Are you ready to ship your beer? Perhaps you are one of those people trying to weigh the risk of whether to ship beer on your own or hire a professional beer distribution company. If you’re still undecided, this article is definitely for you.
What Is Beer Distribution?
The beer distribution process starts at the brewery, where the beer is packaged and shipped to distributors. The distributors then sell the beer to bars and retailers, who in turn sell it to consumers. This process ensures that beer is available in stores and bars throughout the country.
The distribution of alcoholic beverages is governed by the three-tier system. This system requires that all beers go through their respective distributor at each step in the process before reaching bars, retailers, or consumers. The system was created in order to prevent large breweries from wielding an unfair amount of influence over bars and retailers.
Without the three-tier system, distributors and retailers would be put in a position where they had to choose between selling the beers of only one brewery or none at all. The three-tier system also allows brewers to focus on their craft beer while distributors work to provide them with access to bars and retailers to sell beer.
Self Beer Distribution
Self-distribution of beer is a process in which the brewer sells beer to the retailer. The retailer then sells the beer to the end consumer. In some cases, the brewer may also act as a retailer.
There are a few benefits of the self-distribution of beer.
1. Direct Alcohol Shipments
Self-distribution means that the brewery sells the beer directly to consumers. This can be done in a few ways: through retailers, such as grocery stores or liquor stores, or through taprooms, which are establishments where the brewery sells the beer itself. It allows them to keep more of the profits since they don’t have to pay a distributor.
2. Maintain Control Over Product Movement
If your brewery self-distributes, you maintain control of how and where alcohol shipments will happen. Usually, a representative works for you. In case you want to make an urgent but reasonable change of process or if you want your beer to be sold at a specific location, your employees can execute that immediately.
3. Get Feedback Directly from your Customers
Since your salespeople communicate directly to customers, they can get more feedback from customers since they can talk to them directly about their alcoholic beverages. This feedback can help breweries improve their beers and make better products.
However, there are also disadvantages to the self-distribution of beer.
1. Struggle to Reach Consumers
Breweries may not have the resources to distribute their beers as widely or as quickly as professional beer shippers since they don’t have massive trucks and storage tanks. This may cause consumers to be unable to buy their beer in a local wine merchant.
2. Huge Capital Needed
Logistics is a critical aspect of self beer distribution. A reliable and efficient logistics operation can be the difference between success and failure for a young company. This is especially true in the world of beer retail, where the delivery of products to retailers’ doors is a key part of the customer experience.
This is why it’s so important for young companies to have access to large amounts of capital in order to invest in a top-notch logistics operation. Unfortunately, if you don’t have enough funds, it’s better to consider other relevant options. We will discuss it further in this article.
3. Self-Distribution Might Be Unlawful In Your Location
Brewing your own beer is a popular pastime in the United States, and many people choose to do so because of the quality and variety of beers that they can produce. However, one thing that many brewers don’t realize is that self-distribution of their own beer is illegal in most states because each of them has its own laws.
This means that, if you want to sell your beer, you have to go through a distributor. Shipping beer is really not a simple task. This can be a frustrating process, as distributors often have their own ideas about what beers they want to sell and may not be interested in your product.
There are some states where shipping laws might consider self-distribution as legal, but it’s important to check the laws in your state before you start brewing. If you’re caught selling beer without a license, you may be subject to fines or even jail time.
Professional Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages
Choosing professional distribution via reliable logistics will save you from the hassle of creating your own shipping company. Shipping beer is not comparable to packing peanuts. It’s also beyond compliance with the governing local laws.
The only limitation is the marketing constraints because you cannot extend direct product promotion of other alcoholic beverages through beer distribution via logistics. Rest assured that there are many benefits when shipping alcohol via Red Dog Logistics.
Some of these advantages include:
1) Expertise
A good logistics company will have a lot of expertise in the field. This means that they will be able to ship beer in the most efficient way possible, ensuring that your products reach their destination on time and in the best condition possible. Additionally, they obtain the proper license(s) and understand the applicable laws of the state(s). Most of them, like Red Dog Logistics, keep track of the latest local rules and regulations in case there is an alcohol ban or new regulatory processes to ship alcohol..
2) Cost-efficiency
A good shipping company will be able to save you money by streamlining your shipping process and shipping materials. They will know the most cost-effective way to ship your products, and they will also be able to negotiate better shipping rates than you would be able to get on your own. This is due to distribution companies building relationships with other companies which in time helps to lower the overall shipping cost.
3) Time-efficiency
A great distribution company will know what sort of shipment and alcohol shipping methods will be most effective for your items. They will also know how to process customs forms quickly and efficiently, which means that you won’t have to wait around on the dock for your package. This allows you to ship beer with ease and without worry.
4) Security
Any good logistics company will ensure that your products are protected throughout the shipping process. If the process needs shipping labels, bubble wrap, shipping tape, plastic bags, inner packaging, specified molded fiber tray, and any other packing materials, they understand when and where each of these items is necessary. Accordingly, to ensure the utmost security of the alcohol and wine shipments, they will provide you with a tracking number and insurance so that your products arrive safely at their destination. They will also be able to make arrangements for delivery if you need something sent directly to someone else’s address such as licensed consignees, convenience stores, or a licensed retailer.
5) Flexibility
This is what separates a good logistics company from a great one. We offer services that go beyond just the ordinary shipment of goods. If you have special requests, such as ‘just in time’ delivery, we will be able to accommodate you. They will also be able to provide warehousing space if you need somewhere to store your products before selling them. Some logistics companies even offer mobile storage units for this purpose. Here at Red Dog Logistics, we pride ourselves on being flexible and accomodating to any alcohol shipping needs you may have.
6) Documentation
A great shipping company will provide all of the necessary documentation that is required for you to get your shipments from Point A to Point B. This includes customs forms, bills of lading, and all of the other forms that may be necessary for shipping your items internationally. When you work with us, we will ensure all the necessary documents for every stage of the process are prepared and correct. This is one of the many reasons any shipment from us will arrive on time and intact.
7) Customization
A good logistics company will work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. They will discuss different shipping options with you based on what is most cost-effective and timely for your particular situation. They will also be able to provide warehousing services or inventory management services if that is what you need. Here at Red Dog Logistics, we don’t offer a one size fits all approach. We look at every customer’s needs individually and come up with a plan to move the goods safely, efficiently, timely, and following the applicable law(s).
8) Additional Services
A good logistics company will have the ability to provide additional services beyond just transportation and warehousing. They may be able to offer value-added services such as product assembly, testing, certification to strict policies, cleaning, storage, and other similar things.
9) Reliability:
A good logistics company will be loyal to its clients. This includes offering reliable customer service, delivering your goods on time, and meeting all of their contractual obligations as a provider of contractual service.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective logistics company, contact Red Dog Logistics today. We offer a wide range of services that will meet your needs, and we guarantee your satisfaction with the quality of our service.