News from Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association

Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(July 24, 2011 - July 30, 2011)

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The sun is shining....it's time to make hay! For a while I didn't think summer was ever going to come, but it's finally here in full force. I hope that means your stores are busy. Make sure your customers are feeling welcomed and well served when they leave.

Recently I had a horrid experience at a store which got me thinking about what they could/should have done differently.

It was a smaller operation so staff was limited. I stood and waited for over 15 minutes before I was even acknowledged! Not a "hi" or "I need to finish up with this gentleman and I'll be with you in a minute." NOTHING.

After 5 minutes I was perturbed and critical of their store....the floor was not clean, I don't think they had dusted in a long time and when he finally got around to helping me it was like I was inconveniencing him. By that time I was frustrated and wasn't the nicest to him.

Needless to say I probably won't recommend them to anyone else. All he would have needed to do is acknowledge I was there, offer me a seat while I was waiting and apologize for the wait and I probably would have been sympathetic rather than critical of the small things.

Make sure that you value your customers. The best way to do that is make sure your employees are upbeat and positive, know the products in your store and are friendly and helpful to your customers.

Customers who walk away having had a bad experience can hurt your business for a long time in the future. Customers who are happy with your products and how they were treated in your store are your best, and cheapest, advertisement.

This month go above and beyond to make your customers feel appreciated!

Bridgitte Konrad

MMBA Director

Rental Sales Tax

An MMBA member asked this week if sales tax should be charged on rental equipment (i.e. beer tap).

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue:

Most retail sales are taxable in Minnesota. A "retail sale" means any sale, lease or rental of tangible personal property for any purpose other than resale, sublease or subrent.

Sales, leases and rentals are taxable regardless of quantity or whether the item is new or used, unless an exemption applies. Some services are also taxable.

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License Required

MMBA continues to learn about non-licensed businesses (health clubs, jewelry stores etc.) dispensing alcohol as part of a promotional event.

Remember, according to Minnesota Statute:

340A.401 LICENSE REQUIRED.

Except as provided in this chapter, no person may directly or indirectly, on any pretense or by any device, sell, barter, keep for sale, charge for possession, or otherwise dispose of alcoholic beverages as part of a commercial transaction without having obtained the required license or permit. Rental of or permission to use a public facility is not a commercial transaction for the purposes of this chapter.

How to Get a Cork Out of an Empty Wine Bottle

Wine2

So you've finished off a great bottle of wine and want to impress your friends with a trick...

Start by pushing the cork back into the empty bottle.

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Cooler Wanted

St. Francis Liquor is looking for a 2 door wine / single beer cooler.

If you have one for sale, contact manager

John Schmidt:

jschmidt@stfrancismn.org

Another Tax Question

MMBA received the following question earlier this week...

I was going over some bills the other day and noticed that our supplier does not charge sales tax on everything I was calling supplies. I called them and they explained that if the supply is sold to a customer as part of their drink, then it is not taxable when we purchase it. Items such as napkins, straws, plastic drink cups, etc... Is this correct?

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue:

Restaurants and bars may buy items exempt from tax if they are sold as part of the prepared food and drinks.

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A Man Died and Went Up to Heaven...