Short Summary

On November 11th 2018, we launched Tippsy Sake, the largest online sake platform in the US.

My name is Genki. I moved to the US in 2009 and have been working for the largest Japanese Food/Sake importer in the US. Having seen the gap between the growing interest in craft sake and the lack of availability in selection and knowledge for majority of consumers, I founded Tippsy to take the initiatives to promote this Japanese "mystery drink" and expand the potential to make it a whole new alcohol category like wine. 

https://tippsysake.com/

Why Crowdfunding Campaign?

We want to expand our business to offer a monthly subscription service that will feature three small bottles so curious drinkers can explore new flavors and food pairings to find the brand they truly love! We need at least 100 subscribers to secure inventory and prepare operations.

Why we do what we do

Although many people have tried sake at sushi restaurants, high-quality sakes don’t usually reach consumers due to the buyer’s lack of knowledge, strict regulations in alcohol distribution, and the complex supply chain that involves a lot of middle margins. In fact, many of the products that actually reach restaurants or retail stores are cheaper, mass-produced items made in California with US-made rice. 

Sake has gained a lot of interest, but the jargon can be intimidating. Without a fair amount of knowledge, most consumers find it difficult to choose a bottle that fits their taste preferences and end up missing out on the versatile flavors of authentic, premium sake that matches all types of cuisine other than just sushi. 

Simplifying the Experience

We’ve decoded the labels and created taste metrics for almost 200 sake so you can easily try new flavors and food pairings to enhance your dining experience! With our unique and easy-to-understand visual metrics, we’re taking the guesswork out of selecting sake so that you’ll know what you’re drinking and can easily pair it with your favorite dishes. 

Streamlining the Supply Chain

Our operations will be based in California where most of the ocean containers carrying sake first arrive to the US. We’re cutting out the middlemen to keep the supply chain as short and simple as possible so that you can enjoy sake fresher than you would normally drink, and at reasonable prices. (less than half of what you’d normally pay at restaurants)

Use of Funds

We will use the fund mainly to prepare for monthly subscription box. Although we set the goal of the project to $5K to just cover base costs, we will need approximately $10K to establish smooth operations because we are just starting up.

$2000 for inventory - It takes approximately 3 months to receive shipments from Japan. This portion of funds will be used to secure inventory for the confirmed number of club members to get our service off the ground.

$5000 for Shipping Materials ( box, inserts, cutting dies and print plate) - We’ve perfected our custom-made packaging to ensure maximum durability of glass sake bottles for nationwide delivery. Upfront investment will be required to secure these shipping materials.

$3000 for Warehouse Space - We’re currently subleasing a corner of a small warehouse. A larger space is necessary for more efficient operations and the shortest turnaround for our orders.

Reward Levels

• $10: Thank-you card
• $30: Sake Glass x 2 & Sticker & Thank-you card
• $49: One Membership 
• $90: Holiday Gift Voucher($100)
• $100: Just want to support Tippsy
• $140: 3-month Membership & Glass
• $180: Holiday Gift Voucher($200)
• $270: 6-month Membership & Glass x 2
• $350: Holiday Gift Voucher($400)
• $1000: Holiday Special Gift Box
• $3,000: Invite to Professional Sake Tasting Event
• $10,000: Invite to Japan Brewery Trip

*Alcohol Shipping in US only (except for AK, AR, HI, KY, MS and UT )

Risks & Challenges

In case of failure to send the reward, we will give a full refund. We acknowledge that because of the regulations and our shipping capabilities we may not be able to the ship to following states (AK, AR, HI, KY, MS and UT) or overseas. We recommend using your work address for delivery as alcohol shipments require adult signature upon delivery to avoid the carrier returning your order.

Founder

From Nagoya, Japan. 9 years of experience in Japanese food marketing in Los Angeles, New York and Honolulu. University of Southern California, Marshall MBA 2018.