Best Beer On A Budget: Where To Buy

There are several options for buying beer at a low price, both in-store and online. In the US, big-box retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club are often the cheapest options for buying beer in bulk. Online, Amazon and Amazon Fresh are good options for bargain hunters, while apps like DrinkOwl and Untapped can help you find beer specials and compare prices. If you're looking for a specific type of beer, it might be worth checking out specialist retailers like Total Wine & More, which offer a wide range of options and regular specials. Finally, don't forget to consider the day of the week you're shopping—data shows that beer is often cheaper on Mondays and Tuesdays than on weekends.

Buying in bulk from wholesale retailers

Wholesale retailers are a great option for those looking to buy beer in bulk at a discounted rate. This method is particularly useful if you're hosting a large event and require a significant quantity of alcohol without breaking the bank.

Costco

Costco, a well-known wholesale retailer, offers customers the opportunity to purchase beer in bulk at cost price. While it may not be ideal for casual drinkers, it's perfect for beer enthusiasts and event hosts. Costco provides a wide range of beer options, from well-known brands to their own store brand of ales and lagers. The savings can be significant, especially when compared to grocery stores and liquor retailers, which often mark up individual bottles and cans.

Merkandi

Merkandi is a platform that simplifies the process of buying beer wholesale. It provides a centralized location to find various beer wholesalers, offering different sizes, colours, and seasonal varieties. By purchasing clearance stocks and customer returns through Merkandi, you can enjoy substantial savings. The platform also facilitates direct contact with suppliers, fostering trust and strong business relationships.

Other Wholesale Options

In addition to Costco and Merkandi, there are other wholesale retailers and platforms worth considering:

• Binny's Beverage Depot: Originating in Illinois, Binny's has expanded to over 45 locations across the Midwestern USA. They offer free curbside pickup and same-day delivery, with regular beer specials and bulk beer prices.
• Total Wine & More: An online liquor and delivery store with a wide selection of wines, spirits, and beers. They have received numerous awards and have a great rewards program.
• Wegmans: While usually associated with high-income consumers, Wegmans offers a wide range of craft beers at affordable prices, supporting local craft breweries.
• BevMo!: With free two-hour deliveries for orders over $150 and a user-friendly mobile app, BevMo! is perfect for those who need drinks delivered promptly and at competitive prices.

Using price comparison websites and apps

Price Comparison Websites

Price comparison websites allow you to view prices for the same product across multiple retailers, helping you identify the lowest price. Here are some popular options:

• Google Shopping: Allows you to compare prices across thousands of retailers and set alerts for price drops.
• PriceGrabber: A site for finding the best prices on electronics, home goods, and clothing. It offers price alerts, product ratings, and comprehensive comparisons.
• CamelCamelCamel: A site dedicated to Amazon products, providing price history charts and price drop alerts.
• PriceRunner: A large price comparison website covering various categories, including fashion, tech, and travel services. It offers retailer ratings and a free shipping filter.

Price Comparison Apps

Price comparison apps provide on-the-go access to real-time price information, often including additional features like barcode scanning and exclusive deals. Here are some options:

• DrinkOwl: Available on Android and Apple devices, DrinkOwl lists drink specials in North America. It uses your GPS location to find nearby drink specials, including beer deals from bars, restaurants, and stores.
• BeerPal: An app for Australians that checks beer stores and pubs for specials in real-time. You can store your favourite beers in the app and receive exclusive offers via push notifications.
• Booze Price Calculator: A progressive web app that helps you compare prices for various sizes of beer, wine, and spirits available in the market. It includes specific calculators for beer packs, wine bottles, and spirits bottles.
• ShopSavvy: An app with a barcode scanner that allows you to compare in-store prices with online prices. It also provides price drop alerts and trending deals.

In addition to these dedicated price comparison tools, don't forget to check prices on major online retailers like Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart, which often offer competitive prices and exclusive deals on beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Shopping at cheaper stores

When looking for the cheapest place to buy beer, it's worth considering shopping at cheaper stores. Here are some options to consider:

Wholesale Clubs:

Costco, Sam's Club, and other wholesale clubs often offer beer at low prices due to bulk purchasing. While a membership is typically required, these stores can be ideal for those looking to buy large quantities for events or personal consumption.

