Wine merchants can have their say and take part in March for Independents survey

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 06 February, 2015

There is still time for independent wine merchants to have their say and share their views on how they see the sector, the opportunities and challenges they face, which wine and spirits categories are selling the most and what they would like to see more from their suppliers, by taking part in Harpers exclusive online poll.

There is still time for independent wine merchants to share their views on how they see the sector, the opportunities and challenges they face, which wine and spirits categories are selling the most and what they would like to see more from their suppliers, by taking part in Harpers exclusive online poll.

Harpers is calling on wine merchants to take the online survey so that we can help build up a national picture of trends and views within the independent sector.

The findings will be revealed at the dedicated conference Harpers is holding for independents on March 3 at London's St Ermin's Hotel. The conference will be the highlight of the March for the Independents campaign that Harpers started at the beginning of the week which hopes to put the spotlight on the trading issues facing wine merchants.

Those who take part in the survey also have the chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher for doing so.

It is hoped the survey will give much needed feedback and analysis of how well this crucial sector is performing across the UK.

So all you have to do is take a couple of minutes out of your busy day and click on the survey and share your views with us.

Get involved in Action Weeks

Our merchants survey is just the part of what is going to be a series of interactive intiatives that independent merchants can get involved in throughout February as our March for the Independents campaign takes hold.

Harpers is running a series of Action Weeks encouraging merchants to get behind a new mini-campaign throughout February, each week focused on a key area to help you and your business.

The Action Weeks offer expert advice on:

ACTION WEEK 1 February 2-8 Getting the most out of your suppliers

ACTION WEEK 2 February 9-15 Getting your local media and MP on your side

ACTION WEEK 3 February 16-22 Getting on top of your business

ACTION WEEK 4 February 23-March 2 What you should be be buying and selling

This week's ACTION WEEK 1 is dedicted to helping you work more effectively with your supplier.

You can still get involved in the week's activities including getting behind Harpers Best Practice Guidelines that set out trading principles for how suppliers should work with independents. Find out if your suppliers have signed up to the guidelines and if not send our templated letter urging them to do so.

You can read Top 10 Tips from former Somerfield wine buyer Angela Mount on how best to negotiate with suppliers.

Tim North of Les Grands Chais de France, one of the campaign's partners, has also shared his thoughts on how independents can look to boost sales.

There is also

So watch out during the week for more stories and ways to get involved including sending a templated letter drafted by Harpers to those suppliers that have not signed up to the Guidelines urging them to do so.

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