Arabella Franco
Buying beer in bulk can be a great way to save money, but it can be tricky to navigate the various laws and regulations surrounding alcohol sales. In the United States, for example, the laws governing alcohol sales vary from state to state, and even from county to county. This can make it difficult to purchase beer that is not distributed in your area, as breweries typically sell their products through distributors who operate within a limited geographic area. While some states allow direct-to-consumer shipping, the laws surrounding out-of-state shipping can be complex and restrictive. Additionally, shipping alcohol across state lines by private parties is generally illegal. As a result, there is no single Amazon-style warehouse that ships a wide variety of beers to consumers across the country. However, there are a few options for purchasing beer online, such as Tavour, Beer Drop, and Beer Menus, although these services may be expensive and have limited shipping areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping of alcohol across state lines | Illegal by private parties |
| Beer availability | Depends on the state and county |
| Beer purchase | Online or in-store |
What You'll Learn
Check state and local laws
When buying beer closeouts, it is important to check state and local laws to ensure compliance with regulations. Alcohol laws vary widely across the United States, and it is essential to understand the specific rules in your area. Here are some key considerations:
Business Type and Premises
On-premises sales refer to drinks purchased and consumed at restaurants and bars, while off-premises sales involve buying bottles or cans from grocery stores, convenience stores, or liquor stores. Some states and local jurisdictions have different regulations for these two types of sales. For example, some areas may restrict hours based on the type of business, allowing on-premises sales until a certain time while having different rules for off-premises sales.
Alcohol Type
The type of alcohol being sold can also determine the applicable laws. Some states set specific hours for the sale of liquor/spirits, wine, or beer. Additionally, some jurisdictions divide these categories further by ABV (alcohol by volume), imposing tighter restrictions on beverages with higher alcohol content.
Day of the Week and Holidays
Alcohol selling hours often vary depending on the day of the week. For example, Sunday sales may be prohibited or restricted to certain hours in some areas. Holidays can also impact alcohol sales, with some states and local jurisdictions having special provisions for days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
Dry Counties and Local Exceptions
It is important to be aware of dry counties, which prohibit alcohol sales within their boundaries. Even within wet states, there may be dry counties or cities with more restrictive laws. Conversely, some local jurisdictions may have more lenient laws than the state as a whole, allowing exceptions to state-wide rules.
Training and Certification
For individuals working in the alcohol industry, such as servers or sellers, it is crucial to stay informed about applicable laws to avoid legal trouble. Alcohol seller/server training is offered in many states and can be a valuable way to protect yourself from unintentionally breaking the law. In some states, this training is even legally required.
Online Resources
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information about your state's and local jurisdiction's laws, it is recommended to refer to official websites. While blogs and articles can provide a general overview, the laws may change, and local exceptions may apply. Therefore, consulting official sources is the best way to ensure compliance.
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Consider domestic, imported, and craft beers
When it comes to buying beer closeouts, it's important to consider the different types of beers available: domestic, imported, and craft beers. Each type has its own unique characteristics, and understanding these differences can help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Domestic beers are typically brewed by large American brewing companies and are mass-produced to maintain a consistent flavor profile. They are usually lagers, as they are the most popular type of beer, and are designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers. Examples of domestic beers include Budweiser, Miller, Coors, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. These beers are easy to find and are usually inexpensive.
Imported beers, on the other hand, are brewed in other countries and then imported into the United States. There are no specific characteristics as imported beers can come from large international breweries or small independent brewers. Popular imported beers include Heineken, Corona, Guinness, and Stella Artois. The taste and quality of imported beers depend on the country of origin and their brewing traditions.
Craft beers are brewed with more care and precision, often using higher-quality ingredients. They are produced in smaller batches and tend to have a richer flavor profile. Craft breweries are usually locally owned and operated, and they may use local ingredients to create unique and diverse beer styles. Some popular craft breweries include Sierra Nevada, New Belgium Brewing Company, and Dogfish Head Brewery. Craft beers are generally more expensive than domestic beers due to their smaller production scale and higher ingredient costs.
When buying beer closeouts, it's important to consider your target audience and their preferences. Domestic beers are a safe choice for a wide range of consumers, while imported and craft beers may appeal to those looking for something more unique or higher-quality. Additionally, consider the availability and distribution of the beer, as domestic beers typically have wider distribution channels.
In conclusion, by understanding the differences between domestic, imported, and craft beers, you can make more informed decisions when buying beer closeouts. Each type of beer has its own advantages and appeals to different consumer segments. By considering factors such as taste, availability, and price, you can choose the right type of beer to meet your specific needs and preferences.
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Compare prices
Comparing prices is a crucial aspect of buying beer closeouts, and there are several strategies to ensure you get the best deals. Here are some tips to help you compare prices when purchasing beer:
Use Price Comparison Apps and Websites:
Utilize price comparison apps or websites specifically designed for finding beer specials, such as BeerPal. These platforms can notify you of exclusive offers and provide real-time updates on specials from various liquor stores and pubs. This helps you make informed decisions and choose where to buy based on your preferred prices.
Domestic, Imported, and Craft Beers:
When comparing prices, consider the type of beer you're interested in. Domestic beers, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, and Miller, often have different pricing structures than imported and craft beers. Imported beers like Corona and Heineken may have different price points than local craft beers.
Bottled, Canned, and Draft Beer:
The packaging of beer also affects its pricing. Bottled beer typically has a lower profit margin due to additional packaging and material costs. Canned or bottled beer should offer a profit margin of around 75%, resulting in a pour cost of about 25%. Draft beer, on the other hand, is generally more cost-efficient, with a recommended profit margin of 80% and a pour cost of 20%.
