I am finally ready to file with the TTB for permits. My state (Alaska) has said I can not do anything on the local level to be ready until I get the final approval with the TTB. Is this correct? I have ready a very good post where someone states that you should get everything done at the local/state level FIRST. Has anyone had to go to their state after?
I have also been researching companies for bottling and equipment. I have seen tons of compliments on US companies and have settled on Paul at Distillery-Equipment.com should I go US. I have also been looking into several Chinese manufacturers. However, the Chinese companies seem to take forever to get back to me and that worries me a bit. Have anyone had any good experiences with a Chinese manufacturer for their equipment?
The company I found for bottling is Rockwood Glass - does anyone here have any experience with them? I tried to do a search in the forum to see if I could view any discussion with their name but did not see a feature to do this. I have no problem putting in the time reading the forums (I cant count the hours in so far). Thought I would see if I got lucky with a response.
Software - I have read several posts on the software and I initially thought I would go with Stillhouse, but after reading people that had used Stillhouse AND Whiskey Systems; I got the overall feeling that Whiskey Systems was just as good but less money - if this is incorrect, can someone correct me?
Marketing - Where have you found your best ROI has been when trying to tell your town you exist. What local marketing worked best? Where do you think you lost the most money? Has anyone tried Groupon as a way of getting people in; if so which catch worked best ($5 tasting, $10 tour + free tasting, etc?).
What sells the best besides the booze? Cups, shot glasses, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, etc.? Not sure what to be pre-pared for here.
In my state, I can only be open from 9a till 8p; what are the best operating hours in your town? I was thinking a short day 4p-8p for the tasting room (except weekends 11a-8p). We will always have our master distiller there, so if someone walked in - he could technically still help them. Are we cutting ourselves short on the hours? I am just thinking if they REALLY want to check it out, they would come later......I also don't want to kill myself from sitting around all day, when I could be out visiting bars, restaurants, and stores.
I was recommended by another distiller to pay for a lawyer to help with the TTB, but when speaking to another distiller a week ago he said he felt that his process was much faster because he was able to get back to the TTB immediately. He thought having a lawyer handle everything could actually delay some things. Overall thoughts?
A big thanks to everyone that has posted on here; the community is amazing. I love that everyone shares and they have built such a strong group of educated people. I thoroughly enjoy learning from everyone here. I cant wait to one day be posting and sharing my success for the future.