New job working for a major craft beer distributor

Hey all -

I just started a new job as a sales rep/account executive for a pretty big craft beer distributor. I’m hoping to get a discussion started about your personal experience working in this exciting industry, or any insight/advice that you can share.

I’d like to think that I am fairly knowledgeable about craft beer and I have several years of sales experience so I’m really looking forward to this opportunity, and hope that I can turn this into a career, not just a job.

I’m most interested to hear about what a general career path might be for someone starting out in the industry. Good or bad I’d love to hear what you have to say...

Cheers.

you like handcarts?

bottling dates

never make promises
avoid supplier ride-withs whenever possible unless its a product you actually like and care about
dont make promises
if beer has to be paid on delivery in your state, it has to be paid on delivery. a claw hammer can help with this sometimes.
dont promise nothing

Cash on delivery.

You’re probably fairly knowledgeable for the lay person, but you’ll get a lot of douche-tards (like myself) asking you stupid questions and making dumb statements. Smile and nod.

Know the product you are selling. Take care of the small accounts too.

Do you drive a F-150?

Do the best you can to not pick favorites. Rewarding your biggest accounts is one thing, rejecting your other customers in favor of those big accounts is another.

Know when seasonal products and one-offs come out. If one of your customers goes to wal-mart and sees a seasonal that you didnt offer them, you’ll most likely hear about it.