Rhonda Belser-Davis, Vin Vino Wein
Vin Vino Wein, founded in 2009 in Atlanta, distributes an eclectic portfolio of fine wines in Georgia.
‘Ah ha’ moment that led to launching the business: I had the business idea in my mind for years and decided to do it while working for the government and learning that I did not get a promotion that I was due. I knew that my career would always face these obstacles and if I wanted to really feel the fruit of my effort, I should open the business.
Ideal customer: A retail beverage outlet that can make quick purchasing decisions and purchase large quantities.
First customer: We landed our first client with the help of my wine teacher. He gave me the name of someone that he worked with and I left wines samples with him. A couple of weeks later, I received a phone call for an order.
Measuring success: We think that every sale is a success. Every time someone asks about one of our wines in a store, we are successful. We were able to participate in a wine event with other local wine vendors and the patrons of the show liked our wines so much that they were telling other people at the show to try them. Pretty soon, we had a mob at our table and the other vendors were coming by to try to wines. Although, no sales were made that day, it made a lasting impression with the patrons and other vendors. We were successful in promoting our wares and brand.
Biggest struggle: Fear of being told no by a potential client. When I am faced with that situation, I want to retreat. I have learned that nothing happens if they don’t purchase from me and I keep moving forward.
Surprise!: By how slowly things began and how hard it was to make sales in the beginning.
Promoting Business: We do complimentary tastings whenever we can and it is a direct link to sales. People love wine and when they try something new and like it, they often purchase.
What you wish you would have known: To be more picky about who I allow to supply my business. Supplier can be like bad bosses: if I like their product, we could be married in business for a long time. Suppliers are also trying to make money and do not always have my best interest at heart.
What keeps you up at night (business wise!)?: Cash flow.
Ever tempted to throw in the towel and just get a job?: Yes, but with my partners help, decided to muddle through the hard times because it will be worth it in the end.
Biggest goal: Hiring and training our sales force so that I can focus on expansion instead of sales.
Funding: It takes a lot of money to fund a distributorship. You have to keep inventory and it is expensive. We borrowed money from family, savings, mortgage and had payment plans with our first vendors. I advise others to be creative when pursuing funding and be sure to put all of their disposable income behind the venture.
The absolute best part of owning my own business is: working with a product that I love.
If I had to start all over again, I would have: have started ten years ago.
I never imagined: sales would be so difficult.
If standing on a rooftop facing crowds of aspiring or struggling small business owners, I would shout: “Don’t give up. The best is yet to come.”
