Let’s discuss... Type, Offer, Pre-ship and Arrival samples.
Working as a roaster, I expected there were only 2 types of coffee samples you could order. Firstly, the arrival samples from lots that had arrived at the warehouse of the importer. Secondly, samples from coffee that remains in the country of origin. However, when I started working for The Coffee Quest I quickly realized this is not the case.
This blog is written to answer the ‘sample related’ questions we usually receive and to provide insight into the different existing type of samples. This has an influence on what you as a roaster can expect, when you taste it and make a buying decision. Discover the 4 main type of samples and how they are prepared!
Type sample
The farmer, station, union or cooperative has a coffee that is in line with what they can produce. The producer can give you an estimate of maximum and minimum volume.
- Decisions based on a type sample will help farmers to estimate how much they need to produce with that specific processing method. Many producers won't risk the production of natural lots without a final destination.
- You can negotiate the best price because there is less risk for the producer. Does the producer have sufficient volume of your type? Ask for more options in that range.
- This is not a stock-lot (a specific lot in stock). The actual coffee you receive is similar, but always different.
- Type samples are often taken during the first weeks of harvest. In that case, the lead time between ordering and arrival at your roastery is between 4-8 months.
Offer sample
The farmer, station, union or coop has finished drying and the coffee is resting in the warehouse. The coffee is stored in bags of parchment or unsorted green. Your supplier will need to take an even sample from each bag, remove the parchment on a mini-huller and hand-sort the beans.
- Keep track of the harvest period, and you might be one of the first people to try the coffee.
- You can inform about the lot size and decide to take the full lot.
- Hand-sorted samples sometimes look better than the actual coffee.
- Coffee will still need to be mechanically milled before export. Coffee can get mixed up, or the final lot ends up with fewer bags. Supplier experience and trust are the keys.
Pre-Shipment sample (PSS)
After the export to a buyer is planned, the producer will plan the milling and (manually) removing defects. The dry mill will remove the husk of the coffee and sort the coffee, so we end up with exportable green beans. Right before the coffee is packed, the producer will take an even sample. This is the Pre-shipment sample.
- These are the actual coffee beans you will receive. Ready for loading the container.
- The sample requires approval from the buyer. Be aware of the correct preparation! In the case of too many defects, you could request cleaning and a new sample. This will cause a delay.
- You can choose a coffee before it will be available on SPOT. Lead time is 1-3 months, depending on the availability of an export date.
- There is still some risk involved. The coffee still needs to be loaded and cross the ocean.
Arrival sample
This is the sample of the coffee that importers received in their warehouse. It’s also called SPOT sample. These samples are taken manually from the warehouse and are ready to be shipped to you.
- Clear what coffee you are buying.
- Quick delivery.
- All quality control has been done by the importer.
- No involvement in sourcing needed.
- A set amount of coffee, no options for receiving larger volumes than directly available.
- More expensive than buying at an earlier stage.
Did we answer some of your questions? Consider the pros and cons of each type of samples within your buying decision. Know what to expect when you receive a sample that doesn’t say SPOT or Arrival.
Do you have any other questions? Get in touch and let us know.
Cheers,
Skip and The Coffee Quest team
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