How Local Alcohol Retailers Can Grow with Online Sales – selling alcohol used to be about location. A storefront, regulars, and walk-in traffic sustained the business. But customer habits have shifted. More people are opting to shop online, even for items such as wine, beer, and spirits.
If you run a local alcohol business, this change is an opportunity. Going online lets you reach new buyers, offer pre-orders, and stay top of mind beyond store hours.
But there are a few key areas to get right first.
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Check Your Local and State Rules
Every region has its own alcohol laws. What’s allowed in one city may not be in the next. Before you start taking orders online, check the rules where you live and where you plan to deliver.
This includes whether you can deliver alcohol yourself, what hours you can sell, and what licenses you need. You’ll also want to check ID verification requirements for deliveries or pickups.
Work with someone who understands local compliance. It might be a lawyer, an accountant, or a licensing officer. Getting this right early protects your business and builds trust with customers.
Set Up the Right Payment Tools
Alcohol sales come with extra restrictions, especially online. Some payment processors won’t allow it.
Others require you to make extra checks. If you set up your store without checking, you could end up with frozen funds or rejected orders.
This is where choosing the right merchant account makes a difference. Look for providers that allow legal alcohol sales and support ID verification or age checks. This helps you stay compliant and avoid interruptions to your service. If you run a store that sells alcohol, you will need to have a merchant account for online alcohol sales. This will enable you to offer services such as local collections.
Ensure your system integrates seamlessly with your website or app. A smooth checkout experience keeps customers coming back. Delays or errors in payment often lead to abandoned carts.
Offer Pickup, Delivery, or Both
Online shopping doesn’t have to mean shipping across the country. There are now many local buyers who would prefer to save time and collect from a local store. If you offer same-day pick up or a local delivery service, many local businesses can compete with large corporations.
Start by making your inventory visible online. Let people browse your wine, beer, and spirits collection without needing to call the shop. Then provide them with easy options for pickup or delivery.
Clear cutoff times, location limits, and delivery fees help manage expectations. These details reduce support questions and make the buying process smoother.
If you deliver, make sure your drivers check IDs and follow all local rules. If you offer pickup, train staff on what to check before handing off an order.
Build Loyalty Beyond the Store
Your regulars already like your products and service. Online sales let you stay connected between visits. Use email updates, reorder reminders, or loyalty points to keep them engaged.
You can also offer special packs, seasonal deals, or local-only promotions. All of these are giving people a reason to choose your shop over a more national chain or even shop online.
The key is to keep your local touch. Online orders don’t need to feel distant. A handwritten thank-you or quick follow-up message can go a long way.
If you make the process smooth, reliable, and personal, your customers will continue to come back, both online and in person.
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