10 Questions to Consider before Selecting One

 

 

Are you opening a coffee shop and need to choose a roastery? Or maybe you already have a business that sells coffee, but things just aren’t working between you and your roaster and you may be wondering why. A good wholesale roaster should be able to provide everything you need to open up your own cafe - from advice on the layout of your café to providing you with all the equipment and support needed to succeed. Not all roasteries are equal in what they offer and it's crucial that you do your research before deciding on one. There are 10 key questions you should be asking before choosing a roastery that will help set you up for success.

1. What are the goals for your coffee business?

Establishing the goals for your business can help clarify the type of coffee and services your operation will need. Knowing your audience is the key to defining your ideal coffee-loving crowd and setting your business up for success. Are they seasoned coffee connoisseurs or are they new to the world of craft coffee? What is your own coffee focus - are you all about rich espresso or brewing up a delicious drip-style coffee? Are you wanting to educate your customers through events such as cupping sessions?

You will also need to decide whether you’ll be offering single origin beans, bean blends or both. Will they be light roast, medium roast or dark roast? Once you’ve established your audience, your goals, and the type of beans you want to offer your customers you will then need to calculate the bean volumes you’ll need based on the variety you desire. We understand that deciding on the goals for your business can be tricky and you may not know the answers to all of these questions off the bat. A good coffee roastery will be able to support and give you guidance through their knowledge and experience in the industry and make these decisions a little easier to make. 

2. What type of coffee do they offer and where are their green beans from?

Once you have established the goals of your business, you must research roasteries that best align with these ambitions. When choosing a roastery for your business, it's important to select one that specialises in your desired brewing methods and coffee origins. For example, not all coffee roasteries focus on single origin coffee or producing beans specifically roasted for alternative brewing methods. To ensure the quality and consistency of the final roast, it is important to begin by considering the source of the coffee beans. You can do this by finding out whether the coffee roaster sources their green beans from a few local farms or many farmers in different regions. Additionally, enquire about their import partners to evaluate the quality of their beans. A quality roaster will prioritize sustainability, traceability, and fair compensation for the farmers they work with. It is also crucial to learn about the roasting process and quality control measures to ensure that the beans are fresh, untainted and of the highest quality. Moreover, some roasters share information about the regions or countries the beans come from and their unique flavour notes which can be helpful in determining whether their beans match your desired palate and can create new ways of discussing coffee with your customers.

3. What is their company history?

When it comes to choosing a roastery, the history of the company is an important factor to consider. By understanding the history of the company, you can determine its standing in the industry and make a better decision on whether or not to purchase from them. Questions such as, how long have they been around for? How do they compare to other roasteries? Do they offer specialty coffee? Are all important to ask. Moreover, when it comes to the quality of coffee produced by a roaster, it's generally higher when they possess greater knowledge in the field. So, by knowing the history of the company, you can determine their expertise in the field of coffee roasting, and make a better decision on the quality of coffee you would receive. Another important factor to consider is the location of the roastery in comparison to your location. This will help you define the necessary delivery or shipping times to consider when placing an order. Knowing the delivery or shipping times ensures that your coffee arrives fresh and on time. By taking the time to research these factors, you can make an informed decision on where to purchase your coffee from and ensure that you get the best quality and experience possible.

4. Do they offer training and support?

It's not all about the beans when choosing a coffee roaster. You also want to know what kind of training and support they offer. Some roasters have experts who can help you and your staff learn how to make the best coffee possible. It's important to find out if they have a program in place that covers everything from brewing techniques to flavour profiles. Some roasters even offer samples of their coffee so you can try before you buy. If you're just starting out, check with the roaster to see what brewing equipment they recommend as a good starting point. This can help you save time and money in the long run.

