Page 1 of 2

Coffee Machines on Credit?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:54 am
by Guest
Hi There,

I am thinking of setting up my own company selling household coffee machines, coffee and accessories.

I am planning to go to an investor with the bussiness plan and ideas shortly but first I want to see if one of my ideas bode well with TMC (as I was told if I want to know anything about coffee to come here...)

Basically I want to offer all my high ticketed items on a finance option.

When you guys bought your machines, would you have considered using finance if it was available?

Also, if you were offered a store card with it, would you feel more likely to buy from that company again?

I would have liked to put this in a poll, but I see no options for that...

Can you give me your feedback and let me know if there is anybody who already does this in Europe? Obviously TMCers would be entitled to discounts if we go ahead ; ) ; )

Thanks for all your help guys...

GOD BLESS COFFEE!!

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:57 pm
by chemistone
For me I would never buy such a thing on a finance. If I don't have the money I wouldn't buy it.
The only thing I finance is a house and that's it.
If you have to finance other things be very carefull. Save money and buy it or don't buy it at all. If you can't save the money, you can't pay it back either.
It has become a trend in shops in the NLs that you can finance it, it is even mentioned at the price label of many items. I try to avoid such shops as much as possible.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:07 pm
by HughF
I'd also be unlikely to buy on finance.

Cheers,

Hugh

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:14 pm
by Slimboyfat
mmm.. interest free credit mmmm...

buy now, nothing to pay for ten years, interest free for twenty - put me down for a Mazzer!

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:15 pm
by Davec
With respect to coffee machines, my personal view is: if I can't afford it, I shouldn't have it. Saving to buy something is what I personally do.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:13 pm
by Raf
I agree with the fiscally responsible crowd here: save-ity first!

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:26 pm
by monkey66
If I wanted to buy anything on credit there are many options. I am sure some people would buy a mchine on credit but I don't see this as a USP for setting up a business.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:59 pm
by Guest
Hi,

BTW: This is not thought up as the USP. It is just one of the 'yet confirmed' ideas we have. THe more feedback the better decision..

Ta

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:16 pm
by AlanP
No thanks to finance deals,store cards,bonus points etc.

I believe the most important thing around here is customer service.
Word soon gets put about which companies are willing to listen and help.
More importantly,which companies aren't.
Good luck
Alan

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:06 pm
by CakeBoy
If you would like to set up a poll you will need to join. Polls are a member feature. I would not personally finance coffee equipment either.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:12 pm
by mhuk
If you can't spell business....

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:46 pm
by siliconslave
AlanP wrote:No thanks to finance deals,store cards,bonus points etc.

I believe the most important thing around here is customer service.
Word soon gets put about which companies are willing to listen and help.
More importantly,which companies aren't.
Good luck
Alan


am i the only one that was expecting "aren't" to be linked.....

PostPosted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:09 pm
by AlanP
siliconslave wrote:.....am i the only one that was expecting "aren't" to be linked.....

:D

Alan

PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:19 am
by BAB
Even as a fan of financing things I think that a credit option would not be a big selling point in this market. I think that this option works best for items that appeal to a mass market where many of the buyers don't do their homework, caring little for the performance of the items they buy, and are thus easier prey for companies offering "easy" credit at 20%pa or higher. Flat screen TVs and PCs are all open to this sort of purchase incentive.
If I were to finance the purchase of a machine I would do it through a bank or whichever institution offered the best rate and it is my belief that most people who would countenance buying such an item "on tick" would prefer the cheapest option.
I do like the idea of a "loyalty card", my favourite local coffee shop has such a scheme and I'll walk past several other vendors to get a stamp on my card. That said, I'm not sure that as a seller I like the idea of loyal customers. They tend to look for discounts, preferential treatment and free stuff when they really ought to be satisfied with the excellent service that engendered the loyalty in the first place. That's just me though.
Best of luck with the business plan all the same :)

PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:07 pm
by Guest
OK, well I think that the credit idea is a no go for now, but does anyone have any sugesstions on what coffee lovers would like to see available?

Like AlanP says, bonus points, store cards etc are pointless in your eyes! I am from a customer service background so am sure I will be able to apply that to the customers, only thing is trying to draw customers to us.

I see websites like www.pennineteandcoffee.co.uk, www.hookedoncoffee.co.uk & www.go-coffee.co.uk already but I want to be better.

Any suggestions?