How Much Packaging Does a Busy Cafe Need? A Bulk-Buying Guide

Running out of cups mid-rush is stressful and expensive. Buying in bulk fixes that — here’s how to plan it.

Start with your daily volume. Count your busiest day’s coffees, takeaway meals and bagged items. Multiply by trading days to get a weekly run rate for cups, lids, containers, bags and napkins.

Order in carton multiples. Packaging is cheapest by the carton, and per-unit prices drop further at wholesale quantity breaks. Work out how many cartons cover two to four weeks so you’re buying at the best price without overcrowding storage.

Keep a buffer on the essentials. Cups, lids, takeaway containers and napkins are the items you can’t trade without — hold extra. Slower-moving lines can be ordered closer to need.

Consolidate suppliers to save freight. Bringing packaging, cleaning and benchtop consumables into one order means one delivery and, with F&J, free Melbourne metro delivery over $250 (ex GST), conditions apply.

Review seasonally. Cold-cup and iced-drink demand rises in summer; soup bowls and hot-food packaging in winter. Adjust your standing order so you’re never scrambling.

Ready to set up a regular bulk order? Browse the full range in our Shop, or talk to the F&J team about the right quantities for your venue.