3 Ways Most Coffee Fundraiser Suppliers Keep You From Success
- Why beans from coffee fundraisers often taste so bad
- How adding an online sales channel can boost your fundraiser’s profits
- Where the US coffee market is headed—and how your fundraiser can stay relevant
Let’s dig into what you want to avoid when looking for coffee fundraiser suppliers.
1. They Don’t Freshly Roast Your Beans
Everyone knows the disappointment of paying a premium for a bag of coffee, making a pot, and realizing it doesn’t taste premium at all. There are two big factors that come into play when we talk about quality, but the first big one is freshness. Generalized fundraiser companies rarely roast-to-order. And here’s why that’s a bad thing: coffee beans only have 2-3 weeks of peak freshness and flavor before the flavors start to decay and become more bitter. It’s not uncommon for fundraiser companies to buy beans in bulk and let them sit on the shelf for weeks or months before sending them out for fundraiser fulfillment. By the time your customers get their beans, they’re on the verge of stale. That first pot may taste good, but the fourth probably won’t—and when your coffee yields unsatisfying results, people are less likely to buy again next year. Tip: Buy from a company that’ll roast your beans towards the end of a fundraiser to ensure your customers are wowed by the balanced and vibrant flavors and can’t wait to buy more next year.
2. There’s No Online Fundraising Option
Traditionally, fundraisers are door-to-door selling events, but this strategy isn’t appropriate everywhere. Not all communities are located in areas where this makes sense for proximity or safety reasons, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to fundraise. Generalized fundraiser companies rarely offer an online fundraising channel. This is pretty crazy, considering that online shopping is only going to grow and grow. But there are many reasons why it makes sense to offer a way to fundraise online. Here are just a few of them:- People who carry little or no cash can still buy. In some areas of the country, carrying cash just isn’t all that common, which can present a challenge for in-person sales.
- You can sell to friends and family across the country. There’s no reason to limit your campaign to your local area (and stunt the profit potential).
- Fresh coffee can easily be shipped directly from the roaster. No extra deliveries on your end—online ordering gives your supplier the capability to roast-to-order and send the beans right to your customers.
Tip: Partner with a company that has embraced online fundraising and who understands how technology in general can help boost your fundraising campaign.
3. The Beans Are Low-Grade And Flavorless
Not all coffee is grown, processed, and roasted equally—and Americans can taste the difference. According to the NCA National Coffee Drinking Trends 2018 Report, 41% of Americans drink specialty coffee daily (up 10 percentage points from 2016). Specialty coffee beans don’t make your average cup of joe—they’ve officially received the rating of “specialty-grade”, which is the highest grade of coffee in the world. Coffee brewed from these beans is complex, extremely flavorful, and stunningly balanced. However, generalized fundraiser companies are still selling low-grade commodity coffee. But the US coffee industry is only getting more excited about high-quality coffee. Bitter, lifeless coffee is losing its luster—and your coffee fundraiser should adapt to this growing movement toward specialty coffee. Tip: Vet each potential partner to ensure they’re using specialty coffee beans that’ll satisfy both specialty-focused and traditional coffee lovers.
Summary: 3 Things You Want For Your Next Coffee Fundraiser
Don’t let a generalized fundraising business keep your campaign from reaching its fullest potential. Keep an eye out for these three things when searching for coffee suppliers:- Coffee that’s freshly roasted toward the end of a campaign
- Online ordering as a sales option
- Specialty beans that match the growing coffee preferences of the US
