Spot means the coffee is free and clear and can be shipped immediately. On spot sales of under fifty bags, you will usually only get an invoice.
As you know, many coffees are not always available on the spot. To assure supply, booking futures is the way to go. It is not uncommon to have arrivals booked six to twelve months forward.
Orals and Contracts
Although oral contracts are as good as gold in our business, we send either contracts or sale confirmations which put the transaction in writing.
Invoices
On the day the coffee becomes spot we will invoice it. If you receive an invoice your coffee is available and can be shipped anytime upon request. Please remember, billing is from date of AVAILABILITY, not shipment or delivery to you. We do offer free warehousing for up to six months, so if you want to leave coffee in our warehouse for consolidation or storage it is at no cost, but again, the invoice still must be paid from date of availability.
New Customers
Orders by new customers are sold on a net cash basis - specifically, payment by credit card, cashier's check or wire transfer in advance of shipment. We do not ship C.O.D. After you have placed a few orders and we have analyzed your signed credit application, we may offer credit terms.
Shipment Consolidation
If consignee (you) requests a shipment consolidation at an outside warehouse all fees at that warehouse are for the account of the consignee (you).
FOB
Shipments are sent F.O.B. warehouse which means the freight will be paid by you. We will gladly set up the shipment with the freight company for you. This will also allow you to get billed at the rates we get, which are significantly discounted.
Carriers
Your carrier is acting as YOU when receiving/signing for shipments. Carrier should be aware of condition of shipment as loaded and should sign paperwork accordingly. Likewise, when shipment is received at destination, do NOT sign off receipt unless all is in order. Consignee (your freight bill payer) is responsible for claims, so write any exceptions directly on freight receipt.
Trucking regulations state that carriers are not responsible for unloading; many will assist, but they are NOT OBLIGATED. Please be prepared to unload your own freight and remember bags average between 134-155 pounds each.
Green coffee in the trucking industry is coded (freight rated) as CLASS 60 NMFC 72680(CLS55). Check your freight bill for correct rating class -- it can make a difference.
Open Invitation
Our professional sales staff will be happy to talk to you regarding all aspects of the coffee business, and please keep in mind an open invitation to visit our locations throughout Central America.
Ship To Address
Always check that your ship-to address is accurate, that any additional information is delivered to the appropriate party. Deliveries to commercial addresses always have better rates than residential. Due to the freight class someone has to be available to receive the shipment upon arrival so make sure you include a valid phone number where you can be reached.
