Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Barista Bruce on November 2, 2009 at 10:04pm

In my experience...

$9 for house blends. +$1 for organic.

$10 for house decaf.

Many good single origins are available for $10 to $16.

Some of the rarer (and sometimes better) single origins are $20 to $60.

2-3 day shipping is often free for sufficiently large orders. (15 to 50 pounds, depending on roaster.)

Permalink Reply by Joseph Robertson on November 3, 2009 at 8:19am

John,
there is a wide range here depending on what or how you define "great quality roasted beans"
I know shops that get there bean from costco. I'm a commercial roaster with my own cafe so I would like you to buy your beans from me. Aside from the shameless sales pitch it is more important that you know exactly what you are buying. Hold the roasters feet to his drum. Find out if he is selling you OG, FT beans, Organic / Fair trade or shade grown. What crop is he selling you? This year or last? Is shipping or delivery included in the cost? What kind of support service will the supplier provide. Ask all the "right" questions and you will have a great platform for deciding who to buy from. As you can tell there is way more involved here than just #'s. Your relationship with your roaster should go beyond prices.
I do understand your need for #'s for budgeting and forecasting if you are just getting set up. Make some calls most of us roasters are very friendly.
Best Wishes in all your coffee work John,
Joseph
--
Ambassador for Specialty Coffee and palate reform.

Permalink Reply by Sue Harnly on November 5, 2009 at 9:17am

Hi John,
I am committed to using a local roaster who is fair trade, organic, shade grown....i pay about $5.50 per pound. I have carried another roasters coffee in my shop who has the same profile and theirs was $8.50 per pound. If you are not interested in fair trade, etc, you can get a pound from local roasters for around $4

Good luck with your search.

Permalink Reply by Eric Hammond on December 26, 2009 at 8:18am

As a roaster, I have a question. Who can afford to sell beans at $4 a pound? That's my purchase price for green on many I sell. We have a tiered system. Based on the price of the bean its self and how much people order. So, for instance, you only order 5 lb a week. Your price will be higher than the shop that orders 35 lb and theirs will be higher than the chain that orders 600lb. But if it is $12 in the shop, than we charge $9 for the 5lb guy, $7 for the 35lb guy and $5 for the 600lb guy. And that is based on that bean costing me around $3 a pound green. Personally, I'd be afraid of really cheap beans. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but those are just an example.

The question I would ask before paying $4 a pound for beans is, are they fresh? Are the good quality? Is the roaster going to be open in 6 months or am I going to have to on another search? Are the guys who roasted the coffee going to stand behind it? Are my customers willing to pay me enough to keep me in business?

Fair trade, and organic do not mean quality in the cup. An organic, fair trade crap bean is still a crap bean. Find a roaster that loves what they do, are exacting on what they do, and are passionate about what they do rather than looking for a pay check, and you'll find good beans.

Permalink Reply by Chris Cockrell on February 11, 2010 at 11:08am

I totally agree with Eric! Buy beans based on quality in the cup...buying cheap beans or beans just because they are organic or fair trade, or bird friendly and you will reap what you sow. The best roaster on earth can't make a bad bean taste good!



Eric Hammond said:

As a roaster, I have a question. Who can afford to sell beans at $4 a pound? That's my purchase price for green on many I sell. We have a tiered system. Based on the price of the bean its self and how much people order. So, for instance, you only order 5 lb a week. Your price will be higher than the shop that orders 35 lb and theirs will be higher than the chain that orders 600lb. But if it is $12 in the shop, than we charge $9 for the 5lb guy, $7 for the 35lb guy and $5 for the 600lb guy. And that is based on that bean costing me around $3 a pound green. Personally, I'd be afraid of really cheap beans. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but those are just an example.

The question I would ask before paying $4 a pound for beans is, are they fresh? Are the good quality? Is the roaster going to be open in 6 months or am I going to have to on another search? Are the guys who roasted the coffee going to stand behind it? Are my customers willing to pay me enough to keep me in business?

Fair trade, and organic do not mean quality in the cup. An organic, fair trade crap bean is still a crap bean. Find a roaster that loves what they do, are exacting on what they do, and are passionate about what they do rather than looking for a pay check, and you'll find good beans.

Permalink Reply by Tammy on March 21, 2010 at 4:45pm

Hello. Cost depends on type of beans you get, flavor and other factors. We are paying an average of $38.75 for a 5 pound bag of the brand we use from Hunter Bay. They have many other flavors, and after trying many coffee styles, we chose them..............but check around at roasters and see what they offer.

Permalink Reply by Joseph Robertson on March 21, 2010 at 5:07pm

Questions beg more questions, such as, Organic / Fair Trade?
Just for starters. The range you can expect to pay will vary widely. I sell to one customer for 10.00/lb. My blend for them falls into the catagory above. You will see the #'s go down and some will go up depending on factors you have not looked into yet. When it comes to a Biz plan. Estimate on the higher side. Not too high but give yourself a margin.
JR

Permalink Reply by Joseph Robertson on March 21, 2010 at 10:52pm

Tammy,
Flavor?

Tammy said:

Hello. Cost depends on type of beans you get, flavor and other factors. We are paying an average of $38.75 for a 5 pound bag of the brand we use from Hunter Bay. They have many other flavors, and after trying many coffee styles, we chose them..............but check around at roasters and see what they offer.