Choosing the right supplier partnership for your cafe is vital to the success of your business. A mutually beneficial agreement should align with your values and culture. The best suppliers will be able to offer more than just roasted coffee. They will have a wide range of accessories and equipment that can help you serve your customers with the best experience possible.
Ask for Samples
When looking for a supplier to supply your business with coffee, it is important that you ask them for samples. This way, you can test out the quality of their product, see how it tastes, and ensure that they will provide you with what you need for your business. You may also learn about their pricing, which is an important factor when choosing a supplier.
Another thing to look for in a coffee supplier is a passion for the industry. This is a sign that they care about their customers and are invested in their success. You should move on if a potential supplier doesn’t seem passionate about the industry or their products.
Finding a wholesale coffee supplier with a good reputation is also important. This will help keep your business running smoothly and ensure your customers are happy. You can check the reputation of a potential supplier by reading reviews on their website or asking other coffee businesses for references.
Additionally, it is a good idea to find out about the suppliers’ sustainability and ethical practices. This will ensure that they are following best practices and that their values align with yours.
Lastly, it is important to choose a supplier that has a variety of coffee varieties. This will ensure that you can provide your customers with a diverse selection and will allow you to cater to different tastes and preferences. Depending on your business needs, you may want to find a coffee supplier that offers organic and fair-trade coffee beans or specializes in particular roasting styles.
A good coffee supplier will also be able to provide your business with other supplies, such as thermals and serving ware and cleaning supplies for your machines. This will save you time and money by allowing you to order all your supplies in one place. Additionally, it will make it easier for you to manage your inventory and ensure you always have enough stock.
Look at Their Inventory
A great coffee supplier will always have a good supply of high-quality beans and offer the flexibility to purchase in different quantities. This is especially important for businesses that rely heavily on coffee, such as cafes and catering companies. Running out of coffee at midday can be a nightmare for your business. Therefore, you will want to ensure your wholesale supplier can provide a reliable and consistent delivery service to prevent this from happening.
If you are a small business or a new business looking for a new supplier, be sure to check their minimum order quantity. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a large order that you can’t use or sell, which will only result in wasted money. Also, look for a supplier that offers fast and efficient shipping services to avoid unnecessary delays.
In addition to a reliable and stable supply, you will want your supplier to offer other services that will help your cafe business operate effectively. Some of these include barista training and equipment supply, which can make or break your business. Look for a supplier that can deliver all of these extras, which will save you time and effort in running your business.
Another factor to consider is the origin of the coffee. Coffee comes in two main varieties: Robusta and Arabica. Both are produced in different ways, and the quality of each type varies considerably. Arabica, for example, has a much more complex taste and is typically less bitter than Robusta. However, it is also more difficult to grow and harvest.
Look for a supplier that can give you access to a variety of different coffees from around the world, including rare and exotic coffees. You may be able to find this with an importer, which will have a wider range of products in stock. You can also try out platforms that connect coffee producers in producing countries with all the actors in the commercialization chain in consuming countries and that also serve as importers.
You will also want to consider whether your supplier can offer you a one-stop solution by providing all the necessary products for a successful cafe business, such as cups, cleaning products, syrups, and more. This will make it easier for you to keep track of all your orders and inventory.
Check Their Reputation
When looking for a coffee supplier, choosing one with a good reputation is important. This will ensure that you are getting high-quality, consistent products at a fair price. You can do this by asking other cafe owners about their experiences with their suppliers or checking online reviews. There are also many coffee associations and trade shows that can help you find reputable suppliers.
You should also pay attention to how their customer service is handled. A good supplier will be helpful and responsive to your questions, and they should be willing to work with you to meet your needs. If you notice that a supplier uses underhanded or high-pressure sales tactics, this may be a sign that they are not worth working with.
It’s also important to look at what other services a supplier offers. For example, they may be able to offer POS, barista training, and other accessories that can help you run your cafe more smoothly. You might also be able to save money by buying all your supplies from the same supplier.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a coffee supplier is their commitment to sustainable practices. Look for a company that has a clear mission statement and values, and make sure their practices align with yours. You should also consider whether they support local businesses, as this can positively impact the community.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, ask each supplier for samples of their product. Most will be happy to do this, so you can better understand what they have to offer. When you’re sampling, be sure to pay attention to the roast color and flavor notes. You’ll want to choose a supplier that offers roasts that are suited to your menu and customer base. Also, try to avoid letting yourself get distracted by flashy packaging or logos—these elements do not have a huge impact on the taste of your coffee.
Look at Their Pricing
The price that you pay for coffee is one of the most important decisions you will make as a business owner. You will need to ensure that you are able to cover production costs, overheads, and marketing expenditures while also making a profit. Setting prices too high can cause you to lose customers while setting them too low will reduce your profits.
Whether you own an espresso bar, cafe, or restaurant, a quality cup of coffee is at the top of most customer’s wish lists. Finding a supplier who understands this and can deliver the quality your customers expect.
A good supplier will have a wide selection of different beans and roasts to suit your needs. They will also offer a variety of different equipment for you to choose from. A great supplier will be able to show you their equipment in their showroom and help you find the right pieces for your business.
They should also be able to assist you with any problems or issues that you may have. The best suppliers will be quick to respond and always willing to help you.
Another thing that you should look for in a coffee supplier is their transparency. They should be able to provide you with details about their production process and give you an idea of how they source their beans. This is an indication that they care about the integrity of their product and are committed to producing quality coffee.
You should also consider looking for a coffee supplier that offers flexible payment terms. This is an excellent way to avoid large upfront payments and can save your business a lot of money in the long run. Look for options such as DP (Down Payment) or L/C (Letter of Credit) to help you secure your transactions with them.
It is also important to note that while most people think of coffee when they hear the word “supplier,” it goes beyond just the bean. A quality supplier will also be a partner that can supply you with a wide range of other beverage products. From tea to matcha and cold brew, the right supplier will be able to satisfy all your beverage needs.