Stemware stores are abundant on the Internet. You don't even need to pick up a phone or drive to a store to get the stemware your restaurant needs. It's all right there at your fingertips on the World Wide Web.

As you go through different sites, consider what your business needs. You'll need to pick a type of glass for each class of beverage you sell, like red wine, white wine and margaritas. Think about your budget; the stemware price of individual pieces gets lower as you purchase more items. You might even want to consider getting customized glasses for your bar. Take stock of the following considerations before you buy:

1. Use stemware glasses if you want to exude an air of quality in your restaurant or bar. Real glasses are used in most restaurants and bars.

2. Consider buying wholesale stemware made from plastic. If you own a club or tavern that tends to be frequented by a more rowdy crowd, using plastic eliminates the risk of injuries caused by broken glass.

3. Promote your bar by having customized stemware made up with your company's logo. This is great if you do catering or special events.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy glass stemware by the case to keep your bar fully stocked

Stemware items are the most easily broken glasses in a restaurant. Wine and cocktail glasses are often broken by customers, but they can also break if your dishwashers, bartenders and bussers don't handle them properly, so teach them well. It's a good idea to buy in bulk to save money.

I recommend: Choose red and white wine glasses at Ace Mart Restaurant Supply, which sells by the case. If your bar serves martinis and other cocktails, check out the large selection of martini glasses at Swank Martini Company, then email them for a bulk order quote.

Get bulk plastic stemware that's sturdy

It's not always practical to use glass in your restaurant or bar. If you ever have rowdy folks drinking alcohol in your establishment, you might be wise to invest in some plastic stemware to avoid problems with broken glass. If a fight were ever to break out, glassware is the first thing to get damaged. Only you can decide if the risks of glass outweigh the benefits in your specific bar.

I recommend: Try out the plastic break-resistant wine and specialty stemware from SimplySmartLiving.com. Check out the large selection of plastic "glasses" at ReStockIt.com.

Market your restaurant with promotional stemware

You can get your company's name, logo, slogan or whatever you want printed on wine and cocktail glasses. Choose from real glass or sturdy plastic, depending on what you want to use the stemware for. Consider offering specialty drinks in your customized glasses and allowing the guests to keep them as souvenirs. Definitely get plastic stemware to use if you ever do outdoor events.

I recommend: Select a set of martini glasses from the wide variety offered at DiscountMugs.com, all of which can be personalized with your company's logo or slogan. Order plastic stemware imprinted with your company's name at Kardwell International.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you own an upscale restaurant, you'll want to use crystal stemware instead of just regular glass for your wines and cocktails. You must stay in keeping with the atmosphere you're trying to promote; if your prices are high, you've got to add the charming touches your guests will appreciate.