Somebody always ends up being the drinks person. If you're reading this, it's probably you.
Buying energy drinks in bulk for work is simple once you know what the crew gets through in four weeks. Count the people who drink them. Allow one can each per shift day, at most. Multiply by the shift days in four weeks. Then pick a way to buy that doesn't depend on you remembering.
Start with water
Before any cans, the basics. Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice on work environments and facilities says clean drinking water must be provided free of charge for workers at all times. It also suggests keeping it at or below 24 degrees. Each state has its own version of the code, so check yours.
Energy drinks are an extra on top of that. They don't replace it.
How many cans does a crew need?
Ask first. Not everyone drinks them, and the ones who do usually have one at the same point each day. Most cans list a daily limit on the label, so plan on one per person per shift day, no more.
| People who drink them | 5-day week, cans every 4 weeks | 6-day week, cans every 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 40 | 48 |
| 3 | 60 | 72 |
| 4 | 80 | 96 |
| 5 | 100 | 120 |
Then take a few off. Leave, sick days and RDOs mean real use usually comes in under the maths.
Most crews reach for one at the same time: the back half, when the afternoon slump hits. Have them cold by then.
Where to buy energy drinks in bulk
There are a few routes, and each suits a different crew.
- Supermarket multipacks. Easy to grab, but someone has to go and get them every time.
- Wholesalers. They sell by the carton or the pallet, and some want a business account first. Good for a big site with a storeroom.
- Direct from a brand, on a subscription. Delivered on a schedule, so nobody has to remember.
Whichever you pick, compare the delivered price, not just the price per carton.
Who pays?
Crews sort this out a few ways. Sometimes the company covers it. Sometimes the leading hand shouts it out of their own pocket, and gets sick of it by week three. Some crews put a few bucks each into a tin every week.
Pick one and say it out loud. Arguments over who drank whose can are worse than no cans.
Storing a bulk order
- Cool and out of the sun. Not in the back of the ute.
- First in, first out. New cans go behind the old ones.
- Only the day's cans in the fridge if space is tight. Keep the rest in the storeroom.
For the rest of what goes in the fridge, use our crib room fridge checklist.
How to stop being the one who reorders
Buying in bulk once is easy. The hard part is week five, when the fridge is empty and everyone looks at you.
A subscription fixes the remembering. Set the size once and it turns up every 4 weeks. Skip a delivery when the site shuts down for Christmas.
Where TILT fits
That's why we built the Crew Box. The crib room fridge stays stocked every 4 weeks, and nobody has to organise it. The crew stays locked in for the back half, with no crash at the end of it.
- 96 cans every 4 weeks, built for a crew of 3 to 4.
- $278.40 every 4 weeks, delivered. Free shipping, Australia wide.
- Your first box comes with a Bonus Mixed Slab. That's 120 cans in the first box, while this batch lasts. One per customer.
- Pause, skip or cancel online, anytime.
- Dispatched within 24 hours, Mon to Fri.
- 100-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
Build your Crew Box. Buying for yourself? Your first slab comes with a Bonus Mixed 8 Pack.
FAQ
How many energy drinks should I order for my crew?
Count the people who drink them and allow one can each per shift day at most. Four people on a five-day week is about 80 cans every 4 weeks. On a six-day week it's about 96.
Where can I buy energy drinks in bulk in Australia?
Supermarket multipacks, wholesalers that sell by the carton or pallet (some need a business account), or direct from a brand on a subscription. Compare the delivered price, not just the price per carton.
Do employers have to provide drinks at work?
Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice says clean drinking water must be provided free of charge for workers at all times. Check the version that applies in your state. Anything beyond water is up to the business.
Can I pause a Crew Box?
Yes. You can pause, skip or cancel online, anytime. Skip a delivery when the site shuts down for Christmas.
This article is general information, not legal or workplace health and safety advice.
Built for the shift. See the Crew Box.
For the label readers: 105.6mg of natural caffeine and 198mg of L-theanine in a 330ml can, 3.7g of sugar and 18 calories. No artificial colours or preservatives. Every ingredient and milligram is printed on the can. Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine. Consume no more than 1 can per day.