Your Liquor Bottle Wholesale Checklist: 7 Must-Ask Details Beyond Price

Price is just the starting point. The real details that determine a smooth partnership—or a logistical headache—are often found in the fine print. Before you commit to a new wholesale supplier for your bar, restaurant, or store, make sure you have clear answers to these seven critical questions. Liquor Bottle Wholesale Checklist

1. Minimum Orders & Volume Discounts

• Get Specific: “What’s your minimum order quantity, both per bottle and for the total order? Do you offer tiered pricing or discounts for full-case or mixed-case purchases?”

• Why it matters: This directly affects your inventory flexibility and budget. Low per-SKU minimums let you build a varied selection without overstocking, while understanding discount tiers helps you plan orders to maximize savings.

• Liquor Bottle Wholesale Checklist

2. Shipping, Fees & Delivery Terms

• Get Specific: “Are your prices FOB or delivered? What’s your delivery schedule to my area, and is there a free-delivery threshold? What other fees should I expect (e.g., for split cases or special handling)?”

• Why it matters: FOB means you pay and assume responsibility for freight once it leaves their dock. Delivered price is all-inclusive to your door. Hidden fees can quickly erode a good per-bottle price, so transparency here is non-negotiable.

3. Inventory Reliability & Rare Bottles

• Get Specific: “How reliable is your in-stock inventory for core brands I’ll reorder weekly? How do you handle allocations for limited-release or high-demand products?”

• Why it matters: Consistent supply is crucial for your business. Their allocation policy for rare finds (often based on your total partnership or history) will determine if you can access those coveted bottles for your patrons. Liquor Bottle Wholesale Checklist

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4. Payment Terms & Associated Costs

• Get Specific: “What are your standard payment terms (e.g., Net 15, Net 30)? Are there incentives for early payment? What are the fees for using a credit card or for special order requests?”

• Why it matters: Favorable terms like Net 30 aid your cash flow. Understanding all potential charges prevents surprise deductions on your invoice and helps you calculate the true final cost.

5. Policy on Damages, Errors & Recalls

• Get Specific: “What’s your process for replacing damaged, incorrect, or defective products (like corked wine)? In the event of a manufacturer recall, how will you communicate and manage it?”

• Why it matters: A clear, no-hassle policy shows the wholesaler stands behind what they sell and protects you from loss on items that arrive unsellable through no fault of your own. Liquor Bottle Wholesale Checklist

6. Compliance, Tax Reporting & Product Data

• Get Specific: “Do you handle the remittance of all applicable state alcohol taxes for my purchases? Can you easily provide updated digital product data (images, tech sheets, UPCs) for my inventory system?”

• Why it matters: In most regions, the wholesaler is required to manage tax payments—don’t assume. Easy access to accurate product data saves you immense time on menu updates and POS management.

7. Support Beyond the Sale

• Get Specific: “What kind of support do you offer? This could include staff training, promotional materials for featured brands, or access to co-op marketing funds for local advertising.”

• Why it matters: The best wholesalers act as partners. Their ability to provide education and marketing support adds significant value, helping you move product faster and build your brand.

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The Unwritten Rule: Judge the Relationship

Use these questions to gauge more than just policy—evaluate the people. Are your sales rep and their team responsive, proactive, and knowledgeable? A true partner will answer these questions willingly and work transparently to help your business succeed. The right fit is about reliability and service as much as it is about cost.