Liquor CEO is dedicated to the entrepreneur. Here we will discuss business strategies and tips as well as lifestyle for the successful entrepreneur.
Charles Vaughn is the President and Founder of LeSin Vodka, Blue Lava Tequila, and 40-80 Spirits Group. Charles has over 20 years of business, tax, finance, and legal experience in both public accounting and Fortune 250 environments.
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Great video! I'd like to mix my own cocktails using OTC rums, vodkas, etc to begin. I'll be mixing them from home, to begin, and selling adult to-go cocktail pouches to patrons at cooler parties in South Florida. I also plan to be a vendor at various food festivals etc and also plan to wholesale to clubs/venues for them to sell to their patrons by the bottle, as they would a bottle of Clase Azul Tequila or Hennessy for example. What license(s) would I need to begin? From your video I'm thinking that I would need to have a wholesaler permit in the future when I start to sell to the clubs/venues. Thanks again for all the nuggets and shared knowledge! Looking forward to your response!
There's a LOT going on here - but YES, in general, to sell to retailers (clubs, lounges, stores, etc) you will need a wholesaler license in FL. The main issue is can you qualify to obtain the license. Add to that, there are many compliance requirements AND costs associated with being a wholesaler in FL. You may be best to align with a wholesaler and let them represent your bottled product(s) you wish to sell to clubs, lounges, etc. Regarding your first part - that seems to be more of a mobile bartender service - which you can do, subject to getting the appropriate quote license etc etc. Reach out to me: charles@40-80spirits.com if you have any other questions.
Definitely having a solid activation strategy and plan will help you tremendously. Distributors look to that and a few other key items in deciding which new brands to add to their portfolio
I work with Glass blowers and wanted to reach out to the community about custom USA made bottles. The glass bong market has slow down. We’re lookin to expand intoheady bottles.
You will need a retail liquor license for beer and spirits. They vary in name by state so check with your state and county websites for the various licenses, forms, and fees. You will likely need a bond as well.
Question As a private label owner? 1) I order product from distiller in Ireland and bill to me and ship to importer in NY. (Of course pay for excise tax before bringing into USA) 2) Importer charges me for fees and storage and I pay for it. 3) Importer ships my product to Distributors in USA but I bill distributors and get paid. Is this steps are correct or am I understating wrong here?
I have a flavorman and copacker in TN, however, I am located in GA. I want to be the direct contact with the distributor and not have to go through the manufacturer. I know you mentioned, that would consist of getting my wholesale license with the state but I am also hearing I would not need that, I will need my brokers license. If I do not plan on warehousing the product myself but want to work directly with the distributor for billing. Would this fall under Broker license or Wholesale? I appreciate all your videos and guidance. Thank you!
So my question is how would someone with an amazing idea but no capital get linked with investors with knowledge,capital and a foot in the business to launch their brand.
Develop a detailed business plan first. Really understand what you’re getting into and determine what your enterprise will need to launch and grow. You’ll need to network and find appropriate capitalization options suitable for your needs and such. That’s NOT an area I am suited to answer you responsibly.
Their was a guy were I'm from went to Jackson Florida a distillery gave him a chance his liquor brand is called greatness by vodka I'm trying to figure out how to get started and what distillery should I go to so i can get a good start
Start with focusing on the brand and then the category of spirit. Research the market and determine if there is a place for your offering in the marketplace. Good Luck !
How do i import alcohol from Ghana. I found great brand in ghana that would be great in the states. I have already formed a partnership with the manufacturer.
You will need to secure a federal basic import permit as well as a state importer or wholesaler license (depends on the state). You will also need to secure a USCBP Continuous Bond and register with the US FDA. There could be other requirements - depending on the state you are in. IF you'd like to get into details, please email me: charles@40-80spirits.com
It depends on your state, where your products are made, and what role you want to play in the business model. Send me an email charles@40-80spirits.com
legally, wholesalers can sell to retailers in their state or market for which they are licensed OR to other wholesalers. The bigger question is whether or not those wholesalers are willing to perform those storage and shipment services for you. In general wholesalers are tier 2 while retailers are tier 3. Wholesalers can sell to tier 3 and, to other tier 2 wholesalers.
It’s just my professional opinion and experience. Not having sufficient capital simply raises the risk of failure and not being able to make a proper go of it.
The US operates under a 3-tier system: 1) Distilleries/Wineries/Breweries 2) Wholesalers/Distributors 3) Retailers. You will likely want to buy or produce (under contract) from a Tier 1 entity, which means you will most likely want/need a Tier 2 Wholesaler license (Fed + State). If you want to sell to consumers, you need a Tier 3 Retailer license from your state and county. You can only be 1 of the 3 - generally speaking. Feel free to check out www.40-80spirits.com if you have any additional needs or questions.
