The $1 Coffee That Fuels Millions of Dollars in Sales
QUIZ TIME
Here’s one to drop at your next BBQ:
Which two businesses sell the most cups of coffee in Australia each year?
Ready?
🥇 Number One: McDonald’s
Over 300 million cups annually.
🥈 Number Two: 7-Eleven
Around 80 million cups a year.
Now here’s where it gets interesting…
McDonald’s sells burgers.
7-Eleven sells fuel and snacks.
Yet somehow, they dominate the coffee game.
Why?
Because they’ve nailed one thing most businesses overlook: Positioning.
They know coffee isn’t their main offer, it’s the entry point.
It’s not about profit.
It’s about getting people in the door to experience the brand.
7-Eleven has even admitted that its coffee is a loss leader.But it gets people in the door.
And once you’re in? You’re walking out with petrol, chips, chewing gum, a Krispy Kreme — or hey, maybe even a white choc Magnum.
McDonald’s? Same deal. Coffee pulls you in.Then you’ve got the hash brown, the McMuffin — maybe even a McFlurry if you’re feeling risky at 8 a.m.
✅ Examples:
- Mechanic? Offer a full car check-up for $149.
- Dentist? A check-up and clean for $149 — with free dental-grade toothpaste.
- SaaS startup? A free 7-day demo that shows off your product.
Once they’re in, that’s your moment. Showtime, as we say.
So… what’s your coffee?
The thing that grabs attention and opens the door to everything else.
Want help finding your “coffee”? Give us a call, we’ll walk you through it.
