Our Objective is to help our customers create the finest quality wines in a warm and inviting wine store environment and to solidify our position as a premier wine retailer. Our focus is on quality merchandising, customer flow, operational efficiencies, millwork, fixtures and lighting while still maintaining a low cost investment to create a store.

Licensing is a method of distributing products or services. At least two levels of people are involved in the licensing:
(1) The licensor, who lends his trademark or trade name; and

(2) The licensee, who pays fee for the right to do business under the licensors name or trademark. License documentation is executed to outline the relationship between the two parties.

1. Access to an established product and a proven method of operating a business reduces the many risks of opening a business. The licensee purchases use of an established trademark that brings with it the experience and expertise of the licensor's organization.
2. Access to Initial and Ongoing Training allows the licensee to start on the right foot and reduce the risk of “learning as you go”.
3. Access to Support and Communication that provides consistent updates, feedback, guidance and expertise in all areas of the business.

Licensing enables you to use an established brand name at a lower initial investment but that alone does not ensure easy success. You must be prepared for the total commitment of time, energy and financial resources that any business requires; you should stop and reconsider your decision to enter into a licensing agreement.

Yes if you want to, you and your staff can complete a 1-week training program. The initial training program trains you and/or an approved manager in the operation of a U-Vin business. The initial program includes wine knowledge, hands on and winemaking skills, sales and marketing skills and day-to-day business operations management. We also offer ongoing training in the form of onsite visits.

We will manage the store development process if you want. This includes the preparation of working drawings, the tender process, securing of all necessary construction permits and the majority of communication with the General Contractor and other suppliers.  We will provide a quote for the costs of this process and you will be required to pay in stages as the construction proceeds.

We can discuss this with you depending on your specific situation as the license cost is dependent on your unique and varying circumstances.

Time lines do vary. After all the documentation has been executed, finding a location is the largest determining factor. After your lease is signed it should take between 12 and 16 weeks to open your store.

No, there are not any royalty fees in this licensing arrangement.

There is not a marketing and promotional fund.  You will be responsible for your own marketing and promotion. From time to time we will ask if you would like to participate in a marketing program and the costs would be shared equally amongst all the participants. This would be at your discretion.

1. A passion for wine is a great plus. However you do not need to be a Sommelier. We can help with this.

2. Enjoy being part of a team. Our core strength is the commitment to our high standards of operations.

3. Enjoy and understand the importance of Customer Service

4. Enjoy sales, promoting and marketing.

5. Enjoy being active.

6. Comfortable with computers

7. Have access to the required unencumbered cash and the necessary financial qualifications to secure financing from your Bank of choice.

8. Community oriented

9. Well organized

10. Ability to lift pails, juice and grapes having an average weight of about 55lbs.
    

This is dependent on store size, location and the arrangements you can make with your bank and can range between $30K and $100K in liquid assets.

Vin de Garage does not offer any financing. Currently one of the most popular forms of financial assistance is the Canada Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA). This is a government guaranteed loan program that is offered by all of the major financial institutions. The CSBFA is well suited to our business in that the loan amount could possibly be up to 90% of the costs of start up.  A further benefit to the CSBFA is that the maximum amount of your respective personal guarantee is limited to 25% of the original loan.

As noted the CSBFA is a very popular financing source however there are many other forms of financing available and after further review may present a better option than the CSBFA. Regardless of whichever financing option you choose you should confirm that your bank offers a simplified application process and quick turnaround times. We will be happy to assist you with the process as required.

Working capital is the amount of extra money that you will need to have to live and keep your Vin de Garage store operating until it becomes profitable. The amount of working capital required is completely dependent on the financial performance of your store.

Other costs that may be incurred prior to opening include: working capital, inventory, professional fees, office supplies, uniforms, petty cash, security deposits (such as rent and utilities), license fees, professional fees and other prepaid expenses, grand opening advertising, training costs, pre-opening wages and benefits, administration charges and insurance.

Vin de Garage does offer protected territories for the area your store will operate in. The availability of territories in specific areas will be discussed during the process. We cannot predict which specific locations may be available until the recruitment process is completed.

We will help you select your location and give our opinion but the actual decision will be yours.

A single candidate must personally meet the financial qualifications, however if a partnership or corporation is formed, it is the total financial strength of the business partnership or corporation that must meet the minimum financial requirements.

That is your decision. But please note it would be very difficult to be successful at first though if you did not dedicate yourself to the store and become continuously involved in the day-to-day operation of your business.

Vin de Garage does not predict sales or profits for any locations. Generally, the most important factors that affect profitability are:

• The sales ability of you and/or your staff

• Your ability to run the business

• The location of the business

• Occupancy and operating costs

• Financing terms

Because of these factors we can’t predict your profits.  We will provide pro forma financial information that you can use as a guideline to plan your store.
NOTE: Any and all figures provided are only estimates of the investment to set up and operate a Vin de Garage store. No representation or warranty is made by Vin de Garage that your investment experience will be the same or similar to the estimates given.