Oddbins began in 1963 when entrepreneur Ahmed Pochee begin delivering bin ends and oddments of wine to restaurants and clubs in the West End. During the seventies, Oddbins was bought by Dennis Ing and Nick Baile and continued to expand. By the eighties it was owned by Seagram and operated through 100 stores, thus becoming the first company to introduce Australian wine to the UK high street. In 1988 Oddbins won the Wine Merchant of the Year award at the International Wine Challenge. The nineties witnessed the first Oddbin consumer wine fair in London. Following the fair’s success, it was decided that two would be held a year, in London and Edinburgh respectively. In 2000 and 2001 Oddbins wins the Wine Merchant of the Year award again and shortly afterwards launches Oddbins.com with the introduction of Greek wine to its expanding winery portfolio. 2002, Oddbins is bought by one of France’s largest wine producing companies, Castel Frères who continue to expand the company until 2008 when Oddbins is then sold to specialist food and wine retailer group Ex Cellar. With its special offers, wine recommendations and wine guides, Oddbins ensures quality wines at the best prices. This giant wine retailer with some 150 shops in the UK, Ireland and France also gives its customers the option of buying up Oddbin wines at the Oddbins Coquelles superstore when next in Calais, with the chance of pre-ordering online before visiting the superstore.
Range of Products
The broad range of products available includes smooth reds, crisp and dry whites, and sweet rosés from both European and New World winemakers, Champagne and Sparkling wines, selected malts made entirely from malted barley, single malt whisky and a selection of fortified wines including Ports and Sherries. It is a case of drinks galore with such an extensive and diverse range of drinks on offer, not forgetting the growing number of ‘Trade only’ wines which are available to wholesale customers only. There is a wide price range with bottles starting at a modest £5 or less through to exclusive wines and Champagnes costing in excess of £50, with a great range of wines in between on sale at competitive prices. There’s a bottle to suit every taste bud and budget here.
Minimum Orders
All cases specify the number of bottles per case (either 6 or 12 bottles per case) with the option of just ordering one case at a time which can be either all reds, all whites or a mixed case depending on the customer’s choice. All major credit cards are accepted using 128-bit high security SSL technology, with security being certified by VeriSign thus ensuring customers can enter their card details in complete confidence. 100% refunds are given on returned orders.
Purchasing
Whilst the focus at Oddbins.com is on buying in bulk, preferably 12 bottle cases, with a 20% discount when you by an introductory mixed 12 bottle case, there is a good selection of wines, sparklers and Champagne where it’s possible to buy just one bottle. For the perfect all round gift, why not treat the lucky recipient to an Oddbin’s Gift Vvoucher for the value of either £10 or £25, which can be purchased and redeemed online.
Delivery Times and Costs
If ordering 12 bottles or more there is a single delivery charge of £6.00, with orders for 1 to 11 bottles costing £5.99 per single delivery. Orders for multiple recipients are charged per recipient per address. Orders over £100 are delivered free of charge. Deliveries are despatched Monday to Friday, usually within 4 working days with the exception of specific post codes and all deliveries require being signed for at the specified delivery address. Deliveries are by nationwide couriers and operate throughout the UK but not the Channel Islands or to PO Boxes. There is a separate delivery service that operates throughout Ireland. Oddbins also operate a European delivery service that delivers to 23 Europeans countries.
Style and Usability of Site
Oddbins website is clear and colourful which makes it welcoming for the new comer. A seemingly easy site to navigate around, its images and the three main headings, ‘Oddbin services,’ ‘helping with shopping’ and ‘wine education’ give simple and precise information. The site map is equally precise and helpful, and enables customers to choose their favourite wines by grape variety, by type, or by country. A thoughtful touch regarding accessibility is the keyboard short cuts which are available for customers who find pointing devices such as a mouse difficult to use.
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Please tell me about the Greek wines you market, needed for a special wine tasting event. thanks m.m.