Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What's the correct process for importing glass bottles from Germany: do we need a VAT deferment account or can we use postponed VAT accounting instead?
You can use postponed VAT accounting rather than setting up a separate deferment account. Here's how members are handling it: - **Postponed VAT accounting** — Register for this in the UK and provide your EORI number and VAT number to your haulier; your German supplier then invoices without VAT, and you account for the VAT on your UK VAT return instead. - **Haulier handles paperwork** — Several members report that their German suppliers or hauliers manage all import documentation once you supply your EORI and VAT details; bottles then arrive with no charge at import. - **Monitor the deferred VAT portal** — VAT entries can take time to appear on the postponed accounting portal, so members recommend asking your accountant to check it each quarter as they prepare your VAT return, otherwise the entry can easily be overlooked. - **Give it to your accountant** — This is a detail easily missed; flag it explicitly during VAT return preparation to avoid surprises. **Caveat:** One member noted this can "become a nasty little surprise" if not tracked properly—make it part of your standard quarterly accounting process.
Which bonded warehouse providers are recommended for EU expansion, particularly in Germany and the wider European market?
For EU bonded warehouse operations, members recommend a small set of established providers with cross-border reach: - **Anker Amsterdam** — described as "definitely the best for Europe"; part of B&S group, which also operates warehouses in Germany under the same company umbrella, making it easier to manage multi-country logistics. - **LIS Amsterdam** — flagged as a reliable Amsterdam-based option. - **Bemakers** — operates warehouses in Denmark and Germany with B2B and B2C distribution reach across several European countries (network is growing). One member noted they were onboarding at the time of discussion but had no prior hands-on experience to report. Members indicated Amsterdam-based providers are the most commonly recommended starting point for EU expansion. Anker's advantage is the integrated German warehouse presence under one corporate structure, reducing complexity if you plan to operate in both the Netherlands and Germany.
What are the best distribution channels and approaches for entering the German beverages market?
Members who have entered Germany report success through multiple distribution routes. The German market was a top performer for some, particularly outside the US, UK and Asia. **Distribution approaches:** - **Direct distributor partnerships** — Members found this model effective as it provided upfront cash and the distributor handled logistics and sales operations. This was identified as a lower-friction entry route. - **Large direct reseller orders** — One member supplied a major reseller on a £150k order directly, bypassing traditional distribution. - **Amazon** — Used as a D2C wholesaler for German market entry. - **Border stores** — One member reported strong sales through border retail locations, particularly benefiting from cross-border shopping (noting Danes travelling into Germany for purchasing). **Key consideration:** Pricing varies significantly in the German market—members noted prices like £8.50 per unit and €11+ in comparable Nordic markets, suggesting strong retail margins. Understand local pricing expectations before finalising distributor terms.
Where can I find reliable importers or distributors in Germany?
Members recommend reaching out directly to those with existing German distribution networks. The most practical next step is to **contact members with prospect lists** — one member offered to share a curated list of potential import partners via DM, noting that the best fit depends on your product category (spirits, non-alcoholic, etc.). Members also highlight the value of personal recommendations within the Kindred network, with several vouching for specific contacts' reliability.