3 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Coffee Supplier – Our Guide

coffee beans

Are you planning to open a restaurant or a coffee shop? Or do you already have an existing one, and you are thinking of changing your coffee supplier? Offering the right kind of coffee to your customers is extremely important in keeping your business afloat. So what can you do to make sure you stand out from your competitors? Choose the right coffee supplier who can deliver the utmost results and help you materialize your business goals.

In a coffee shop business, not only would you want to have the best coffee, you would want a coffee supplier who is reliable and exceeds your expectations as well. They may have the best quality coffee, but if they can’t deliver on time, it could be pretty useless working with them.

When choosing the right coffee supplier for your needs, there are so many things you need to consider. Determining the perfect choice who can deliver as they promised is highly essential. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing the right coffee supplier for your business:

Know your coffee requirements

With so many coffee suppliers in the market, finding a good source can be challenging. You would want a coffee supplier that you can build a lasting relationship with. Knowing what you need and want in your coffee is important. 

Most coffee roasters will have a huge list of coffee blends and single origins, which are normally roasted differently. Being able to work hand-in-hand with a coffee supplier who understands your needs and gets your cupped profile that fits your customer’s requirements is one important factor. A good coffee roasted can give you a comprehensive recommendation on what to look for in a coffee blend. They will also work with you until you achieved your goals and hit the mark.

Ask for samples from potential suppliers

A good coffee supplier who takes pride in their products will not hesitate to offer samples. The true nature of a good-quality coffee can only be determined from the cup it produces. Judging a coffee based on their logos, prices, and brands is not a great way to choose a coffee supplier. It is only through sampling that you will be able to achieve the requirements you are looking for in a coffee. 

Never hesitate to ask for samples from various suppliers. Truth be told, most of the coffee suppliers will even invite you to their warehouse to let you sample their various blends and experience first-hand how their roasting facilities work. Some suppliers will send packages for you to try.

Go for local

While it may not always be feasible, going local can be the most practical course of action when choosing the right coffee supplier for your business. Look at it from a long-term perspective of building a lasting business relationship. Choosing a local supplier gives you more convenience when you need to visit them for supplies or other inquiries and vice versa. 

If you have a supplier that is out of town or out of the country, it won’t be that convenient. Most customers are also more happy in supporting local and giving back to the community. This can be a good selling point to your potential customers since they are becoming more increasingly aware and interested in knowing where the products they consume come from.

The process of choosing the right coffee supplier can be crucial in determining the success or failure of your business. Careful planning is necessary, along with the tips mentioned above. 

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