Working with us
How to buy from Balzac Brothers
How to open an account, sample, order and pay, plus purchase types, terms, bag weights and delivery, all on one page.
Whether you roast a few bags a month or a few containers a year, buying green coffee from us is simple. Here is how working with us goes, from the first conversation to coffee arriving at your roastery.
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Start a conversation
Tell us about your roastery, the coffees you love and what you need. You will work directly with a Green Coffee Representative on our sales team: no automated voicemails or run-arounds.
+ Send us a message or call 843-723-8020
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Set up your account
One application through DocuSign, the quick and secure way we handle paperwork. Wholesale accounts are for businesses that roast or resell: we ask for a federal tax ID and, in most states, your resale or retail license. Preview the application (PDF).
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Taste our coffees
Request free samples of the lots you are considering: up to 5 green lots per request, or up to 4 roasted. Every lot is cupped by our Q Graders, and we share scores and tasting notes to help you choose.
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Choose spot or forward
Spot coffee is in our inventory and available immediately, priced with the New York C-Market. A forward contract locks in an agreed price today for coffee that ships once it becomes available, so you can plan your menu ahead.
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Payment
Your first 3 transactions are paid prior to delivery or acceptance of the coffee. After a stable relationship has developed, extended credit may be offered based on positive trade references. We accept credit cards, cash, advance payment by check, cashier’s checks and wire transfers. We also accept free ACH debit payments through our Customer Portal. Full payment terms.
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Delivery
Pick up from our warehouse or have your order delivered anywhere in the United States and Canada through trusted shippers with discounted bulk rates. A full pallet, typically 10 bags, is the most economical way to ship. Roasters in the Pacific Northwest can also access select coffees we warehouse in the region through our partner Costa Oro. Please allow at least 24 hours for processing and inspect your order on arrival.
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Stay in the loop
Customers can check live inventory in the Customer Portal, and our newsletter shares new arrivals, origin stories and upcoming courses.
What you get beyond the coffee
Cupping feedback on your roast
Our sales team are Q Graders and our lab is SCA and CQI certified, the same people who teach the Q Grader course here. Send us your coffee and we will tell you what we taste, or help troubleshoot a roast.
Contracts you draw from
A contract commits the coffee to you at a set price, but you are only invoiced as you take it. A 20-bag contract might ship 5 bags at a time over six months, so your coffee is held and priced without paying for all of it up front. Our projection tools help you size it.
Prepurchase from origin
For a lot you buy every year, we will secure it before it ships so your brand's coffee is there next season.
Payment terms
New accounts pay before delivery. Once the relationship is established, net terms (time to pay the invoice after delivery) are available with credit approval.
The details
Purchase Types
Spot Sale
This is coffee from our current inventory, and is available immediately. The value of spot coffee fluctuates with the New York C-Market, so prices and availability will vary.
+ View our real-time in-stock offerings list, with pricing, on the Customer Portal
+ Or contact your sales representative for an up-to-date offerings sheet
Forward Sale
Since availability of coffee can vary, this option is a great way to secure exactly what you need ahead of time. You can lock in an agreed upon price for a future order, and your coffee will be shipped once it becomes available.
+ Get in touch to collaborate on a tailor-made plan for your business
Payment Terms
For the first 3 transactions with Balzac Brothers, purchases must be paid prior to delivery or acceptance of the green coffee. After a stable relationship has developed, extended credit may be offered based on positive feedback from trade references.
We accept credit cards, cash, advanced payment by check, cashier’s checks, or wire transfers. We also accept free ACH debit payments through our Customer Portal. However, invoices paid after the period specified in the sales contract will result in late charges of 5 percent per month of the total amount due. The amount due shall be compounded for each additional month based on this percentage.
In addition, a fee of $35.00 will be applied to your business account if checks sent to Balzac Brothers are returned by the bank or ACH payments are rejected due to insufficient funds.
Bag Weights
| Kilograms | Pounds | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 154.32 | Colombia & Bolivia |
| 69 | 152.12 | Most Central & South America |
| 60 | 132.28 | Brazil, Indonesia, Africa, and most Decafs |
| 50 | 110.23 | Yemen |
| 45.63 | 100 | Hawaii |
Receiving Your Order
Upon arrival, please inspect your order immediately before signing the delivery receipt, taking care to note any damages before signing. All such claims must be reported within 5 business days of receiving the coffee. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for your order to be processed.
Questions?
Our FAQ covers minimums, bag weights, payment, shipping, samples and more. Or send us a message and we will be glad to help.
