How to Pick a Wholesale Wine Distributor

If you just purchased a store that sells wine, you'll soon realize how important your wholesale wine distributors are to your business. They should not only give you good reliable service, they should keep you abreast of the latest trends in the business. As well, they should introduce you to the new wines they represent on a regular basis. Here are a few things to think about as you pick wholesale wine distributors for your store.

Instructions

1. Do a profile of the "typical customer." For example, you may have a store in the inner city that caters to people who value quantity versus quality. Therefore, you will sell primarily low priced wines to this consumer base. For that type of store, choose wholesale wine distributors that can offer discounts for the purchase of inexpensive wines. On the other hand, if you own a store that caters to the so-called carriage trade, consumers who value quality over price, look for wine distributors who are able to update you on new offerings.

2. Know which regional wines sell best in your store. For instance, many wine stores sell to people who believe that wines produced in California are of a higher quality and sell for less than a French counterpart, for example. While others believe wines produced in California are cheap immitations of the higher qualified French import variety. Know what your consumers want and supply it.

3. Make your store different from other retailers with a unique selection of wines. If you choose this strategy, you should find wholesalers who are able to supply you with new wines continuously.

4. Take advantage of quantity discounts. There are a few jurisdictions that dictate that the price of a case of wine must remain the same, regardless of the quantity purchased. While others allow retailers to pay less per case for larger orders. If you do not have adequate space to store larger quantities, choose a wine distributor who will store the excess so that you able to secure the preferred price.

Tips & Warnings

• Work only with wine wholesalers who will replace damaged or broken product, especially if it is an expensive bottle of wine.