5. What is their pricing and do they offer discounts?

Comparing the pricing structure of a roastery with other local options is important. Different roasteries have varying pricing models based on factors such as the order size, coffee type, and delivery location. It’s important to keep in mind that specialty and single origin roasted coffee will naturally be at a higher price point than other types of coffee. By considering these factors, you can determine the most favourable deal. Some roasteries may offer better discounts on larger quantities of beans or signing a long-term contract. Others may offer introductory rates or free training and support if you commit to buying coffee exclusively from them. These options can be particularly beneficial if you are just starting out and have limited funds or knowledge. Regardless, it's crucial to ask about available discounts and services.

6. Are they a partner or a vendor?

Choosing between a coffee vendor and a coffee partner is a critical decision for your business. While larger companies might offer lower prices, they often lack customer support and training. If you're a coffee connoisseur, a simple transaction might suffice. But if you want to serve consistently great coffee and have a reliable team by your side, a coffee partnership is the way to go. When it comes to selecting coffee roasters, it's all about the relationship. Do they have an account manager you can contact? What other support can they provide? To get a feel for what's in store, talk to other customers and ask for references. Your coffee journey should be as smooth as your brew. Coffee choices can make or break your business. Do you want a coffee vendor for a simple transaction or a coffee partner for support and growth? Make the right decision to serve consistently great coffee and always have a team to rely on. Your coffee program, your rules.

7. Do they offer custom labelling?

Offering high-quality coffee that tastes exceptional can be a competitive advantage, but having the ability to sell it under your own brand can be even more advantageous for your business. Some roasteries provide custom labelling, which is commonly referred to as white labelling. This means that your brand will feature prominently on the packaging, while the roastery’s branding will be less prominent or absent altogether. Some roasteries may also offer customized bags, labels, cups, and more. However, it's important to keep in mind that this can be an additional expense, but it's also an excellent way to collaborate with your roaster and have your brand distributed more widely.

8. Do they have after sales technical servicing on equipment?

It's essential to have a reliable roaster that you can count on, especially during critical times when you need to have your machine up and running as quickly as possible. Your roaster should act like a safety net, responding promptly when you call upon them. It's not only about providing immediate service but also about offering a consistent level of quality and reliability that you can trust. For most people, it's not feasible to have a machine out of action for an extended period of time. Malfunctioning equipment can cause significant delays and loss of sales. That's why having a dependable roaster who can provide prompt and efficient service is crucial. A reliable roaster should offer more than just quick repairs. They should also provide regular maintenance to ensure that your machines are always in good condition. This can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the lifespan of your machines. Additionally, a good roaster should be able to offer advice and support on how to care for your equipment, helping you to improve the quality of your product and increase your efficiency.

9. Do they deliver and is there a cost involved?

It is crucial to determine whether a local coffee roastery provides delivery services, the associated costs, and the required notice for placing an order, regardless of its location. In today's fast-paced world, we expect orders to arrive promptly and without any hassle. Therefore, it's essential to find out whether the coffee roastery offers free delivery for local businesses, as this can be a significant cost saver for companies that order in bulk. Furthermore, it is worth checking if the delivery service is available for all locations, even those that are not within the immediate vicinity. Providing prompt and reasonably priced delivery is crucial to ensure a reliable experience. When a coffee roastery can deliver coffee quickly and at little or no extra cost, it can help streamline the service you provide to your customers through your business. 

10. What other supplies or services can they offer you?

It is advisable to explore the range of supplies and services that various coffee roasteries can provide before making a decision. Some may have advantages that others don't, and these could play a significant role in your final choice. Do they offer complete barista training? Can they provide on-site training and assistance? Are they capable of providing prompt assistance if you encounter any issues with your equipment? These are just a few of the questions you could ask a potential roastery to gauge the level of support they can offer.

Thirsty for more?

Choosing the right wholesale coffee roastery is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your coffee business. By asking these ten essential questions and considering these factors, you can select the right wholesale coffee roastery that aligns with your business goals and sets you up for success in the competitive coffee industry.

At Crema we believe we tick all the boxes to be a great coffee partner for you. If you want to find out more about whether your goals align with ours, visit our wholesale coffee and café supplies page and get in touch with us today!

 

  

 

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