If you're doing this as a hobby - that's fine. Do it for as least amount of SPEND as possible. If you're trying to create and develop a brand and make a BUSINESS out of this - then YES - it will take capital to do it. As to taking out loans - that's not part of the scope of my content. Capital is NOT debt. You're free to make your own decisions on sourcing your funding and capital. I'm simply sharing an opinion on how best to set up a brand to have a go at it as a BUSINESS - not a hobby. REMEMBER: Capital is a TOOL - you need the RIGHT TOOL to do the job best. Dig a pool with a shovel vs dig a pool with an excavator...... Best of Luck!!
I’d rather everyone know up front that doing it right is very different than merely doing it. Capital is a tool and you need the right tool(s) for this job.
Hello! Is there another option rather than a commercial or a retail building to obtain a liquor license? Will a storage unit/warehouse space be a good idea, when applying for liquor license; Until I get well established? (FL)
You may want to consider a licensed public warehouse. You also need to make sure you qualify for a wholesaler license in FL first. Your best bet may be to focus on a public warehouse or a licensed wholesaler willing to work with you.
I’m a little confused this might sound like such a dumb question but I want to start a business to make money so just having 70k in capital is virtually impossible, what are good ways to get that initial 70k
Watch this video thoroughly How: Much Capital Do I Need To Start a Liquor Brand - Liquor CEO - Charles Vaughn ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RL6GFxGyVZo.html Capital is a tool and you need to have the right tool for the actual job you’re wanting to perform.
I’m a little confused this might sound like such a dumb question but I want to start a business to make money so just having 70k in capital is virtually impossible
Being lite on capital will increase the risk associated with the success of the business. You won’t be able to secure the lowest cost for the product and you need capital for marketing and making a market for your brand. You need to support your brand heavily.
Starting your own wine label what licensing is needed in the state of FL and do you have to rent out a building for this specific reason? You stated wholesaler permit but I’m being told a beverage license (Dpbr)
You will need a FL wholesaler/distributor to carry and sell your brand to retailers. You may be able to obtain a wine salesperson permit to be able to have samples and such while you visit accounts. If you choose to promote your brand WITHOUT carrying samples, you may be able to do this without any licensure. You should make yourself familiar with all the wine wholesaler and salesperson rules on the FL ABT website.
Great video! However, this information mostly applies to the U.S? Why wouldnt it be possible to start this business with a small 10-15k and start building the brand localy with only a few hundred white label bottles and guerila marketing strategies to spread the name and then each month invest all money to get more bottles and organize bigger and bigger marketing events to scale it up?
The main challenge I see with small batching is COST. Your actual COGS (cost of goods sold) will be significantly higher as opposed to a larger volume run. I'm not going to say you can't make a go of it - BUT - I think the economic model is more challenging and finding distribution will be more difficult. Having $15K to do all of this as opposed to having more capital available to apply but wanting to get to some sort of feasibility or proof of concept achievement before going full throttle are very different risk sets.
I produce vodka in Cognac France - so I am aware of framework. Admittedly, it is not as fluent to me as US law, as I primarily only produce abroad to import into the United States for distribution/sales. If you have any specific questions - feel free to email me: charles@40-80spirits.com
I'm going to open a bar and I don't have a location I don't have anything to start but a dream. I have a name for it but that's it. I've been having the plan for a while now but idk where to get started truly
You need to have your distillery/co-packer sell to a wholesaler/distributor. In some states that could be you. Check your states requirements to qualify as a liquor wholesaler. Wholesalers sell to retailers. Consumers buy from retailers.
Sure do. There are quite a few folks in France who make AMAZING bubbly. Like most any products, it truly does depend on what type of champagne you are wanting to make. email me: charles@40-80sprits.com if you're interested in formally considering getting into the space.
Hello really enjoyed the video. I know its 3 years old but I was wondering if you can give me your input at what type of license I should be looking into. I want to start a beer brand and have found a brewery that will copack. I am now looking at the licensing. As of now its looking like the beer wholesale license is going to be my best bet. I was hoping to find a distrubtion license but the wholesale license was the closest i could find. Also I don't know if this will help at all I have a small trucking business. Any information would be greatly appreciated
Typically a wholesale license IS a distributor license. Just be sure to review the qualifications to be a beer wholesaler and be able to qualify for that license. Some states have specific requirements to qualify as a wholesaler/distributor of beer, wine, and/or spirits.
