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Khahliso Ncube
A NEW breed of entrepreneurs in Bulawayo is taking the alcohol business to a whole new level.
Borrowing from the online shopping and home delivery concepts, buying one’s favourite social lubricants has never been so easy and convenient.
A simple order over the phone just like one of the entrepreneurs’ business name — Dial a Drink — suggests that delivery is made at your doorstep.
“Our services are simple; you call our offices, place an order and we deliver at your doorstep.
“We have been doing this business for the past two years and we are licensed to sell alcohol,” said an official from Dial a Drink, Dilson Junior.
Every business strives to set itself apart from competitors and rival company, Statos Exports is doing just that.
To lure clients to their business Statos Exports has added “free delivery” in and around Bulawayo’s central business district (CBD).
From expensive whiskey to ciders, the alcohol entrepreneurs promise to have it all.
“We started off selling alcohol to local nightclubs and leisure spots and our business is licensed in its respective trade. We sell alcoholic beverages ranging from beer, ciders, whiskey, and brandy to rum.
“In order to give our clients in Bulawayo a more personalised experience, we decided to include door to door deliveries and the response has been fantastic,” said Statos Exports co-director Butho Mkhwananzi.
With fuel supplies in the city becoming erratic at times, Statos Exports hopes to give its clients peace of mind by adding free delivery of alcoholic beverages to its local clientele.
But nightclub proprietors are not happy.
Their monopoly on the alcohol trade is slowly being destroyed.
“We are facing alcohol shortages at our bars and nightclubs since Delta Beverages doesn’t supply us adequately as before and those trucks (mobile alcohol shops) are taking our business but we can’t blame them — we are failing to satisfy the market,” said Mhlomuli Msebele, a manager at The Signature Bar and Restaurant.
Online Reporter