Free Bartending Swag

They show up once every few months and then only when your bar is closed.  They don’t drink, don’t tip, and don’t take ‘No’ for an answer.  They take up your prep time by requiring you to sit down and listen to them peddle their wares.  Alcohol representatives are a key cog in the successful functioning of any bar.  They offer education on the spirits they represent such as tasting notes and food pairing recommendations.  Bar staffs are made aware of industry wide trends and sales data from these spirit merchants, as they call on the other bars and retailers in your town.  Has there been a shift in consumer drinking habits or an exciting new product debut?  Your friendly spirit salesperson will know about it.

One aspect of their role which gets overlooked is all the free swag they have to offer.  Bottle openers, wine keys, cocktail stirrers, pens, matches, miniature flashlights, etc.  If they don’t come in with bags of goodies, ask them for it.  A wine representative is giving a presentation about a new Chardonnay?  Afterwards, ask them for a wine key or two.  A beer representative is showcasing a seasonal beer rollout?  You should stock up on a few bottle openers.  Any liquor salesperson should be able to provide some swag as well such as pens, matches, muddlers, or stirrers.  Just make sure to listen to their presentation before hitting them up for free swag.  Look over the list of gear you should have on hand bartending in our previous posts here and here.  These folks are a bartender’s Santa Claus, so make sure you capitalize on their appearance at your bar.  Stock up!