Getting a Coffee Shop Supplier

Sunday, April 09, 2006

One of the most important relationships you will have in your business is with your supplier. This will be an ongoing relationship that will provide you with coffee beans, and hopefully, make sure you never ever run out. When evaluating a prospective supplier for your coffee business, there are several things you should look for.

How do they treat you when you talk to them? Is the prospective coffee supplier arrogant, nice, professional, or helpful? This is one of the most important parts of finding a supplier, especially when you are new to the industry and need someone to make sure you do not make any stupid mistakes with the order.

Make sure the supplier respects your business and is not just out for the quick sale. If they are extremely helpful with you and your espresso business that is often a sign they want to be working with you for a long time. Let them know that once you find a supplier you can trust, you will be with them for a long time.

Check up on their references. A lot of people often skip this step because they think it will take too much of their already busy time. However, you will want to follow up on each reference and make sure the supplier is very reliable and has not had any problems in the past.