To our coffee partners, friends, and family,
Well, it has been a month since we last checked in, and while some things have changed a lot, others have stayed pretty consistent. Here’s where we are today:
Office Operations
- We are maintaining a skeleton crew of two people physically at the office to maintain QC, manage outbound samples, and to deal with mail and other tasks that require an onsite presence. The rest of us are sitting in uncomfortable chairs at makeshift desks in our home offices, sometimes with furry co-workers and sometimes with kids popping in to show us their schoolwork. Our phones are all forwarded, so you can reach us using all the usual channels.
- To manage our new configurations, here are a couple of modifications to our standard services:
- We are currently not able to offer roasted samples. Let us know if you’d like a recommendation for an inexpensive home roaster to use in the meantime.
- If you haven’t switched to electronic (ACH) payment yet and are in the position to do so, it has the added benefit of minimizing the number of paper things our staff has to touch while also expediting your order by avoiding delays from the mail service. Please contact your rep to get the enrollment form or learn more.
- When you place an order, we will be double-checking your delivery address and any change in receiving hours to assist carriers to get your coffee to the right place at the right time.
- We encourage folks to give an extra day or two of lead time when ordering to provide a cushion.
Logistics
- Warehouses are all operating, although doing so with increased safety protocols and some adjustments to timing.
- See the resource page for the most up to date information on warehouse operations.
- Most carriers are running regularly, but again, it’s a great time to plan for the unexpected and leave yourself a little wiggle room.
Supply & Demand
- So far, we do not see massive disruptions in our contracted shipments, although we have taken steps, where possible, to account for some potential late arrivals.
- Container availability, worker availability both on farms and in processing will have impacts on timing and quality down the road.
- We do know that the virus is moving south and that we will see more effects on Latin America and the rest of the producing world in the coming weeks and months.
- Many of you have experienced tremendous slowdowns in your volume, while others have excess demand. If you are in either position, let us know. We understand that it is difficult to plan in uncertain times, but we are here to help where we can.
Our current climate underscores how much we depend on and value our relationships with you all. Clear communication, flexibility, and creative thinking will help us collectively to navigate the unpredictable waters ahead. Stay healthy, and please keep in touch.