Friday, October 7

Help us make change!

Allow Artisan Distillers to sell directly to customers in California.

We are losing sales because we can't sell our artisan spirits directly to our customers. Sales are lost. Sales taxes are lost. When we distill small lots, it is difficult for distributors to bring in the inventory. The law shuts us out of our own market.

Why this is Important
It’s time to allow artisan distillers to sell directly to customers the same as wineries sell to their customers in tasting rooms and wineries.
It would be so convenient for our customers if they could buy directly from us when they visit. Imagine you visit and we spend an hour sharing how we distill it, age our products for years in French oak barrels and then you turn to us and ask to buy it and we have to say: sorry, we’re not allowed to sell our artisan spirits directly to you, our customer!
By law, all CA distilleries must sell to a Distributor. The Distributor marks it up 30% and sells to a store or a restaurant.
Why?
It’s how our government has set up the laws. It’s how our elected politicians have agreed to run the business of California.
Unlike other states, in California we are not allowed to sell our artisan spirits directly to our customers. We have to find a store somewhat close to them and they have to drive the distance. Many would love to order on line and have the products delivered to their door.
Right now, if a store doesn't want to buy from our Distributor, the customer is out of luck.
This is treating customers like second class people - they should have the right to buy artisan spirits the same as buying quality wines, clothes or books or gourmet foods.
When we make small lots, we should be able to sell directly to accounts and our customers. This law shuts us out of our own market. The law is unfair. Cross into Oregon and artisan distillers can sell right at the distillery to their customers.
We are not trying to eliminate distributors – we need them! We are just trying to be able to sell directly to our customers, just like every other business out there…

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