Online liquor delivery is on the rise nowadays. In fact, some surveys report that many consumers have ordered liquor online in the past 6 months.
If you want to tap into this trend, then you have to optimize your liquor store for alcohol delivery. Modern customers value convenience and customizable experiences. Offering alcohol delivery from your store gives them both.
It can feel overwhelming to step into the world of alcohol delivery. We have covered some basics of entering the alcohol delivery business. This article is covered with trends and step by step processes you can follow to get your liquor delivery in your store.
Liquor Delivery Business Trends
Let us talk about alcohol delivery in general before discussing the steps. Liquor delivery is the process of delivering beer, wine etc to customers through online ordering platforms.
This offering has emerged in recent years as a response to growing expectations and demand for convenience.
Secure and compliant liquor delivery used to seem impossible until a few years ago. But it is becoming the norm for the integration of new technologies and tools. Customers can now browse store inventory and track deliveries en route with mobile apps and online storefronts.
There are also other existing trends in alcohol delivery business beside the general trend toward adoption. First is the trend of expanded delivery options. Some customers want their alcohol delivery a quick turnaround for last minute needs.
Others may want the option to plan ahead and select future time slots so their alcohol reaches at a specific time. Flexible and tiered delivery services can benefit businesses by catering to both audiences.
Another critical trend is the focus on legal and regulatory compliance. The laws governing alcohol sale, transportation, and delivery vary by state and locality.
Though there are some regulations that remain consistent. If you want to implement liquor delivery for your store, then you must partner with a delivery service or technology tool that performs age verification checks upon delivery.
Learn the Steps
Let us explore the steps you should take to enter the liquor delivery business and start offering the service from your store.
- Assess Legal Requirements and Obtain Licenses
The first step you must take is to research all the state and local laws and statutes regarding alcohol delivery businesses. There are some places that do not permit offering alcohol due to some laws.
Research properly and know the places. Consult with an attorney or legal expert to determine whether you are able to offer liquor delivery or not.
Ensure your liquor store holds all retail and e-commerce licenses required for alcohol delivery. Submit permit applications early as approval timelines can be lengthy for new delivery stores.
- Select a Proper Point of Sale System
It is the next step to do. Choose your technological solution. Your point of sale (POS) platform is critical in your alcohol delivery journey. You may struggle to manage your delivery services without the right solution.
Select a point of sale system that integrates with e-commerce options and partners with delivery applications or services. You may need your point of sale to do more than manage your delivery services.
Choose a point of sale solution with features for:
- Age verification
- Inventory management
- Dual pricing
- Customer loyalty programs
- Advanced analytics.
A wise move is to select a future ready point of sale system that can scale with you as you grow your store.
- Set up an E-commerce Platform
Be ready to do this after selecting your point of sale solution. Connect your point of sale software to its e-commerce engine. Otherwise, research compatible third party e-commerce solutions.
Prioritize an intuitive site interface when setting up your online store. The more intuitive your online store is, the easier it will be for customers to navigate the site and buy their desired products.
Make sure your site includes frictionless and secure checkout that accepts various payment methods. You should display the following on your site:
- Inventory and store offerings
- Pricing
- Product descriptions
- Delivery terms
- Restrictions and regulations.
- Implement Age Verification Measures
Responsible alcohol service remains number one priority for your store, even when delivering products instead of selling them to your customers. Integrate age verification measures at several stages in your process.
Require customers to upload ID photos when ordering to validate they are of legal age before they are able to access your online site. Then set clear rules around examining or scanning physical IDs upon liquor delivery before hand off.
Make sure the customer is of legal drinking age. Implementing processes like these to stay compliant helps avoid violations that would jeopardize your license and your business.
- Build Delivery Logistics
If you intend to manage delivery services in-house, then you must define delivery zones and set delivery fees. Take steps to determine cost structures and order minimums to ensure delivery is a feasible venture for your store.
You can also choose to simplify these challenges by working with a third party delivery service. Regardless of your delivery method, you should implement tracking capabilities where possible so customers can track their orders.
If you partner with a third party delivery service, then the service will take care of tracking and delivery verification on your behalf.
- Promote Your Online Delivery Service
Order liquor online will not do your store much good if no one knows you offer it. You have to promote your alcohol delivery business as a result.
Spread the word about your new alcohol delivery option through owned channels like websites and email subscribers.
Make focused posts and campaigns on the social media channels of your store and make displays and signage to advertise the new delivery option.
Closing Words
Offering liquor delivery can provide your liquor store with various benefits like an expanded customer base, more revenue, and happier customers. Follow the above mentioned steps and set up your alcohol delivery options and start enjoying the benefits in your store.
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