Espresso Shots: Fast, Fast, Fast!

Question: what do you get when you cross an Inkjet Printer with a Coffee Machine?

Answer: This thing. It’s an espresso maker. With cartridges.
In the office in which I work, we consume dangerously large quantities of caffeine. It’s not that we are bored or tired or exhausted, it’s just that we like the thrill of making these little espresso shots. Here’s the deal: Some time ago, the boss ponied-up for a Nespresso “Le Cube”, a toaster-sized espresso maker that has ease-of-use written all over it. It’s different than other espresso makers, in that users insert espresso pellets into the machine, pull a lever, and poof! Instant espresso.The espresso “pods” as we’ve come to call them are available in a huge range of flavors, roasts and styles. They even offer decaf and flavored holiday blends (Peppermint, for example).

But back to the machine: Again, it’s about the size of a large toaster. The brilliant part of this little gadget is that they manufacturer designed a device that doesn’t require any significant amount of clean up. One makes an espresso and walks away. No rinsing. No wiping. No pounding.
Now, here’s the surprising part: The espresso is above average. In fact, they taste very good. The texture and consistency is pretty, um, consistent with what you’d get at a major espresso shop, including the frothy part at the top. Generally, we remain pleased with the quality of the product, including the variety of roasts and blends available. So, let’s recap the plusses: It’s easy to use; It’s easy to clean; The quality of the espresso is generally considered to be very good. What’s not to like, right?
Answer: the price tag. The Machine itself runs about $350.00, and the “pods” average out to more than $0.50 per unit.

See, when we likened this thing to an inkjet printer, we weren’t just comparing the form factor or the fact that it’s uses cartridges. Nope. We were comparing business models. The fact is that the good folks that make this device have created a clever little niche for themselves, where they sell the machine at “reasonable” prices, and then milk a revenue stream from consumables, going forward. It’s the old razor blade story, this time with out razor blades or ink cartridges. And the punch line to this is that one can only purchase the espresso consumables from one source. How do you like them apples?
On the other hand, what do I care? This device is clearly destined for the kitchens of offices and corporate boardrooms. It’s not marketed (at least not directly) to the consumer space, where margin pressure and price can make or break swell ideas and products. In other words, It’s the boss that purchases this little beauty, not me. Ditto with the Inkjet (sorry, espresso) cartridges.

I don’t even want to try to guess how much of this stuff I consume on a daily basis, or what it adds up to at this ridiculous mark-up. I’m just happy that the boss keeps us wired. I’m pretty sure that one of these days, I’m actually going to get some sleep. For now, though, it’s all about the pellets.