Distributors QPS Importers presented its latest products to Australian retailers with its first trade fair appearance at the 2013 Sydney September Reed Gift Fair.
“We chose Reed Gift Fair’s Sydney September as our first trade fair as the timing coincided with the arrival of our newest product, The Bartender mini keg drink dispenser, into Australia,” says marketing manager Kathy Creaner.
“We received a marvellous response to our product launch and were very happy by the level of interest shown by retailers. We were pleased to find ourselves writing sales orders on the first day of the fair along with some terrific leads, which we are currently following up.”
QPS Importers started out in 2009 as The Balcony Shop, importing outdoor furniture small enough for patios and balconies.
“We exhibited at a number of furniture trade shows, and realised that we needed to change the name so that retailers realised that we weren’t in competition with them. We still import and distribute outdoor furniture under The Balcony Shop business name, but we have broadened our product range to include home security, home decor and small giftware items.”
The company covers a broad range of products, but decided to only showcase The Bartender at the fair to get maximum exposure for its newest addition.
“We brought along two models, one which is available in silver and black and the other which is only available in black at this time. The reactions of people ranged from ‘wow, it looks like a coffee machine’ to ‘forget my customers, I want one for myself’. People were drawn to all three options on display, although my personal favourite is the silver drink dispenser. My favourite comment was ‘oh look, a beer fountain’ although the lady who said that was quick to discover that The Bartender is also used for cocktail mix. Our display included different mini kegs and glasses, to show people the broad range of drinks that went into the machine.”
Creaner says the Silver drink dispenser – QPS’ best-seller and her personal favourite – is best suited for stockists who are looking for stylish home appliances that appeal to women visually and to men functionally.
“Initially seen as a gift for men, The Bartender looks so good that women are happy to have it on display in their home,” she adds. “We believe that retailers who supply products to home brewers will also find The Bartender will be a successful product line for them, as it allows the home brew mini keg back out of the man cave and into the house. Online retailers who have a liquor licence will be able to bundle The Bartender with mini kegs.”
The company is also planning to expand The Bartender range to include bar accessories and a wine dispenser.
“In the near future you can expect QPS Importers to provide The Bartender glassware, with a range of shapes suitable for the drinks that are available in mini kegs. This includes ready mixed drinks such as Jim Beam, cocktail mixes such as Cosmopolitans, ciders and, of course, a range of varieties of beer.”
