frequently asked questions
franchise information
As a Wine Lovers Authorized Dealer, you will get:
• Performance Volume Rebates
• Co-Op Marketing Funds
• Per Order Wine Kit Discounts
• Exclusivity Fund
• And most importantly, you will remain an independent contractor in full control of your own business!
- What do I already need to have in order to begin?
You will need to have a profitable business, organizational and managerial skills, a good work ethic and a drive to succeed. - What training will I receive?
You will be provided with ongoing advice and guidance regarding business operations as well as advice and consultation on subjects such as: selection, purchasing, stocking, displaying product, marketing and promotion. You will also have access to the Vintner’s Success Program.
- What sorts of store displays are provided?
Customized posters for the interior of the store will be provided, as well as neon signage.
- What sort of products will I be selling?
Wine Lovers offers a broad range of premium quality wine kits. You will also be selling other products such as accessories and equipment necessary for wine making.
- Will I get an exclusive territory?
You will be granted a specific sales territory which will be defined in the contract and reserved exclusively for you for the term of the agreement. - What kind of marketing and sales support will I receive?
Wine Lovers maintains and administers a co-operative advertising fund for marketing and advertising campaigns. In addition, Wine Lovers will help develop and monitor a marketing plan with you, and you will be invited to participate in Wine Lovers core marketing initiatives. - Will I be put on some kind of “dealer locator” database for potential customers to find me?
Store locations and details will be listed on the Wine Lovers website, www.wineloversonline.com.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate To Purchase a Wine Lovers Store?
Wine Lovers has an extensive training and development program for their dealers.
Having a working knowledge of wine is an asset, however it is more important that our dealers are committed and dedicated to success.
Wine Lovers will train you on the wine culture and how to run a business effectively. Ongoing education and support to dealers are the keys to success.
These are the 10 most common mistakes made when buying a franchise:
1. A great industry assures your success.
Some franchisors point out how large an
industry segment they address. While its
generally important that you are addressing a
growing market, this alone will not make you
succeed. The franchisor's training, marketing
plan, site selection, how you implement their
plan and many other factors will be more
important to your success than just the size
and growth trend of the industry served.
2. I can open my franchise for less than
the franchisor predicts. Don't mislead your
franchisor. If you are overly optimistic and
undercapitalized you may be doomed to failure-
-through no fault of your franchisor.
3. Bigger is Better. The more franchises exist in a chain, the more successful they all must be. Great marketing, aggressive salesmen, and an attractive industry can cause a franchise system to grow even though there are better franchisors in the same industry. Call many Franchisees and ask them how much TLC they receive. Then check in other systems to evaluate the satisfaction level of their Franchisees. Sometimes, in their eagerness to grow, a system will "over populate" a city with many units causing each to steal business from others.
4. Never be the First Franchise in a System. Who could get more care and attention than the first Franchisee to join? If the franchisor has good experience in its industry and you are confident that they will be able to help you replicate their success, being the first should not be injurious.
5. There's no need to hire an attorney nor an accountant until I return from the Initial Training. Early mistakes can be costly. Be sure to have a professional involved before you sign a cheque to your franchisor.
6. I'll use about 80% of the franchisor's business plan, but I'll modify it enough to fit my business needs. If you buy a franchise, use their system. If you insist on doing it your way, you may violate your agreement and be terminated. Believe me, stick to the whole plan--or save your money and do it alone.
7. All franchise systems are about the same. Therefore, the biggest with the lowest price should be my choice. Each system has a culture of its own. Meet with the Franchisor and meet or talk to several Franchisees to see how you'll fit in.
8. When you buy a Franchise, your success is assured. Any new business venture involves risk. You must be ready to work long hard hours to implement the Franchisor's business plan in order to succeed. The advantage is--you have a plan. The unknown is--how well you'll implement it.
9. I'm sure my banker will lend me money when I find the right Franchisor. Bankers are more willing to finance franchises than independents. However, they may not believe in you or your chosen Franchisor like you do. If you are gainfully employed now, set up a home-equity loan before you quit your job. Then the choice will be totally yours--not a banker's.
10. I know how to work with and manage people. If you have no (or poor) experience in managing and working with a group of fellow employees, be sure to discuss this with the Franchisor. In most systems, you'll be hiring, motivating, and training several employees. Signing a Franchisor license will not change you. If getting away from the people on your current job is a major motivator--it may be time to reconsider.