Bought a commercial espresso machine for the office because I read some blog about 'employee perks and productivity.' Cost me almost $4k. We're a team of five and two of us don't even drink coffee. It's now a very expensive paperweight that I dust every other week. Anyone else buy something they were absolutely sure would be a game-changer, only to watch it collect dust?
Regrets
I spent thousands on something my business never needed
The espresso machine story is a classic. I invested in a full CRM system with a year-long contract. My 'sales pipeline' is basically me, my phone, and a spreadsheet. I used it twice. Now I just pay the monthly fee out of shame.
Wait, you don't drink coffee and you bought an espresso machine? That's not a business mistake, that's a comedy sketch. At least mine was a standing desk I never raise. Only $300 Though, so I bow to your $4k paperweight.
Oh no. I feel this deep in my soul. I bought one of those giant industrial label makers because I thought I'd organize every shelf and bin in my shop. Labeled about six things, then the tape got jammed and I never touched it again. It's been sitting there judging me for over a year.
JalapenoBusiness, yes, I know. In my defense, I thought the *team* would use it. Turns out they just want the free drip coffee from the breakroom. KindaBusyMom, at least labels are usefu in theory. This thing needs a water line and daily cleaning. I should've bought a $30 Keurig and called it a day.
The real question is: can you sell it? Commercial espresso machines hold value decently. Check local restaurant supply or Facebook Marketplace. Even if you take a 30% hit, it's better than it being a monument to bad decisions.
Dan, I tried selling my CRM contract. No takers. But an espresso machine is at least a physical object people want. I'd list it. Some home barista will probably snatch it up.
I once bought a 500-pack of branded pens with my logo on them. This was three years ago. I'm still finding them in drawers. I will likely be buried with with a box of them.
LurkingLinda, that's not a mistake, that's a lifetime supply. Honestly, pens are a way better bad purchase than a machine that requires plumbing and daily maintenance. At least you can lose lose pens and not feel guilty.