What is one thing that coffee shop owners and office managers have in common aside from lack of sleep? They both use (or should be using) a wholesale coffee distributor. The benefits of buying coffee wholesale include better prices, bulk ordering, and special discounts for loyal customers- to name a few. Choosing the right coffee distributor, however, can be an overwhelming task. There are several important aspects to take into consideration during the process.

Reputation

One of the most important factors when choosing any business’s service or product should be the company’s reputation. Consider the daily consumer buying decisions. People are more likely to make a purchase from a company that has a positive reputation rather than from one that doesn’t.

The same holds true for choosing a wholesale coffee distributor. This will require doing some research. Fortunately, today there is an abundance of resources on the Internet that offer business ratings and user reviews. There are also numerous blog properties that feature public commentary regarding such matters. Simply asking fellow office managers or non-competing coffee shop owners may be a good way to research as well. Although it may seem inconvenient, doing the necessary digging will lead you to the right wholesale coffee distributor.

Selection

The coffee distributor you choose should offer a wide variety of products. This includes a large assortment of blends, roasts and brands. Without an extensive selection your options will be limited and you will most likely find yourself going through multiple avenues in order to purchase the necessary coffees. This will inevitably increase costs.

Value

The price of coffee is not the only matter to consider here. Wholesale coffee prices are already going to seem fairly low compared to those of grocery stores or convenience marts. When doing your research, make sure to factor in the cost of shipping. Oftentimes coffee distributors will catch customers’ eyes with low prices, but then charge steep shipping costs. Another item to look into before making your decision is available discounts or allowances. For instance, distributors will often give quantity discounts for certain amounts purchased. All of these factors contribute to the overall value you are receiving from a wholesale coffee distributor.

Experience

When looking into wholesale coffee distributors it is important to understand the significance of choosing one with extensive experience. Companies that have been operating for a substantial number of years understand how to operate in a manner that complements your business. They have already gone through their “growing pains” and have worked out any issues that might directly affect your order. Their history demonstrates that they have succeeded in providing quality services and products and will continue to do so.

Convenience

Perhaps the best consideration is that of convenience. Are customers able to order directly online, or do they have to call? Is there an automatic ordering program that ships and bills orders regularly without requiring customers to be involved each time? Wholesale coffee suppliers that offer these convenient services should rank high on your list.

Choosing the right wholesale coffee distributor is a tricky task. It will take time, research and planning to assess not only your needs, but also which company will view your decision as a partnership rather than a simple sale. By considering the items explained above you should be able to select the ideal coffee distributor for your unique situation.