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Retention Mistakes Wineries Make—And How to Fix Them Without More Work
03/05/2025





Introduction

Retaining wine club members is one of the most effective ways to drive revenue and ensure sustainable growth. Yet many wineries focus more on attracting new members than keeping current ones engaged.

The good news? Boosting retention doesn’t always require major changes or costly systems. By mixing thoughtful efforts with smart tools, you can make a big impact.

Here are practical strategies to enhance retention and grow your wine club’s ROI.


1. Personalize the Member Experience


CustomClubShipment

Why It Matters

Personalization is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Members want an experience that feels tailored to them, from their favorite wines to the way they receive shipments.


Simple Step for You

Offer surveys to learn members’ preferences and let them feel more in control of their shipments. Even small changes, like giving members the option to switch wines or adjust shipment frequency, can make a big difference.


How vinSUITE Helps

If you’re already using vinSUITE, features like member customization options allow you to streamline these adjustments without adding extra work for your staff.


Why It Pays Off

  • ✅ Personalized experiences lead to higher retention rates and increased member satisfaction.
  • ✅ Satisfied members are more likely to recommend your wine club, creating organic growth.


2. Proactively Manage Declined Payments


DeclinedPayment

Why It Matters

Declined payments are a preventable cause of cancellations, yet they’re often overlooked. Reaching out proactively keeps members active and improves your cash flow.


Simple Step for You

Before your next club run, identify and follow up with members whose payment methods are about to expire or have failed in the past.


How vinSUITE Helps

vinSUITE’s Declined Payment Minimizer automatically flags declined payments, allowing you to take quick action. Additionally, our credit card processor can automatically update expired cards, reducing the manual effort required by your staff.


Why It Pays Off

  • ✅ Proactively resolving payment issues prevents accidental cancellations.
  • ✅ Retaining just a handful of members each run can translate into thousands of dollars in retained revenue.


3. Communicate Consistently and Effectively


Club Event

Why It Matters

Strong communication is at the heart of member retention. Members who feel connected to your winery are more likely to stay engaged and loyal.


Simple Step for You

Send timely updates about upcoming shipments, exclusive events, and special offers. For members who’ve skipped shipments or seem less engaged, a personalized “We Miss You” email can reignite their interest.


How vinSUITE Helps

Automated email tools let you set up these communications in advance, ensuring consistent outreach without requiring additional effort during busy times.


Why It Pays Off

  • ✅ Regular, meaningful communication strengthens trust and keeps your winery top-of-mind.
  • ✅ Engaged members are more likely to continue their membership and participate in events.


4. Actively Seek Member Feedback


Feedback

Why It Matters

Retention doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Asking members for their opinions provides valuable insights into what’s working—and what’s not.


Simple Step for You

Send short surveys after shipments or at key points in the membership lifecycle. Questions like, “What did you enjoy most?” or “What can we improve?” can guide your efforts to meet their expectations.


How vinSUITE Helps

vinSUITE’s centralized database helps track member feedback over time and correlate it with other engagement data for deeper insights.


Why It Pays Off

  • ✅ Members who feel heard are more likely to stay loyal.
  • ✅ Feedback helps you make targeted improvements that directly impact satisfaction.


5. Think Beyond Today’s Members


YoungClubMember

Why It Matters

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the wine industry with their focus on customization, convenience, and connection. Meeting their expectations now ensures your club remains relevant for years to come.


How vinSUITE Helps

vinSUITE’s upcoming FlexPay feature enables flexible payment options, catering to members who value convenience.


Why It Pays Off

  • ✅ Millennials and Gen Z already account for a significant share of wine consumption.
  • ✅ Meeting their expectations now ensures long-term growth and relevance.


Final Thoughts: Balance Simplicity and Innovation

Improving retention doesn’t require a full system overhaul. By combining small, thoughtful changes with smart tools, you can strengthen member relationships, boost ROI, and ensure your wine club stays competitive.


📢 Want to make retention easier? Contact vinSUITE today to learn how we can help.

 
Post By:   vinSUITE
 
 
 
 
 
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