Wine and spirits Makers of all sizes are utilizing LibDib to showcase and sell their products to Buyers in 6 states via LibDib. Some LibDibbers sell one case per month, others sell hundreds. The LibDib distribution model is a solution that can work for all, but execution depends on your business growth goals.
While LibDib provides three-tier beverage alcohol distribution to any wine or spirits Maker, what exactly does it mean to have products in distribution with LibDib? As with any beverage alcohol wholesale experience, Makers must spend time and money to generate market interest in their products. Keep in mind this happens no matter who your distributor is.
It’s fair to note that building a brand in this very competitive beverage alcohol industry is not for the faint-hearted. It takes hard work, passion, time, and money. LibDib is by far the fastest and most economical route to market of any alcohol distributor - but like all distribution options, it still takes a plan and dollars to sell cases.
If the expense of selling and building a spirits brand via distribution seems daunting, you are not alone. While LibDib is the most efficient route to market (especially when considering the hidden costs of distribution), just like anything you get back what you put in.
To help you create a valuable profit margin and build your three-tier business via LibDib, we're sharing some feedback from our smartest and most successful Makers on LibDib:
- Think backwards when it comes to building your brand. In the past, a Maker would have to find, pitch and close a distributor, then find, pitch and close a retailer before getting any “liquid to lips” (i.e. consumer consumption). Any LibDib Maker should consider participating in an e-premise program so that consumers can purchase wine and spirits bottles via your website or better yet a “buy it now” button on your website. You can then use that data to build your customer base. This could be a key point of differentiation when it comes to retailers, chain placements, or on-premise Buyers. “XYZ brand already has 100 customers within 25 miles of your location.” That’s a powerful selling point to Buyers and can even save Makers a couple points of margin.
- Always use LibShip, LibDib’s partnership with FedEx gets cases across the country for nearly 50% off. LibShip is available on LibDib and provides Makers with immediate access to shipping labels (just print them out and adhere to the box) when an order is placed. The tracking number is available at all times, which allows LibDib to automatically update the customer on the arrival of the product. Our Buyers really appreciate knowing when items will arrive. LibShip is a requirement for LibDib Makers because of that very important customer service element. It saves everyone a ton of time and effort and makes LibDib Buyers happy. This is important because happy Buyers become repeat customers.
- If your volume is over a certain amount (one pallet per month is a good threshold), storing locally will save time and money. Not only will this get your product to where it needs to go faster, it will save you even more on some of those wine and spirits shipping costs. LibDib’s amazing operations team can help you develop the right warehouse solution for you (available in some markets depending on compliance and regulations).
- If you have RTDs in a can or lower priced bottles, do the math on how many cases it takes to make the shipment economical. Then mix and match. It’s easy to add these mixed packs and bundles to LibDib. We have Buyers that ask for them every day. Plus three PODs (points of distribution) are better than one, no?)