The planning is finished, the menu is set. Time to open the doors for business. Once you’ve opened your bar or restaurant, the task of streamlining your processes comes next. Learning to work with your new distributors and vendors can be one of the trickiest, yet most beneficial parts of managing your new business. Beyond paying your bills on time, choosing and maintaining a relationship with the right beverage distributor will help your business’s beverage service operate more smoothly.
Build a Lasting Relationship
Like everything else in business, working with a beverage distributor comes down to having a good relationship. Having a great rep that you can count on can make ordering and reordering a snap. Your rep can also come to learn your preferences and needs and may be able to make recommendations that improve your bottom line.
Paying your bills on time is the best way to stay on your distributor’s good side. You should also respect their business as if it were your own. Never refuse orders at delivery. If you have an issue with something you ordered, contact your rep and work it out professionally. This way you will always get the best service in response.
Product Pricing
Of course, one of the biggest incentives of having a great relationship with your distributor is getting the best prices on the products you want. Keep case costs in mind when ordering, and always make sure you are aware of the minimums. You will have to work with your rep to establish the best pricing for your bar or restaurant. You want to make sure you order enough to meet your demand, without having extra product left over.
To get the best rates, first, find out if the distributor’s prices are flexible. Then ask what you can do to get the best prices possible. If you have a good working relationship with your rep, you should be able to work together to find the best product offerings for your budget.
Machinery Repair
The distributor should be by your side, long beyond the sales process. Having a distributor that also provides repairs for your beverage equipment can help you keep from losing precious business because of downed machines. The distributor should be able to send someone over quickly if you’re are having any trouble with your machinery. Some beverage distributors can even work on machines they did not sell you. Make sure to discuss equipment repairs before anything happens, and make sure your agreement is outlined in your contract.
Switching it Up
Many restaurants and bars can benefit from adjusting their menus to offer specials or seasonal items. Having a larger distributor can offer you more options when it comes to inventory. From the latest trends in alcohol and spirits to natural juices and teas, you should be able to work with your rep to find new products to update your offerings.
Take Advantage of Promotional Assistance
Did you know, many beverage companies offer incentives and perks to help you promote their items? If you are planning a special event, reach out to your distributor to see if they have any available promotions at the time. They may be able to offer you anything from monetary incentives to fliers or branded merchandise such as cups, event menus, or t-shirts. They may even be able to send brand ambassadors to assist with an event or educate your staff about their new product offerings.
Accepting or Avoiding Incentives
There will be times when your rep may try to push you to buy a certain brand or product. This usually means that they have been offered an incentive to move as many cases of a specific brand or product as possible. Don’t be swayed if it’s not something that’s right for you. But, if it’s something you’re willing to try, you can use this to your advantage to get great prices on a few cases.
Following this advice will ensure you continually get great service from your wholesale beverage distributor. For wholesale beverage service in Santa Maria, CA, contact Tognazzini Beverage Service today at 800-549-1144.
