If you run an operation such as a store, winery, restaurant, or café, you need a reputable beverage distribution service. According to IBISWorld, there are 7,653 wine and spirits wholesalers in the United States. With so many options to choose from, it could be a challenging task to decide on the best one for your company. Here are five ways to help you choose the right distributor for you.

Services

Are you running a bar or restaurant? If so, you need a distributor that can offer you what you need. Find the right beverage distribution service that provides the type of drinks that you're looking for. Check if they sell wine, beer, liquor, and more.

Reputation

Don't fall for any distributor just because they have a good listing of drinks. While they may have a nice selection, what if they don't have a good reputation for delivering things on time or in a quality manner? For example, is the packaging so poor, they often deliver bottles already broken or expired drinks? Do they say they'll have things for you within a few days, but it ends up taking a few weeks? Get references and contact them for their feedback. You should also check online reviews from other clients.

Quotes

Get quotes from at least three different distributors. Use the quotes and compare them with the range of available products, delivery times, and payment terms to determine which is best for your needs. Don't forget to ask about things such as minimum or maximum order requirements. Are there any guarantees, such as money back if you're unsatisfied with their services?

Delivery

Imagine if you're a winery and none of your wine is delivered on time, especially for a big event like a wine tasting. Or what if you run a bar, and your most popular drink runs out of stock? Make sure you’re aware of their delivery schedule to see how frequently and quickly they can get your orders to you. Ask if they ever have a rush service available in case you run out of things faster than you anticipated.

When you have a business that revolves around drinks, you need them in stock and on time. With the right beverage distribution service, you can rest assured that you'll always have quality drinks available to sell to your customers anytime. We’re proud to provide such a service, so please contact Long Island Beverage today to learn more.