Coffee equipment served with extra shot of advice
Swiss coffee equipment manufacturer FRANKE makes it a point to consult with QSR owners to find precise solutions for their coffee programs.
Due to the breadth of solutions available in the FRANKE CS equipment portfolio – with choices of hot chocolate, two milk types, and automatically dispensed syrups, among other choices – QSR’s are often puzzled at what equipment mix will help them achieve their coffee program goals.
“Listening, understanding and offering impartial advice is just as important as the equipment recommendations,” said David Downing, Oceania Sales Manager, FRANKE Coffee Systems.
“We need to acknowledge what the customer wants to achieve with their coffee program, then we use our experience in offering aligned or alternative solutions to achieve these goals. Far too often we hear from companies who've been left with expensive or inappropriate equipment solutions, and inadequate technical and customer support with expensive maintenance schedules which don't match current or projected coffee sales,” he added.
Mr. Downing said that each QSR has its own specific equipment requirements, which can be determined after free comprehensive consultation sessions with FRANKE CS.
“Once we've established how we can best support the client, we offer a comprehensive proposal outlining our recommendations,” which he said starts the business relationship on the right foot, since it will be one “based on trust and transparency.”
Trial Run
Having been pointed to the right direction and offered a list of coffee equipment, QSR owners then enter into an initial equipment assessment period or, in short, a trial run. FRANKE CS oversees the entire operation to see how their proposed equipment performs on the job.
“During these trial periods which generally run for three months, we provide appropriate equipment to be assessed and supported by weekly technical visits, with weekly client reports on performance, sales, cleanliness, product quality, staff usability, re-training and operational effectiveness,” said Mr. Downing.
But this doesn’t mean that after the trial run, QSR owners are left to fend for themselves. Mr. Downing said that QSR owners can run back to FRANKE CS to re-evaluate their equipment solutions if and when market conditions change.
This meticulous and forward-minded approach has netted the firm an international and regional Oceania clientele, including some of the world's top fastfood operators. Mr. Downing said that for these global chains with more massive business scope, FRANKE CS even proposes special equipment to address the client’s requirements “ensuring the proposed coffee system can handle expected growth in coffee sales.”
But on a more local level, Mr. Downing said its distribution network in Auckland has been leading the charge in attentive QSR service.
“FRANKE CS distributors Coffee Works Express, Vquipment Sales and with Ignite Coffee in Auckland have worked tirelessly to meet our high expectations, with an unquestionable and positive attitude our customers love,” he said, further noting that their technological innovation and expert advice have helped them become the preferred – and trusted -- coffee equipment provider in the world.
