Can I Get a Discount When I Order a Case of Wine from Private Wine Importers?
In Ontario, wine agents are licensed to sell wine exclusively by the case, and the minimum order a private wine importer can offer is one case. The size of the case is determined by the winery which usually means the customer is ordering a minimum of six, or twelve bottles, at a time. Discounts on minimum orders of one case are unheard of in the wine business. Here’s why - in Ontario, private wine importers act as wine ‘distributors’. The majority of their business is focused on supplying wine to the LCBO retail network, or to restaurants, and they are prohibited from opening retail wine shops. If you consider the case volumes that wine agents normally process to the hospitality industry, personal orders do not compare, and thus, do not justify offering discounts.
When private buyers order from wine agents, the agent coordinates delivery to the customer’s home, or office, and delivery fees usually apply. However, it is common practice for private wine importers to waive delivery charges on multiple case orders. Sometimes, if the agency has a flat-rate policy, multiple case orders make shipping fees very reasonable. Given that wine cases are heavy and fragile, the shipping rates charged by wine agents are quite reasonable compared to regular courier costs.
A great way to hear about promotions, special offerings and limited time offers, when available, is to sign up to your favourite private wine importer’s mailing list or newsletter.