A coffee buyer purchases coffee beans for a roaster, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer. You usually travel to different coffee-producing countries to observe the cultivation and harvest of different farmers and to assess their quality. In this role, your job duties focus on finding quality coffee beans from reputable sources, negotiating a price with the producer, and developing relationships with farmers and distributors. Before making a buying decision, you must also assess shipping and distribution costs and other variables. You usually make product choices based on the inventory or supply needs of your employer or client.