Reasons Why Online Alcohol Shops Rule Over Brick & Mortar

Reasons Why Online Alcohol Shops Rule Over Brick & Mortar
6 min read

Online alcohol shops have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering convenience and variety that brick & mortar liquor stores simply can't match. Here are some of the key reasons why more and more people are choosing to buy their wine, beer, and spirits from online retailers.

I. Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of online alcohol shops is convenience. You can browse and order alcohol from the comfort of your home or office, 24/7. No more rushing to the liquor store before it closes or fighting weekend crowds.

Online shops also make it easy to quickly compare selection and prices across retailers with just a few clicks. And you don't have to deal with parking hassles or haul heavy cases from the store to your car. Ordered items are delivered directly to your doorstep.

II. Huge Selection

Even large brick & mortar liquor stores only have so much shelf space. Online alcohol retailers aren't limited in the same way, so they can offer a much wider range of products.

For example, popular online shops may carry over 5,000 different wines, 3,000 beers, and 2,500 liquors and spirits. And their selection includes both domestic and imported, popular and obscure, mass market and artisanal products. A diverse range of vintages, varieties, styles, and price points.

It's easy to find new favorites you can't find locally. And you can use filters to zero in on exactly what you're looking for.

III. Better Prices

Online alcohol retailers tend to offer very competitive pricing for several reasons:

  • They have lower overhead without the costs of running a physical storefront. These savings get passed on to customers.

  • Increased selection means more opportunities to find great deals and discounts.

  • Online shops can quickly adjust pricing to stay competitive.

  • Retailers often offer free shipping above a minimum order value, eliminating extra costs.

Online exclusive promotions and coupons can save you even more on your purchases. For price-conscious shoppers, the savings really add up over time.

IV. Rare & Vintage Finds

One of the most exciting aspects of shopping at online alcohol specialty shops is the selection of vintage and rare products you'll find.

Need an aged single malt scotch from the 1960s to commemorate a special occasion? How about a bottle of wine from your birth year? Limited edition craft beers? Obscure liqueurs and cordials? Online shops cater to enthusiasts and collectors, making it easy to find bottles you just can't get elsewhere.

Access to this type of unique inventory opens up a whole new world for anyone interested in trying vintage alcohol or building out a collection. You'll even find helpful staff recommendations to point you to noteworthy finds.

V. Curbside Pickup

While delivery is extremely convenient, some online alcohol retailers also offer contactless curbside pickup options.

When you don't want to wait for shipping, curbside pickup allows you to place your order online and swing by the store during a selected pickup window. An employee will bring your order right to your car.

Curbside pickup combines the extensive selection of online shopping with the instant gratification of same-day pickup. It's the best of both worlds!

VI. Tailored Recommendations

One problem with liquor stores is trying to find options without guidance. The sheer variety of labels and styles makes it difficult to know where to start.

Online alcohol retailers solve this by using your purchase history and profile to provide tailored product recommendations. So you'll instantly see wines similar to what you've ordered before, local craft beers based on your tastes, cocktail recipes using your favorite spirits, and more.

Over time, the recommendations become incredibly dialed in. It's like having your own personal sommelier suggesting new alcohol to try.

VII. Safety & Responsibility

Reputable online alcohol retailers have safety practices and policies in place to promote responsible ordering for those of legal drinking age.

When ordering, you'll go through an age verification process. Retailers use delivery services that also check ID upon delivery. This helps ensure alcohol only ends up in the hands of adults.

Many retailers also allow you to set limits on order frequency and opt-in to notifications about your purchase activity. They provide transparency and tools to empower consumers to shop responsibly.

VIII. Ordering Ease

Placing an online order with an alcohol delivery service couldn't be much easier. Here's a quick step-by-step overview:

  • Browse and add items to your cart.

  • Register as a new customer or login to your account.

  • Enter your shipping address and delivery date.

  • Complete age verification.

  • Select payment method and submit order.

  • Receive shipping confirmation and tracking info.

  • ID is checked on delivery, enjoy your order!

The entire process can be completed in under 10 minutes. Much more convenient than driving to a store and back.

IX. Custom Gift Services

Online alcohol shops provide easy options for sending personalized gifts of wine, beer, liquor, or accessories:

  • Custom gift sets featuring your recipient's preferences

  • Handwritten gift messages

  • Gift wrapping and bags

  • Scheduling for future delivery dates

  • Monthly alcohol club subscriptions

  • Corporate gifting, baskets, and bundles

It's a convenient way to send clients, friends, and family thoughtful alcohol gifts from afar. Requires no trips to the post office or liquor store.

X. Specialty Shops

Beyond general marketplaces with endless alcohol varieties, you can find online specialty retailers focused on specific types of alcohol:

  • Wine merchants with deep cellars

  • Craft beer clubs featuring microbreweries

  • Independent distilleries bottling artisan spirits

  • Retailers specializing in sake, mead, ciders, etc.

It's an endless world of drinking exploration. And it's easier than ever to gain access to niche alcoholic products when shopping online.

To Sum Up...

From endless options to discounted prices, specialty finds to tailored recommendations, online alcohol delivery removes friction from the shopping experience. It simply provides a better way to buy wine, beer, and spirits.

So next time you need to restock your home bar or find the perfect gift bottles, skip the trip to the liquor megastore. Let your fingers do the walking and browse an expansive online alcohol marketplace from the comfort of home instead. The convenience and selection can't be beat. Cheers to online shopping!

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Mark Woody 2
Joined: 3 months ago
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