Wholesale Prices and Retail Markup:
Understanding wholesale prices and retail markups is essential for comparing prices accurately. For canned or bottled beer, the wholesale price per bottle should be between $3.35 and $5, depending on the type of beer and its popularity. Craft beer pricing may involve multiplying the wholesale price by factors of 2, 2.5, or 3, depending on various factors such as supply and demand.
Special Promotions and Discounts:
Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered by retailers. Happy hours, volume discounts, and special events can provide opportunities to purchase beer at lower prices. However, be mindful that the prices should still allow for a reasonable profit margin without significantly impacting it.
Location and Demographics:
The location and target demographic of the retailer can also impact pricing. Beer prices in bars or restaurants located in big cities tend to be higher than those in smaller towns. Additionally, consider the age of your target market, as younger customers may be more price-sensitive than older ones.
Compare by Brand and Pack Type:
When comparing prices, ensure you are looking at the same brand and pack type (bottle, can, or draft). Different brands will have different pricing structures, and the cost per unit can vary significantly between bottles, cans, and draft options.
Check Multiple Retailers:
Don't rely on a single retailer for price comparisons. Visit multiple websites or stores to get a sense of the market price for the beer you're interested in. This will help you identify retailers offering competitive prices and ensure you don't miss out on better deals elsewhere.
Consider Shipping and Taxes:
When comparing prices, factor in shipping costs and applicable taxes. These additional expenses can vary across retailers and locations, impacting the final price you pay. Look for retailers that offer free shipping or have promotions that include these costs.
Dynamic Pricing and Demand:
Be mindful of dynamic pricing strategies employed by some retailers. Prices may fluctuate based on demand, resulting in higher prices during peak times and lower prices during slower periods. If you're flexible with your purchase timing, you can take advantage of these variations.
By following these tips and strategies, you'll be able to effectively compare prices when buying beer closeouts. Remember to stay informed about market trends, wholesale prices, and the pricing strategies used by retailers to make the most of your purchases.
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Order online
There are numerous online options for buying beer, including closeout deals. Some of the major online retailers are listed below, along with some key details about each.
CraftShack
CraftShack is an online marketplace that connects beer buyers with smaller, craft-centric bottleshops. They have a wide range of craft beers, with over 75 labels, and also stock spirits, wine, and cocktail kits. CraftShack ships across the continental US, with shipping costs ranging from $19.99 to $29.99, depending on the location and order size.
Untappd Shop
The world's largest social media craft beer networking app, Untappd, has launched its own e-commerce platform, the Untappd Shop. It offers over 250 beers and often collaborates with top breweries to offer exclusive, limited-edition bundles. The shop currently ships to 14 states: AK, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, NE, NH, NY, ND, OR, PA, VA, and DC.
Oznr
Oznr is an app-based platform that doesn't ship beer directly but allows select breweries to ship on the app. Breweries can release new offerings digitally and build excitement through pre-sales, waitlists, and raffles. Oznr is available in select cities and is adding more breweries to the app.
Half Time
Half Time is a New York-based virtual bottleshop offering one of the largest selections of beer, cider, and mead. You can order as little as a single can or as much as a case, and they ship to select zip codes in 26 states.
Tavour
Tavour is a subscription-based app that lets customers fill up a box of beer over time before shipping it out. The offerings rotate constantly, and shipping is a flat rate of $15.
Craft Beer Kings
Craft Beer Kings offers a wide range of hype beers from breweries across the country. You can either build your own monthly subscription box or purchase a mixed-style case. A case of 12 pint-sized cans costs $99 per month. They ship to most of the contiguous US (lower 48 states).
Best Damn Beer Shop
The Best Damn Beer Shop is a San Diego-based retailer offering local pickup and online ordering. They have a minimum order of $40 and six bottles, and they ship to 24 states.
Drizly
Drizly is a local delivery service that will pick up your order from a neighborhood shop and deliver it, usually within an hour, for a $5 surcharge.
Saucey
Saucey is another local delivery app that promises quick, zero-fee delivery. However, the beer selection can be limited in specific areas.
Minibar
Minibar offers a range of beer, liquor, ice, and mixers, with the delivery fees worked into the price. There is no delivery fee, but tipping is encouraged.
FreshDirect
FreshDirect offers a wide range of domestic and craft beers for a $5.99 delivery fee.
Craft City
Craft City has an impressive inventory of craft beers, including smaller brewery labels, with over 100 different brews. However, you'll need to pay FedEx ground shipping fees and a $3 "Adult Signature Delivery Fee."
Sam's Club
Sam's Club offers bulk beer cases and pallets for sale online, with the option to pick up your order at a nearby location. They have a variety of domestic, imported, and craft beers.
When ordering beer online, please remember to check the shipping restrictions for your state, as some platforms cannot ship to certain states due to alcohol shipping laws.
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Pick up in-store
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Frequently asked questions
Beer closeouts are deals on beer that is being discontinued or cleared out to make way for new stock. These deals often offer discounted prices.
You can find beer closeouts at various retailers, including liquor stores, grocery stores, and online beer retailers. Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts.
Keep an eye on the beer section of your local stores, as they may display clearance or closeout signs for beers that are being discontinued. You can also ask the store staff about any upcoming closeouts.
Yes, there are online beer retailers that offer closeout deals. However, be mindful of shipping restrictions and regulations, especially when purchasing across state lines.
