* Do your route representatives perform monthly maintenance?
* Are they keeping your brewing equipment clean? If not, your coffee probably tastes stale and gritty.
* Are they exchanging your coffee carafes regularly and scrubbing them out when they don't? This can also avoid build-up in your carafes that leads to sludge-like coffee.
* Are they rotating and replenishing your stock every month, without overstocking? If you haven't checked your supply cabinet lately, you may be surprised at how much or how little they leave you each month. Chances are, if they overstocked you, you may have expired product taking up cabinet space.
* Do they offer an interesting variety of beverages? A choice of coffees and teas in the break room helps avoid an exodus of workers leaving the office to satisfy their individual tastes.
* Can they provide office coffee machines that fit your break room needs? Different size offices require different machines. Single cup coffee makers may be best for one office, volume brewers for another.
* Is the route sales representative checking in with the proper contact person every month to ensure your utmost satisfaction in all these areas? Proper communication is key to satisfying your beverage and service needs year round. If they are simply asking you to sign the invoice, there may be a communication breakdown, and your team could be suffering for it. If you answered no to any of those questions, it's time to find a better service provider.

How to find a reputable coffee service company.

* Google Local is a good way to locate coffee service companies in your area. Your search term should include city and state ie: office coffee service San Diego CA.
* Research the better know names in the industry. These include Farmer Brothers,Custom Coffee Plan, Boyd's and Starbucks.
* Can the company provide more than coffee? Consolidating your break room supply service will save your business time and money. Additional products to ask for include first aid, break room paper goods, condiments, snacks and other beverages.
* Will you have a personal sales rep? A hard working sales contact assures that you will receive prompt responses to your questions and order processing.
* Can you order online? Ask to test their online ordering system. Is it easy to navigate and find the products you want? Are prices and delivery options clear?