I’m starting a new series called “Deal or Frill”. The idea is simple, I’ll post a story and you tell me rather you think the purchase is a
Deal: A sale favorable to the buyer; bargain (Informal definition from thefreedictionary.com)
or
Frill: Something that is desirable but not a necessity (Informal definition from thefreedictionary.com). Though for our purposes, a “frill” will be something that is simply not a deal.
I would love to publish your Deal or Frill story. Use the contact page to send me your story. Place “Deal or Frill” in the subject line.
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Deal or Frill: Employer’s Coffee Fund
Cost: $10/month for unlimited coffee
When I started my new job, the first thing I noticed outside my office was a coffee station that took some obvious time and effort to set up. There were over a dozen different flavored creamers, hot chocolate, insulated cups with lids, stirrers, and sugar all neatly displayed. I enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, and usually a coffee fund is $0.50/cup.
I was told the price is $0.50/cup or $10/month for unlimited coffee.
At $0.50/cup this is less than 1/3 of the price of a tall fresh brewed coffee from Starbucks. However, $10/month is $120 a year. Is it still a good deal?
Personally, I have enjoyed the unlimited supply of coffee and hot chocolate during the winter months, however, I doubt I will continue to be a member of the coffee club as the weather changes. I do find myself drinking more coffee with unlimited access…anywhere between 1-2 cups per day whereas before I may have drank 2-3 cups per week. There was the added inconvenience of walking down three flights of stairs and standing in the cafeteria line as opposed to walking past a fresh brewed pot every morning on the way to my desk. Location is a major factor in effective selling!
If you’re already a strong coffee drinker, you may see this as a deal. Others may pass on it as a frill.
Or maybe you’re like me…and you’d be a seasonal member!
What are your thoughts? Deal or Frill?
Let me know in the comments!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
As a coffee lover (strong and black, none of that froo froo stuff to dilute it) I would say this would be seasonal deal for me. Fortunately, where I work, the coffee is provided for free. We bring in our own beans for a special pot of good stuff once a day and we bring our own hot chocolate mix and tea bags too. If there were a microwave around, I’d be bringing my own coffee in a commuter mug and zaping it for my lunch cup. However, since I’m trying to cut down on coffee, maybe having to pay for it would be a good thing.
Too funny Darla! I LOVE the froo froo stuff! I try a different flavored creamer every day. Then again, I don’t claim to be a hard core coffee drinker.
I’m a big coffee drinker so for me it would be a good deal, but itdepends on how many cups you expect to drink each month.
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