What is an offer sample in green coffee?

An offer sample is a representative sample tied to a specific lot that's available to purchase. When an importer or exporter sends you an offer sample, they're saying: this coffee exists, here's what it tastes like, and there's a quantity available at a stated price if you want it.

Unlike a type sample, an offer sample is directly traceable to a specific parcel. If you cup it and want to buy, the sample you approved should be representative of what arrives. In some cases - particularly for smaller spot lots - an approved offer sample may double as the pre-shipment approval, meaning no further sampling is required before the coffee ships.

Offer samples are how most green coffee discovery happens. When an importer sends you their new-arrival list with samples attached, those are offer samples. Cupping them carefully and giving clear, timely feedback - even when you're not buying - builds the kind of relationship that gets you the interesting lots early.