some way "serviced", and when they arrive, it is found they are nothing more than dirty old machines in the same condition as when they were removed from their previous operational site...actually requiring service before they can be operated. The first giveaway sign of things not being as described, is when you see that the electrical cord has had the plug cut off the end with a stanley knife. This is how many subbies remove machines from site for fear of wasting time if they have to unscrew the thing instead. If I can be of any help please do not hesitate to make contact with me off list.     Fresh Coffee

Bean_Counter

Thank You Fresh, hmm good observations, you hit a few nails on the head. Well we are not one of those cafes where the "cuppacino" froth is like shaving foam. I have started, I hope, the right way with the Danes barista course so I have good basic knowledge of what is required to serve a proper expresso. Which I now realise is not been done in 99% of cafes out this way (which is 80 km west of Orange). I can see where you were coming from about the lack of turnover but we aren't that isolated and we are in a town on a major highway, plus other "touristy" cafes in the area have been sponsered by Lavazza which is why I want to go with someone else. Sure I could go down to the supermarket and buy a kilo of beans for $12 and I will still have the best coffee around. But I want to be the first to bring a quality product to this area. We are first time cafe people, my wife and I, and we are setting up from scratch. So any information is eagerly accepted. Thanks p.s. one of the other cafes in town serves instant coffee with froth on top....YUM!!!      

FreshCoffee2

The instant coffee kappachino is quite common in country areas, where some cafe owners take delight in having a five thousand dollar espresso machine that is only used to froth milk! The comments are always the same...."our clients reckon we have the best coffee this side of the black stump". This comment comes up all over, no matter what the actual quality of the flavour of the wet "coffee" is like! Coffee psychology? Re your mention of "sponsorship". I take it you are talking about Breeze Barriers. Some feel they are free advertising for the supplier and should be obtained "free". Some coffee suppliers see them as being part of the clients shop fittings in which case....there IS a benefit to BOTH the client as well as the suplier...In order therefore for a *fair minded client* and his *quality supplier* to do business together, some compromise suitable to both might have to be found...nothing is for nothing! If you have them made in small numbers, the 2.2 meter barriers cost almost $300.00 each and in a cafe that only buys say 3 kg beans per week...you do the maths. In any case I'm glad you are looking for a quality supplier. Be parochial buy local, fresh is best, etc etc etc. Defender of the faith, support your local roasters. Fresh Coffee.

Unknown

80km from orange would put you about wellington? is that corect? .. as far as i know, i dont think there is a local roaster around there. which is a shame cause i think we need more local roasters.

Bean_Counter

G'day Waz, not too far off, Eugowra actually near Forbes and Parkes. You out this way too? Well Mr Fresh has been very upfront and helpfull and coming from Canbera he's not too far away, but as I found out a lot depends on the courier (another story).There is a roaster in Tamworth that is well worth checking out. Hope you can drop in when we get up and running.

over_extracted

I really hate the way big coffee companies do their business,what would be better to all of us to see a nice big espresso sing when we drive to one of these great country towns,i hate those instant maccs ahhhhhhh its a good time to change things, so to you all give this person good support.good luck hope to drop by your cafe one day.OE

Bean_Counter

Thanks OE, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. If I had a dollar for everytime someone has asked me "when are you opening" I'd be well into makin' serious monies. Good business plan? I'll have to keep a tin under the counter for the real coffee drinkers.....you want a cup or a mug? pmsl....

over_extracted

short black for me please ;D

Unknown

I used to be in Dubbo until recently. Unfortunately i didnt get a chance to go to Parkes to see the big Dish Ill make sure to put it on my "to-do list " next time i go back for a visit though.