How to buy coffee on Coffee Parchment: lots, samples, offers and requests
Coffee Parchment connects roasters, importers and traders directly with farmers, cooperatives, washing stations and exporters. This guide shows you how to find coffee, ask for samples and make your first offer.
Updated November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Step 1: Join free
- Open Join free and fill in your name, email, password, company, country and phone or WhatsApp number.
- Under «What best describes you?» choose your role, for example roaster, importer or trader.
- Confirm your email and set up two-step login with an authenticator app.
- Add your postal address in your profile. You need it before you can send an offer.
Step 2: Find coffee
- Open Browse lots and filter by origin, process, form, cup score and price.
- Each lot shows photos, grade, altitude, moisture, variety, bag size, total weight and price terms.
- Watch the LIVE bar on the home page for the newest lots.
- Read our origin guides, for example Ethiopia or Brazil, to understand grades and harvest times.
Step 3: Ask for a sample or make an offer
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Request a sample | Starts a conversation with the seller asking for a sample before you commit |
| Make offer | Sends the number of bags, your price, the Incoterm and port, payment terms and how long the offer is valid |
| Message | Lets you discuss samples, quality and delivery privately |
The seller can accept, counter or decline. When an offer is accepted, both sides see each other's phone and email so you can sign a contract and agree payment and shipping directly.
Step 4: Can't find what you need? Post a request
Click Post what you want to buy and describe the coffee: origin, process, number of bags, minimum cup score, destination and when you need it. Matching sellers can contact you, and your request appears on the home page with a «Wanted» tag.
Buy safely
- Check the seller's Verified badge and ratings.
- Always approve a pre-shipment sample of the actual lot.
- Use clear contracts and safe payment terms such as a letter of credit or cash against documents. Never pay the full amount in advance to someone you don't know.
- Read how to avoid coffee trade scams and shipping green coffee.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to buy?
No. Joining, browsing, asking for samples, making offers and posting requests are free during the launch period.
Does Coffee Parchment hold my money?
No. Contracts, payment and shipping are agreed directly between buyer and seller.
Why do I need a postal address to make an offer?
Sellers need to know who and where the buyer is before they discuss samples and contracts.
Sources
- Coffee Parchment: How it works ↗
- Coffee Parchment: Trade safely ↗
- Coffee Parchment: Frequently asked questions ↗
Checked on November 5, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.