I'm a coffee addict, exploring the possibility of turning my obsession into a business--specifically, a small coffee import business. At this point, I have contacts around the world, many in coffee-producing areas. I have some basic understanding of how the coffee business works, and I'm eager to learn more. I have some links to the coffee business, though few strong contacts. I need to build a network. Anyone interested? Could be both profitable and fun!!
Getting started
- Thread starter SteveO
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #2
My first post was written under the influence of too much espresso. :decaf: Let me re-phrase the question: what's the best resource to learn the basics of importing coffee? I'm looking into this as a possible part-time business. Is that even possible?
I've just graduated with a PhD in New Testament. I will be working at a church part-time and want to start a small business as well. I love coffee and enjoy learning about it. I need a more flexible schedule than a coffee shop would allow me. Where would I learn what I need to know about importing coffee, to see if the business would be a fit for me? I welcome any knowledgeable advice, whether it's the "go for it" or "are you nuts?" variety.
I've just graduated with a PhD in New Testament. I will be working at a church part-time and want to start a small business as well. I love coffee and enjoy learning about it. I need a more flexible schedule than a coffee shop would allow me. Where would I learn what I need to know about importing coffee, to see if the business would be a fit for me? I welcome any knowledgeable advice, whether it's the "go for it" or "are you nuts?" variety.
- Feb 28, 2008
- 5,227
- 16
Hello "SteveO"
Welcome to the Coffee Forums website! This is a good place to find all sorts of information relating to the world of coffee.
We have several members who have coffee importing experience. Weekends are generally a slow time for Forum participation, so it may take a day or so for someone to post a reply to your questions.
In the meantime, you may want to explore the search feature that is at the top right corner of the page. You will find a lot of interesting topics there.
Rose
Welcome to the Coffee Forums website! This is a good place to find all sorts of information relating to the world of coffee.
We have several members who have coffee importing experience. Weekends are generally a slow time for Forum participation, so it may take a day or so for someone to post a reply to your questions.
In the meantime, you may want to explore the search feature that is at the top right corner of the page. You will find a lot of interesting topics there.
Rose
Steve:
I guess I see importing coffee beans as a large enterprise instead of a small business. Depending on where you are located, you'll probably need to consider procuring coffee beans, international as well as land based transportation logistics, warehousing, sales support, shipping beans to customers, etc.
While I would also like to import beans eventually, it would primarily be to supply our own roasters/shop with quality coffee products at prices lower than what's available on the open market. (Traveling to meet producers and make business connections in exotic locations would also be a perk, imo)
Good luck.
lw
I guess I see importing coffee beans as a large enterprise instead of a small business. Depending on where you are located, you'll probably need to consider procuring coffee beans, international as well as land based transportation logistics, warehousing, sales support, shipping beans to customers, etc.
While I would also like to import beans eventually, it would primarily be to supply our own roasters/shop with quality coffee products at prices lower than what's available on the open market. (Traveling to meet producers and make business connections in exotic locations would also be a perk, imo)
Good luck.
lw
expat
New member
- May 1, 2012
- 430
- 3
Possibly you could go to work for an importer and learn the business? They might be amenable to part time help. And then you have to remember that you've got to have an outlet for your beans. So what will you bring to the table as a seller that others won't? What 'value add' do you have? Having friends on the buying side is great but once you fill up your warehouse with coffee beans, who are you going to sell to? That would be the biggest question to answer. And do you like sales? Another question to answer.
Similar threads
