Frugal or cheap?

[Plugging Along]

Just curious what others think of this. I hate paying for coffee, so usually make my own. I was running a meeting early in the morning, and since I am the lead, I do feel there should be coffee for those that have to start early.

So I stopped off at Tim's on the way to work to pick up some coffee. Tim's had coffee 'boxes' that hold at least 12 small coffees. I knew I needed less than that as there where less people than that and not everyone drinks coffee. The box was over $15. So I asked them if they could give me 5 XL coffees poor them in the box which should be $10. Still too much in my opinion. They were really confused when I asked, and then said I had to buy 6 XL which is how many the box actually holds, ($12), I grudgenly agreed.

Was this cheap? It kind of bugs me that when you buy the 'box' they are basically charging you regular price for small coffees, even though it's easier to poor, and charging for XL would seem more fair.

Also, after my wait it took 30 minutes extra. Would it be cheap to just use the extra coffee pot (which I donated) in the staff kitchen, and put it in my meeting room, and buy a $18 can of Tims, and brew my own.

Just curious on the thoughts. I am feeling ripped off on my coffee

[donald]

Next time,buy or get(you probably have one)canister-Get individual coffees(so there the *real*thing(as opposed to the can stuff) and pour it into that(black)and let everyone add there sugar and cream.I would of did that,if the box was more expensive.

Or go talk to the general manger(if your going to do it on a regular basis)He/she will probably give you a break if you explian(not in mourning rush hour though)

[indexxx]

Sorry, but yes, you were being cheap. And rather unreasonable. This would be like going into a bar and asking for a double because it's cheaper than two singles, but requesting that the bartender split the order into two glasses so you and a friend can both have a drink. Or going to a buffet, paying for one meal, and loading it up with a side plate so you and your date could both eat. Businesses price certain things in specific ways in order to run their costing correctly- imagine if you owned that Tim Hortons and your staff were doing what you asked for several customers per day. How would you feel?

Brew your own, nobody would likely care.

[kcowan]

Brew the coffee and spend the savings on a box of timbits. The staff will love it...

[crazyjackcsa]

kcowan has the right idea. Coffee drinkers are happy, the non coffee drinkers are happy, the folks on a diet can keep quiet.

[Four Pillars]

I wouldn't have bought the coffee. You are running an early meeting - so what? Do you provide breakfast, shower facilities and a newspaper too?

Seriously - you don't have to do it. The coffee drinkers are perfectly capable of obtaining their own jet fuel prior to the meeting.

[colossk]

Sorry, but yes, you were being cheap. And rather unreasonable. This would be like going into a bar and asking for a double because it's cheaper than two singles, but requesting that the bartender split the order into two glasses so you and a friend can both have a drink. Or going to a buffet, paying for one meal, and loading it up with a side plate so you and your date could both eat. Businesses price certain things in specific ways in order to run their costing correctly- imagine if you owned that Tim Hortons and your staff were doing what you asked for several customers per day. How would you feel?

Brew your own, nobody would likely care.

Yea, thats not frugal, thats just cheap

[Sampson]

cheap

[Plugging Along]

I know I don't have to buy anything. For me, it's a nice thing to do to show that you appreciate their efforts. The meeting started before 8 and went to noon. I had bought Tim bits/doughnuts anyways, so that was a moot point, and for the healthy people like me, I offered veggies and fruit I was the only one that ate the veggies and fruit. For me, that's just the type of lead I am. Though here it may seem like I am cheap, I have no problems bringing things for people I am working with stuff on my on dime.

In terms of ordering double, and splitting it in to a single, I have done that before, as I didn't realize hat some places put just double the booze, and it was too strong, so I asked for more mix. The buffet is different because you are paying for one person, and stealing the other person. However, I will order a larger meal all time and ask for two side plates for my kids. I hate kids meal because they are crap food high prices. I have never been charged more to get two side plates.

I guess my beef was that usually when you buy a larger package of anything, it is discounted by volume. In this case it was actually more expensive to buy in volume even though it costs them less in terms of time and materials. I could have actually ordered 6xl in the cups, asked for the take away box, asked for extra cups, which they do give out, dump the 6 cups in the box my self, throw out the big cups, and they would spent extra time too. Does that even make sense?

Having worked in retail and different businesses and areas growing up. As the Tim's owner though I would not advertise that it is cheaper to buy individually, even though it costs me more as an owner, if a customer came in and figured it out, I woudld certainly hope my staff would use common sense and take the most efficient approach. I know I always did in customer service.

[Plugging Along]

Just to clarify, this won't stop me from bringing in treats over a few bucks, but I think I will just buy the can, bring in my own. My treats are better than timbits anyways.