TL;DR for Roasters
How call-offs work
You commit to a quantity. The importer stores it. You call off (order for delivery) portions as you need them. The coffee stays fresh in their climate-controlled warehouse until you're ready.
Why use warehousing
- 1 Space: Don't have room for 50 bags? Store elsewhere.
- 2 Freshness: Climate-controlled storage beats your garage.
- 3 Cash flow: Don't tie up capital in inventory you won't use for months.
- 4 Price lock: Secure today's price for future use.
The Process
Step by step: how call-offs work
Commit to quantity
Agree to purchase a specific amount. Could be 10 bags or 100. This reserves the coffee at today's price.
Agree on terms
Set the timeframe (6 months, 12 months), payment structure, and any storage fees if applicable.
Request deliveries
Call off portions as needed. "Ship me 5 bags now." The rest stays in storage until your next order.
Draw down balance
Continue calling off until you've taken all your committed quantity. Track remaining balance.
Use Cases
When warehousing makes sense
Limited storage space
Your roastery has room for 10 bags but you want to secure 50. Store the rest elsewhere.
Poor storage conditions
If you can't control temperature and humidity, a professional warehouse protects your investment.
Seasonal buying
Buy fresh crop when it arrives, use it throughout the year. Don't miss the harvest window.
Price volatility
Lock in prices when they're favorable. Protect against market spikes or tariff changes.
Volume discounts
Larger commitments often come with better pricing. Warehousing lets you take advantage without the storage burden.
Cash flow management
Pay as you call off rather than upfront for everything. Match payments to revenue.
Storage Quality
What to ask about warehouse conditions
Not all storage is equal. The whole point of warehousing is to preserve quality. Make sure the facility actually does that.
Temperature control?
Ideal: 60–70°F. Ask if it's climate-controlled year-round.
Humidity control?
Target: 50–60% RH. Too dry or too humid degrades coffee.
Pest management?
Regular inspections, proper protocols. You don't want bugs.
GrainPro or hermetic storage?
Barrier bags provide extra protection against moisture exchange.
Our Baltimore warehouse
- → Climate-controlled: Maintained 60–70°F year-round
- → Humidity managed: 50–60% relative humidity
- → GrainPro packaging: All coffee stored in hermetic bags
- → No storage fees: Free storage on committed purchases
- → Next-day shipping: Call off by 2pm, ships next day
We invested in proper storage because it's the only way to guarantee quality on arrival.
Negotiating Terms
Key terms to discuss
Timeframe
How long can you hold the coffee? 6 months? 12 months? What happens if you can't use it all in time?
Payment structure
Pay upfront for entire commitment? Pay a deposit plus balance as you call off? Full payment on call-off?
Storage fees
Some importers charge monthly storage fees. Others include it in the price. Ask upfront.
Minimum call-off
Is there a minimum order per call-off? Can you take 1 bag at a time or is there a 5-bag minimum?
Price lock
Is the price fixed for the entire commitment period? What if market prices change dramatically?
Cancellation policy
What if you can't use all the coffee? Can you sell back? Transfer to another buyer?