RED PACKETS

I will never look at red packets again….

this is really a very interesting site, listing all the malaysian’s bank ang pow design, size and year by year comparison

a must see(Click here to visit the site)

Coffee Machine FACE OFF!

As promised, here is the review of both Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) and Nescafe’s Capsule Coffee Machine – Now i will only compare ONLY the entry level machine from both company -

The Contata @ RM880 from CBTL and the Piccolo @ RM 399 from Nestle

Entry level CBTL capsule machine CONTATA @ RM880

Nestle's Piccolo @ RM399

Weight & Dimension & Pressure

Now both machines have very big difference in terms of size and weight. CBTL’s CONTATA have a certain heft to it  – i would like to state the weight of the machine but was unable to find it on their website.If you plan to have this machine in your office, you really need to have a large space dedicated for it (take into account space needed when you fill in the water tank, throw out the capsule…, cleaning of machine) -

Nestle’s PICCOLO have a very small footprint and it weighs in at 2.4kg (probably 2.8kg when the water tank is filled) and it nestles’ (Pun intended) itself nicely at any environment its put at.

Both machines are rated at 15bar and yes, it does sound loud when its squeezing out all the great coffee from the capsules. If you plan to use this in office – make sure you make a free cup to your neighbour so they can learn to  bear with the noise level

Capsules System and Pricing

Lets start with CBTL’s capsules – currently there are 8 different espresso flavours and 4 tea variations. Each flavours are sold in a box of 10 @ RM21. I have to say CBTL did the right thing by offering so many variations to the customers here!

Nestle’s have 4 different coffee flavours available – Each box retails for RM27.99. Each box (except espresso) serves 8 cups – it contains both 8 capsules for milk and 8 capsules for coffee. If you browse this thing call the internet, you will see that the nestle system have a lot of different coffee varieties that you may order online. Hopefully Nestle can bring in more to the local market soon.

 

So whats the difference here ?

1 – CBTL Pricing : Costs of capsule is really cheap but if you want to make real latte/mocha/cappucino, you will have to spend some money for your own milk frother (RM280.00) 

and also supply your own milk – so a bit of hidden cost here :

Nestle Pricing :Nestle capsules may seem to cost more but dont forget that you do not need to buy an additional milk frother to make your latte/cappucino/mocha.

Performance , Tasting AND 3 months long review

CBTL Contata

CBTL Contata is a great machine – i love the fact that the water tank is huge and there is a fix serving for each capsule. Just pop in the capsule, press a button and you are done. no fuss and no muss. The Contata even have a storage place for discarded capsules – This came as a bonus to me until i realised that the added responsibility of cleaning and clearing the container! (This is just me la) . However, i did face a few “false” start and even low pressure  problems before and as a result, i wasted quite a few capsules too. The variety of flavours now available really does make a difference -and at the low low price of RM2.10 per cup, you will find yourself drinking at least 2-3 cups a day….Downside ? well, i cant really drink espresso everyday and to pay for additional milk frother…..kinda hits my pocket a bit.

PLUS : Great variety, sturdy construction and simple operation.

MINUS: cost of mik frother, maintenance of storage bin.

Nestle Piccolo

Had this baby for almost 4 months i think and till today, am still surprised at its small little size chugging out 15bar of pressure everytime i make coffee. the construction quality is great -  it feels and looks like it costs way more than RM399 The low low entry price for this capsule machine is what makes it great – coupled with a built in frother to make drinks like latte, mocha and cappucino, you will find yourself drinking less at the outlets and more at home/office. One thing that a lot of people DONT KNOW about this Dolce Gusto capsule system is that they are exactly a “single serve” one button operations- the machine allows you to control the amount of water you let into the capsule for your milk and coffee seperately. So some people may be put off by this and some may like it ( like me, dreaming im a world class barista) bcos each cup of coffee WILL taste different depending on how much water you let in.

PLUS: low low entry price – built in milk frother and the coffee taste great.

MINUS : Only 4 flavours available now. The piccolo water tank is really small…so you will end up refilling it a lot

Conclusion

Two great capsule system with lot of potential to grow and if you are planning to get either system, the time is now. I have already seen some offers already in the market for both CBTL and Nestle!

GSC

Over the years, i have learnt that managing and maintaining customer service level are two very different matters.

While some of us try hard to maintain high quality customer service level score through consumer focus group, consumer brand affinity and loyalty rating (via social media, blogs), – the hard part is actually “managing” your employee output/service to YOUR customers.

One such example was when GSC customers experienced a 10min movie problem – normally in these circumstances, the cinema in question will refund the moviegoers with either another ticket or $$ back AND sincere apologies from the management. The customers at GSC Gurney (Penang) experienced the blackout and was offered the refund AND something extra…. read the story below or the link HERE to GSC Facebook Fanpage