I have seen several ebay offers from roasters that sell fresh roast coffees. Sometimes with subscription offers. Anybody here have any experience with this type of seller? Cost, quality, etc. Thanks.

I cannot comment directly on any roasters advertising their beans through eBay, BUT . . . I did want to comment on "coffee subscriptions," which I think is -- like most "wine clubs" -- well, let's just say, it's not the world's best idea and leave it at that.

I would recommend you check out the List of our Favorite Roasters, as well as the websites GoCoffeeGo.com and ROASTe for some great coffees, as well as some great deals . . .

Cheers,
Jason

zin1953 wrote:I did want to comment on "coffee subscriptions," which I think is -- like most "wine clubs" -- well, let's just say, it's not the world's best idea and leave it at that.

Not to derail the thread, but do you have a specific objection? I was just thinking about signing up for one of CCC's espresso subscriptions because I've analyzed my ordering patterns over the past year and find that it would match mine quite well. (I most commonly order a couple of bags of Toscano a month, and a couple of bags from other roasters that I want to try.)

geoffbeier wrote:Not to derail the thread, but do you have a specific objection? I was just thinking about signing up for one of CCC's espresso subscriptions because I've analyzed my ordering patterns over the past year and find that it would match mine quite well. (I most commonly order a couple of bags of Toscano a month, and a couple of bags from other roasters that I want to try.)

If it is a place you are familiar with, you like their coffee, and the arrangement benefits you as well as the roaster, what's the harm?

ken

Ken Fox wrote:If it is a place you are familiar with, you like their coffee, and the arrangement benefits you as well as the roaster, what's the harm?

THAT is the caveat.

geoffbeier wrote:Not to derail the thread, but do you have a specific objection? I was just thinking about signing up for one of CCC's espresso subscriptions because I've analyzed my ordering patterns over the past year and find that it would match mine quite well. (I most commonly order a couple of bags of Toscano a month, and a couple of bags from other roasters that I want to try.)

Geoff, most people who sign up or such things have not "analyzed (their) ordering patterns," etc., etc., etc. In your case, you ARE familiar with the roaster, you LIKE their coffee, and so on -- it may (and probably will) work for you.

Most subscriptions are purchased either as a gift for a friend -- and the roaster(s) are not familiar to and/or not enjoyed by the recipient -- or for one's self, perhaps from a source providing beans from a variety of different roasters that (again) may be unfamiliar (and un-liked) by the buyer. And then there is the risk that the coffee arrives not soon enough (or too soon) . . . .

In my experience, subscriptions work for a select few (relative to the overall number purchased), but Geoff, you may very well be one of the few.

Cheers,
Jason

Ken Fox wrote:If it is a place you are familiar with, you like their coffee, and the arrangement benefits you as well as the roaster, what's the harm?

That's a better formulation of what I was wondering.

zin1953 wrote:In my experience, subscriptions work for a select few (relative to the overall number purchased)

I have no data on the number of subscriptions purchased relative to the number that are enjoyed; it's a little surprising to me that most people don't like them. (Though I wouldn't want someone else to choose one for me, to be sure.)

As regards the subscription I was considering, I was initially thinking I'd be getting a better deal on the same beans I was buying anyway, but it doesn't actually quite work out. The structure of their subscription versus the economy of shipping 3 bags at once in the trio pack makes the trio a slightly better deal for me overall. Either is a decent match to my consumption pattern, given that I have a freezing regimen I'm happy with.

Thanks for the post that caused me to check the math, even if that wasn't your original objection to subscriptions

geoffbeier wrote:I have no data on the number of subscriptions purchased relative to the number that are enjoyed; it's a little surprising to me that most people don't like them. (Though I wouldn't want someone else to choose one for me, to be sure.)

Geoff,

I admit that I'm extrapolating based on my experiences managing a subscription "club," coupled with my experiences working retail. I don't have "hard" numbers, either. But I'll stand by my statements.

Cheers,
Jason

Well, isn't the idea with a subscription, or "club", that you get to try new coffees? In my opinion a subscription where I only get coffee I've already tried is kind of a waste... And getting new coffee every week or month means there might occasionally be one I don't like

So I see subscriptions as a way to broaden my horizons and try new blends, new roasts and, last but not least, get my hands on some rare SO's.

Enough thread drift . . . we are far from talking about buying coffee from roasters who sell through eBay. If one wants to discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of buying "coffee subscriptions," I would suggest someone start a new thread.

My personal opinion:

I can't say that I have experience purchasing coffee off Ebay; however, I've purchased a lot of things off Ebay. A sellers feedback is "sacred." Assuming they've sold more than just one item they should have a history. If their history reflects well I'd say your in the safe. Also, depending on the quantity you plan on ordering don't hesitate to request a sample first. If there not willing to spare a few beans to make the bigger sale I wouldn't want to purchase from that seller. Anyway, hope this helped.

Cheers,
W.