Business Opportunities Weblog

January 20, 2009 by Angela Shupe | 5 Comments

When the recession seems to be knocking some businesses down, MyCupCoffee.com continues to grow. Through a combination of customer service and bulk pricing, they have successfully grown their customer base in the 4 years since the launch of their website.

Jim Cotton, the owner of MyCupCoffee.com and Midwest Refreshment, spoke with us about his business, it’s growth, and what makes it so successful.

What was the inspiration for launching MyCupCoffee.com?

While servicing our regional customers in Arkansas and Oklahoma we felt we could reach a broader base, nationwide, by including K-Cups, Keurig Gourmet Brewing Systems, Green Mountain Coffees and Celestial Teas on our website. In doing so, we quickly discovered we were, and are, very competitive on a national basis doing business on the internet. It required an almost immediate upgrade of our website www.MyCupCoffee.com and an even broader range of Office Coffee Products we make available to our customers. We currently ship all over the United States on a daily basis.

How many products do you currently offer on your website? Any recognizable brands?

We currently offer all 27 different Green Mountain Coffee K-cups available, the 6 Celestial Teas, Hot Chocolate K-cups and 11 different Timothy K-Cups and Teas, thru MyCupCoffee.com. This allows us a very wide range of Gourmet Coffees and Teas to satisfy the K-Cup consumer. In the State of Arkansas we are the official Keurig distributor and sell the B-3000 Commercial K-Cup Brewer System to larger offices, then provide the “At Home Brewers” nationally. Along with these, we sell all the associated products for Keurig and Green Mountain, such as K-Cup carousels, cups, mugs and the like. At the same time, for our nationwide Office Coffee Customers, we provide everything from our own branded, Midwest Refreshment 100% Colombian frac packs, to Folgers, Maxwell House and Green Mountain Coffees frac packs. We ship daily, Coffee Mate, Cains & Carnation Creamers, different sugars, Equal, Splenda & several teas, assorted cups, different eatable products, Butternut Hot Chocolate, Swiss Miss Hot Chocolates, Cappuccinos, Apple Cider, and an ever growing other number of products.

How has it grown since it launched 4 years ago?

We continue to grow each month and have had to add two people to our staff since inception to be sure we provide the type of customer service, on a daily basis, that allows our business to continue to grow in slow economic times. The Coffee Consumer is very fickle and demands immediate attention, a personable voice and person they can talk to on the telephone if a question arises, quick shipping, follow-up and a very competitively priced product.

Do you have any new year resolutions for the business?

Yes, continue to do what we do best… address the customer as most important, resolve any and all issues immediately, provide the most professional service, an outgoing and friendly attitude towards the people who make our business at www.MyCupCoffee.com possible, valued our Internet Customers

What separates your business from the competition?

When called upon, one on one personal service and follow up, to be sure any and every issue has been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. That is why every page of our website and checkout, has our 1-800-761-7936 telephone number, where a live person answers the telephone and speaks, in a friendly, professional and positive manner to our valued clients.

What was the deciding factor in purchasing this business from the previous owners?

It appeared to be an fun and exciting business that could be grown. I knew with my background in customer service, this area in the Vending Industry was lacking that. Basically, our sales force, lead by Vice President Phil O’Dell, literally changed the Vending Industry environment in our area. He has done a outstanding job and is very dedicated and focused on Customer Service… one on one and our MyCupCoffee customers.

Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Yes… as my father was.

What has your business taught you?

Owning your own business has it rewards, but it has consequences as well. We do not have room or time to explain what owning a business education is. College does not prepare you for what it has taken 30 years of hard work, to learn. It has also taught me, I would not want to do anything else.

What advice do you have for someone interested in purchasing an established business?

Do all the “due diligence” you can possibly do. Gather any and all information you can and learn about your particular chosen industry. Find mentors in an area close to you, that will not be a direct competitor. Focus, Focus, Focus !!! Treat your employees as your most valuable asset, because they are… and never forget to keep your eye on the bouncing ball, Your Customer!

In Ecommerce, Entrepreneurs, Interviews | 5 Comments