Guide to Office Coffee Systems and Services

Choose the right vendor

America is a nation of coffee drinkers – you won't have a problem finding vendors. Most will offer a wide selection, from plain to fancy – gourmet, flavored and organic. Usually, all the extras are provided as well, the sweeteners, creamers and the like. Consider whether you also want to offer teas, hot chocolate, oatmeal and instant soups, because that's an option too.

I recommend: Start your coffee research at BuyerZone. A great forum for discussing all things coffee can be found at Coffee Forums.

Get the right price

The cost of a coffee service depends on the brand and quality of your coffee, but figure anywhere from 6 to 60 cents a cup. Do the math. How many cups of coffee might each employee drink a day? One rule of thumb says coffee service pricing runs from $60-$120 per employee per year. If your ballpark figure seems affordable then proceed.

I recommend: To submit a service request and receive quotes from various providers, visit Office Coffee.

Ask about service

The final piece of this selection pie is service. If you don't get deliveries on time and the vendor has poorly maintained equipment, your perk loses its steam. Do ask for references.

I recommend: Big-name outfits offer office coffee service. Check out the options provided by major players, such as Dunkin' Donuts, Peets, and Starbucks. Also, check out providers like Flavia.