Discount Retailers:

Discount grocery stores like Aldi and Trader Joe's are known for their affordable prices on various products, including beer. With their focus on value, these stores can be excellent options for those seeking cheap beer options without compromising quality.

Walmart:

As the world's largest hypermarket franchise, Walmart has a significant presence in the beer market. Their global partnerships with breweries allow them to offer domestic and international beers at competitive prices. Walmart is a convenient option for those seeking a wide variety of beers at affordable prices.

Local Liquor Stores:

In some cases, local liquor stores can offer better deals than larger chain stores. Building a relationship with the store owner might even lead to discounts or special offers. It's worth checking out the prices at your local liquor stores and comparing them to other retailers.

Online Retailers:

Online retailers like Amazon and Amazon Fresh can be great options for finding cheap beer deals. Amazon, in particular, has partnerships with leading breweries worldwide and often runs sales during the holiday season, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for bargain hunters.

Regional Grocery Stores:

Depending on your location, certain regional grocery stores may offer better deals on beer. For instance, Fred Meyer in the Northwest has been known to offer quality beer at discounted prices. It's worth checking the prices at your local grocery stores, as they may have sales or promotions that compete with larger retailers.

When shopping for beer, it's beneficial to explore various options, compare prices, and take advantage of discounts and promotions. By being flexible and open to different retailers, you can find cheap beer options that fit your budget and preferences.

Buying on certain days of the week

Buying Beer on Certain Days of the Week

According to the shopper-rewards app Ibotta, consumers pay 9% more for beer on Saturdays than on Mondays. Beer is also around 1% cheaper on Wednesdays. Therefore, it is best to avoid buying beer on the weekends, as that is when you will have the most free time and are most likely to run out of beer.

Ibotta's analysis of 50 million receipts from retail stores, restaurants, and bars revealed that craft beer buyers can save 3% by shopping on Tuesdays instead of Sundays. Generally, craft beer buyers spend 13% more per ounce on a six-pack than non-craft beer buyers.

Wine is also cheaper on certain days of the week. According to Ibotta, wine is 6% more expensive on Tuesdays than on Saturdays. Therefore, if you are looking to save money on wine, avoid buying it on the weekends.

While these savings may seem small, they can add up over time. By avoiding buying beer and wine on the weekends and taking advantage of mid-week sales, you can optimize your savings.

Buying from local breweries

If you're looking for the cheapest place to buy beer, it's worth considering buying from local breweries, especially if you're after craft beer.

Benefits of buying from local breweries

Firstly, you can cut out the middleman by buying directly from the brewery, which may result in a cheaper price for you. Secondly, you can discover new beers that aren't distributed in your state or are only released in limited runs.

How to find local breweries

One way to find local breweries is to use apps like Oznr, which allow you to buy beer directly from the brewery or sign up for pre-orders and brewery memberships. Oznr currently works with select breweries across the US, including Angry Chair, Corporate Ladder, and Little Cottage Brewery.

Another way to find local breweries is to use websites like CraftShack, which is an online marketplace that connects consumers with retailers. CraftShack works with smaller, craft-centric bottle shops to fulfill orders.

Pros and cons of buying from local breweries

One advantage of buying from local breweries is that you may be able to get your hands on limited-edition or exclusive beers that aren't available elsewhere. Additionally, you can support local businesses and brewmasters by buying directly from them.

However, one disadvantage is that buying from local breweries may not always be the cheapest option, especially if you're looking for well-known or mass-produced beers. In this case, buying in bulk from wholesale retailers like Costco might be a more cost-effective option.

Tips for buying from local breweries

• Check out apps like Oznr or websites like CraftShack to discover local breweries and their offerings.
• Consider signing up for brewery memberships or pre-orders to get access to exclusive releases.
• Compare prices between local breweries and other retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal.
• If you're unsure about a particular beer, try it out at a local bar before committing to a larger purchase.
• Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during the holiday season.
• Don't forget to factor in shipping costs, as these can impact the overall price of your purchase.

Frequently asked questions