COFDAR / TRADE GUIDELINES

Selling & Buying Tips

Essential B2B practices for the coffee industry, from preparing credible trade offers and selecting suppliers to reviewing specifications and agreeing on commercial terms.

01 / SELL Clear offers and credibility
02 / BUY Supplier assessment and due diligence
03 / TRADE Terms and transaction risks
SELLER PERSPECTIVE

A Clear Offer Builds a Better Transaction

Accurate information enables buyers to assess opportunities efficiently, reduces unnecessary inquiries and helps prevent disagreements over specifications or delivery terms.

BUYER PERSPECTIVE

Due Diligence Before Commitment

Price alone should not determine a purchasing decision. Supplier credibility, supporting documentation, quality requirements and commercial terms matter equally.

01

For Sellers & Suppliers

How to present offers that buyers can properly assess.

SELL / 01

Provide Accurate Specifications

State origin, processing method, grade, crop period, quantity, packaging and minimum order requirements where relevant.

SELL / 02

Clarify Commercial Terms

Specify currency, pricing or quotation procedures, stock location, applicable delivery terms and expected lead times.

SELL / 03

Support Product Claims

Prepare available origin certificates, test reports and technical documents. Avoid unsupported product or quality claims.

SELL / 04

Maintain a Complete Company Profile

Use accurate legal business information and authorized contact details. Disclose whether you operate as a broker or representative.

SELL / 05

Use Representative Images

Avoid misleading photographs and clearly describe the actual condition of used equipment and any limitations.

SELL / 06

Keep Offers Current

Confirm availability before making commitments, update quantities when they change and document significant commercial discussions.

02

For Buyers & Importers

Practical checks before committing to a purchase.

BUY / 01

Verify the Supplier

Confirm company identity, business registration, representative authority and the supplier's relationship to the goods.

BUY / 02

Review Technical Specifications

Compare origin, crop, processing, grade, moisture and packaging, requesting additional information appropriate to the coffee type.

BUY / 03

Request Samples or Inspection

Establish acceptance criteria, sampling procedures and independent inspection where needed, particularly for significant shipments.

BUY / 04

Compare Total Landed Cost

Go beyond the quoted unit price. Consider freight, insurance, customs duties, inspection expenses and other import-related costs.

BUY / 05

Choose Appropriate Payment Terms

Select payment arrangements that reflect transaction risk and independently verify bank details before transferring funds.

BUY / 06

Document the Agreement

Record product specifications, quantity, price, currency, delivery obligations, timelines and dispute procedures in writing.

03

Essential Transaction Terms

Four areas to confirm before issuing a purchase order or supply commitment.

Agree on the Fundamentals

Specifications Product, quantity, quality and acceptance criteria.
Delivery Delivery location, Incoterms and responsibilities.
Payment Currency, payment schedule and safeguards.
Documentation Invoices, origin, shipping and inspection records.

Trading Party Responsibilities

The Cofdar open marketplace provides a venue for publishing offers, discovering opportunities and connecting businesses. Published information and account badges do not constitute guarantees of product quality or transaction performance. Buyers and sellers remain responsible for appropriate checks, inspections and agreements, unless a separate service explicitly defines different responsibilities.