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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to buy instant coffee for the builders.

138 replies

IloveConkers · 07/01/2022 13:44

I’ve been giving the builders nespresso coffee and it’s grating on me and my pocket a bit! Is it super tight if go out and i buy them instant?

OP posts:
SnowyBerries · 07/01/2022 16:40

I've just got a cheap coffee percolator which I know is anathema to coffee sophisticates, but your workman might not be a coffee sophisticate. Or a cafetiere if you can be bothered clearing out the grounds.

MintyGreenDream · 07/01/2022 17:11

I'd be giving them Nescafe or Kenco

chocolatemonster · 07/01/2022 21:42

@ShirleyPhallus @JasmineGarden

We are on the South Coast and yes he does fit kitchens 😁

Purpleberet · 07/01/2022 22:11

@Otherpeoplesteens

Honestly, I think it's bloody rude to serve something cheaper to staff or tradesmen and keep the nice/expensive stuff for yourself. The only thing I'd consider doing in this scenario is casually saying something along the lines of "is this coffee OK, or would you rather I bought some Nescafé or something?" Go with whatever they say and suck the cost up. And rethink whether you can afford Nespresso full stop.
I couldn’t agree more. What a gross attitude to think they only deserve the coffee you wouldn’t drink yourself. Maybe get instant too so they have a choice, you might find some people will be with happy with instant. But it’s tacky to only offer what you consider a lesser option. I don’t think of people I employ as beneath me, I’d treat them the same as I would my guests.
ListeningButNotHearing · 07/01/2022 22:17

You'll be happy when the value of your house increases rapidly though won't you.

If you're that petty minded and resentful why don't you sack them off and do it yourself?

Oh dear you wouldn't have a clue what to do or where to start would you.

VelvetChairGirl · 07/01/2022 22:18

Well this is the definition of a middle class question isnt it, how odd.

averylongtimeago · 07/01/2022 23:42

DH (builder) says he must be a middle class builder as good coffee would be much appreciated. One of his best customers- who remains a friend to this day years later - used to give them delicious freshly ground coffee.
Needless to say, they went more than the extra mile in his job.

PickAChew · 07/01/2022 23:48

Is this a nespresso ad?

OP, you should only be giving your builders freshly ground artisan coffee. I'm amazed you haven't installed a professional bean to cup machine for them.

Ours get instant. There is Greggs across the road if they're more fussy than your average northeast trade

outingtale · 07/01/2022 23:48

Instant coffee?

Why are they having coffee?

They drink tea, not coffee!

Mine get bacon and sausage sarnies for elevenses and loads of biscuits to dunk in their cuppa char.

Never heard owt as daft!

Coffee, my arse!

jamandmarmaladethesecondcoming · 08/01/2022 00:19

@SenecaFallsRedux

I'm American so, like most Americans, I think instant coffee is the work of the devil. I think any workmen who come to my house would agree. I'm not going to offer them anything that I wouldn't drink.
I agree instant is not the same as filter coffee.

But to be fair it's probably cheaper over there isn't it? Filter coffee is dearer here in UK than filter per unit price.

@IloveConkers - tip: i like decaf Waitrose Essentials instant as the best of instant. (better than Kenco)

jamandmarmaladethesecondcoming · 08/01/2022 01:13

don't forget your doilies either. you will be judged...

chocolatemonster · 08/01/2022 09:14

@PickAChew

Is this a nespresso ad?

OP, you should only be giving your builders freshly ground artisan coffee. I'm amazed you haven't installed a professional bean to cup machine for them.

Ours get instant. There is Greggs across the road if they're more fussy than your average northeast trade

Average North East trade? Shock These are skilled workers
CounsellorTroi · 08/01/2022 09:29

We drink both ground and instant out well as normal and Earl Grey tea so all of that is on the tray. Found the instant went down faster but one of the builders drank Earl Grey.

PinkSyCo · 08/01/2022 09:40

As long as it’s wet and hot I’m sure they’ll be grateful for anything offered. I know I am.

SmallGreenStripes · 08/01/2022 09:41

They should bring their own coffee if they want it.

FruitMelange · 08/01/2022 09:49

I only drink instant coffee so that's what everybody else gets. I don't think instant coffee in the UK compares to some US brands. Some of them are grim.

Seashor · 08/01/2022 09:54

I gave my builders decent fresh coffee which whoever was at home made for them. I wouldn’t drink instant and don’t have it in the house. One of them was a coffee connoisseur and he really appreciated it. I let them use the loo too!

llansanan · 08/01/2022 10:07

I don't see anything wrong with this, though I'd hide the Nespresso capsules to make it look as if I'd run out!

7Worfs · 08/01/2022 10:15

Here’s what I do if I have builders for many days - every morning I get them a bacon roll and coffee from McDonalds and call it a day. They all seem to have their mobile tea stations they set up.

Passthecake30 · 08/01/2022 10:20

Dp is a builder and drinks what he can get. He wouldn’t be impressed with value/smart price coffee but kenko etc is fine.

SprayedWithDettol · 08/01/2022 10:27

If you want to go down the instant route, Illy make the best.

Dreamstate · 08/01/2022 10:40

I dont drink coffee so told my bathroom fitters I only had tea but they are welcome to bring their own instant coffee to make. I also don't drink milk but u did buy the tiny bottle as its cheap.

I only made tea for them when I went down to make tea for myself

georgarina · 08/01/2022 10:44

Lol!

In my office we have instant...I knew it wasn't, like, good coffee, but didn't realise it was unacceptable...

I guess it would be a bit weird if you had luxury coffee that you used every day but instant for the builders. But instant coffee in general...like I said, it's what we have at work and what I drink at home.

Coffee, for me, is a means to an end.

Gechik · 08/01/2022 11:43

Yes, when I was at work catering tins of Nescafé were provided, if you wanted anything better you could use your own, most people just used the Nescafé

reluctantbrit · 08/01/2022 11:48

We only have instant in our house as we only drink tea. Saying that also my friends got it and I make sure I buy a decent one.

I would be bankrupt if I would buy expensive coffee bags (we have them for now for friends and when DD wants a milky coffee) and I don't have a caffetaria and don't want to buy one.