Top Tips for Winning Contracts on BrewBroker
We have been live and trading for nearly a year now and during that time we have helped brew a lot of beer! From ongoing multinational brewery tenders, right through to 4 cases of white labelled beer for a wedding.
With hundreds of suppliers (contract brewers/packagers) on the platform, we have now monitored a years worth of trading! The team have highlighted what constitutes a great supplier brewer.
We understand there has has been some frustration with feedback, success rates and tender validation, which we have either dealt with or are working on and implementing in V2. We wanted to give existing and new brewers to the system some tips on what it takes to be a great BrewBroker supplier.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Interact with the platform, check your profile, respond to queries and if all else fails pick up the phone. We have a team of BrewBrokers who are me (Daniel), Becca and Catherine. We have a mission to ’save the trade’ by any means necessary, we are passionate about dealing with the challenges and finding a solution so use us. Big shout out to Paul at Birmingham Brewery for always reaching out.
RESPOND WITHIN A WEEK
We know brewers are busy and we really appreciate that, however surprise, surprise those that respond quicker have a greater chance of success!
GET YOUR NUMBERS IN
Do not spend hours working on your first quote, this is a starter for 10 and the buyer understands that. Makes things easy for yourself, base it on an existing style, or have a simple matrix for each style based on ABV. This step really is an indication that you are keen and able.
USE THE MESSAGING FUNCTION
If you have questions about the buyer or the tender ask them through the messaging function on the platform. If you are still curious do a google search or contact a member of the BrewBroker team, remember we have personally spoken to each buyer and validated them.
HEDGE YOUR BETS
This is a numbers game, we are looking at roughly a 1 in 10 conversion rate so keep submitting your numbers and asking for feedback to refine your approach.
CAN YOU ACTUALLY DO IT?
It always help if you liaise with the production team BEFORE, you answer the tender.
FLEXIBILITY
We are trying to standardise a very bespoke process, and many of the tenders can be answered in a number of ways, so please be as flexible as possible.
PATIENCE
Is a virtue, and also helps when dealing with people who are not in the brewing business. Some buyers simply have a great idea and therefore may need guidance on some aspects of the process. Obviously we jump in and assist, but from the offset don’t assume the buyer knows anything about the brewing process, some will, some might not.
PROTECT YOURSELF
We will be integrating a standard NDA into the system, but in the meantime we have a template you can use. Insist on lab testing and water analysis to ensure you are managing expectations as much as possible.
OPTIMISE YOUR PROFILE
You are selling your business and your services. Don’t just list the things you can do explain why you do it, get passionate. Include recent photos of the brewery, the specific bits of kit you are referencing, the team, your up=to-date branding and keep updating it.
NOMINATE YOUR DECISION MAKER
The admin for your account needs to be someone who’s remit it is to respond, focus on getting an initial quote in and decline the tenders you are not interested in. Make sure the correct person in your business is on the platform day to day so you don’t miss any opportunities or waste valuable time.
So start now, visit your profile or sign up today! Thank you for supporting BrewBroker, if you have any questions get in touch.
