From your response to my previous question I should become a marketing agent from my friends California winery . Would this enable me to sell to wholesales in Florida and New Jersey and New York? Would I personally need to store the wine? And which license would I need? Including country clubs. Thank you, Donna
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
As I suggested in my reply to your first query, becoming a marketing agent is certainly easier on all fronts than setting up as a wholesaler in one state. One of the advantages is that, as an agent or broker, you will not have the infrastructure or operating costs of a distributor. The wholesaler will purchase and arrange transport of the goods from the winery, warehouse them locally, and handle delivery and invoicing. As to the license you may require as an agent, each state is likely to have different regulations. The best approach is to review the details on the website of the alcoholic beverage board. You can also telephone if you have the time. A bit of legwork is unavoidable. Here are some addresses to get you started:
Florida - myfloridalicense.com
New Jersey - nj.com/oag/abc
New York - sla.ny.gov
