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Common Questions

Questions we hear most often from new and existing buyers. Reach out if you don't find what you're looking for.

Ordering & Availability

What is your MOQ?

We do not have a strict minimum order quantity. Customers can purchase anything from a single bag to full container contracts depending on availability and logistics.

Can I mix coffees on a pallet?

Yes. Mixed pallets are common and can help optimize freight costs while allowing flexibility across multiple coffees.

What does “Subject to sample approval” mean?

“Subject to Sample Approval” (SANAS/SASNAS) allows you to reserve coffee while evaluating the sample. If the sample does not meet your needs, there is no obligation to move forward with the purchase.

How do I request samples?

You can request samples directly through your trader by email.

Please include the coffees you are interested in, your shipping address, and any information about your roasting style or intended use so we can better assist with recommendations.

Do you offer spot and forward contracts?

Yes. We offer both spot and forward contracts depending on your needs and purchasing strategy.

Spot coffee refers to coffee that is currently available in warehouse and ready for release. This is typically the best option for immediate needs and shorter-term purchasing.

Forward contracts allow customers to secure coffee from upcoming arrivals or future harvests ahead of time. Forward contracting can help with supply planning, pricing strategy, and securing specific coffees before they arrive.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes. We offer 1/2 lb samples on most of our spot inventory so customers can evaluate coffees prior to purchasing.

Please reach out to your trader with the requested coffee, shipping address, and any additional information you would like us to know.

Why would sort by warehouse?

Sorting coffees by warehouse location can help reduce freight costs and improve shipping efficiency. Ordering coffees from the same warehouse often results in faster fulfillment and lower transportation expenses.

Pricing & Contracts

How is green coffee priced?

Most arabica coffee is priced using the ICE “C” market plus a differential. Final pricing may also include import costs, freight, warehousing, certifications, and other logistics-related expenses.

What is the C market?

The “C” market is the global benchmark price for arabica coffee traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). It serves as the base price used throughout the coffee industry.

What is a differential?

A differential is the amount added to or subtracted from the C market price. Differentials reflect factors such as quality, origin, certifications, availability, logistics, and market demand.

Why do prices change daily?

Coffee prices are influenced by weather, crop forecasts, exchange rates, global demand, shipping conditions, certified stock levels, and speculative trading activity on the futures market.

What is carry/storage?

Carry refers to the cost of holding coffee over time. This may include warehouse storage fees, financing costs, insurance, and market-related carrying expenses for contracted coffee held beyond immediate release.

What is a switch?

A switch occurs when a futures contract is rolled from one delivery month to another, such as from July to September or December to March. Depending on market structure, switches may increase or decrease overall coffee costs.

How long can contracted coffee be stored?

We can typically store contracted coffee for up to 6 months depending on the agreement and warehouse availability. Carry/storage is generally 1.5% per month after the agreed release period. Please contact your trader directly for more information on storage timelines and applicable fees.

Shipping & Logistics

Do you arrange freight?

Yes. We can assist with arranging freight throughout the United States and Canada, and help coordinate the most efficient shipping options available.

Which warehouses do you ship from?

Our spot coffees are primarily shipped from the following warehouse locations across the United States:

1. RPM Edison - 2900 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837

2. Dupuy Jacksonville - 1520 Edgewood Ave N, Jacksonville, FL 32254

3. EBL Oakland - 1900 W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545

4. The Green Room Sumner - 1302 29th Street Northwest, Auburn, WA 98001

Warehouse availability varies depending on the coffee and timing, so please contact your trader for current inventory locations.

How quickly can orders ship?

Most spot orders can ship as soon as the next business day if the order is placed before 10am PST, warehouse capacity permitting.

How many bags fit on a pallet?

Most standard pallets fit approximately 10–12 bags depending on bag size, weight, and warehouse stacking requirements.

Can I pick up directly from the warehouse?

Yes. Customer pickups can typically be arranged directly through the warehouse with advance coordination and proper release documentation.

Do you ship outside the US?

Please contact us directly regarding international shipments. Availability depends on destination country, logistics requirements, and export regulations.

What happens if I receive damaged coffee?

Always inspect the pallet and bags before signing for a delivery. If you have questions about receiving procedures, please reach out to our outbound team for guidance.

If your shipment arrives with damage, please note the damage on the driver’s receipt while still accepting the delivery.

Document the damage with photos to help support the claim process.

File a claim directly with the shipping company. ICT can assist with the claims process as needed.

Prompt documentation helps ensure claims can be processed as quickly as possible.

What are your load out fees?

Load out fees are $40 for orders under 5 bags. Orders of 5 bags or more generally do not incur a load out fee. Additional warehouse-specific fees may apply depending on the location and services requested.

Do warehouses charge storage fees?

Yes. Our warehouse storage/carry fee is typically 1.5% per month for coffee held beyond the agreed release period. Please contact your trader for additional details regarding storage timelines and applicable fees.

Why didn't my order ship?

Shipping delays happen and we will communicate with the warehouse and carriers to explain delays. We cannot guarantee on time shipping.

Why didn’t my order arrive on time?

We can provide the ETA (estimated time of arrival) but delays may happen in transit causing an ETA to fluctuate.