How to Run a Liquor Store?

“Quick summary” Managing businesses require end-to-end management, and you need to combine so many different activities, and liquor businesses are no exception.

So, regardless of whether you are starting a liquor business or are you already running one, managing a liquor business is no easy feat. With so many factors to consider, from inventory management to customer satisfaction, keeping track of everything and managing everything seamlessly can be overwhelming.

As per a study, the global alcoholic beverages market size was valued at USD 1.47 trillion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1.86 trillion by 2027. After witnessing these whopping numbers, you surely don't want to miss out on that and leverage it to enhance your market share.

Wondering how?

Don't worry! Our detailed checklist has got you covered. We've compiled this comprehensive checklist which includes everything you need to know about - when it comes to managing your liquor business and achieving a competitive edge in the industry.

Whether you're managing a small liquor store or a large chain of bars and restaurants, our checklist will provide you with the right guidance you need to stay on top of your game.

Let's dive down and get started.

16 Essential Tips for Running a Liquor Store

Starting a business is a first step, and managing your store or business is a whole new process and requires comprehensive planning and management, streamlining operations, staffing, marketing, and other things around.

By the end of this checklist, you'll have a solid understanding of what it takes to run a successful liquor business and be well on your way to achieving your goals. Keep reading to learn about the entire checklist for managing your business seamlessly!

1. Stay On Top of Trends

The key to running a successful liquor store is balancing the needs of your patrons with current market trends. Additionally, keeping up with trends entails paying attention to your customers, cultivating positive working relationships with suppliers, and foreseeing the products that will be in high demand.

As a result, you must research analytics, analyze market demand, and determine what your customers want from you.

Let's use an illustration to clarify: Some of the most well-liked drinks available at liquor stores in 2022 were actually non-alcoholic and low-alcohol. Because of contemporary digital advertising as well as the rising demand for health among younger consumers, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks are becoming increasingly common and popular among the audience.

All liquor stores should stock the more recent beverage categories, such as fermented drinks with a health focus, cannabis-infused drinks, non-alcoholic wines, and low-alcohol whiskey. Products with limited alcohol content are becoming more popular, including hard seltzers, canned wine and cocktails, large-batch cocktail kits, and others.

Of course, it's still crucial to maintain the fundamentals, which include a few of the most popular alcoholic beverages.

2. Organize Informative Events and Tastings

Consumers enjoy learning about interesting topics such as producing distinctive flavors or understanding how alcohol is created. Organizing a tasting is a great way to showcase your business and draw customers. These tastings give liquor businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and provide clients with a unique experience.

A well-thought-out tasting event can help participants form a lasting image of the business and foster brand loyalty. Participants might tell their friends and family about their experience, which could result in effective word-of-mouth advertising.

Here are some things you should keep in mind before hosting this type of event:

• Know Your Target Market: Before hosting a tasting event, take the time to understand your target audience. Consider your audience's preferences, interests, and knowledge level when it comes to liquor and tailor the event for an engaging experience.
• Opting up the Right Order: You should advise your customers on opting for the drink in the right order. They need to start with the lowest alcohol content and move up to the highest grade. It can help prevent alcohol exhaustion and sensory overload while allowing for a natural progression of flavor and complexity.
• Pick up the Right Style: There are many different styles of tasting events to choose from, including blind tastings, vertical tastings, and food and drink pairings. Choose a style that best fits your target audience and the products you are showcasing.
• Guide Them Properly: To create an engaging user experience, you should provide them with tasting pointers, including informing them about how to properly taste and evaluate each drink.
• Serve Water and Snacks: To help prevent alcohol exhaustion and maintain participants' sensory abilities, provide water and snacks throughout the event. It can also help cleanse the palate between drinks and keep participants engaged and focused.

3. Offer a Selection of Impulse Products

Impulsive buying refers to a customer's tendency to make last-minute purchases of products or services. It is among the beneficial practices(mostly used by retail stores) to enhance revenues and customer satisfaction as a whole.

When a client makes spontaneous and on-the-spot purchases, feelings and sensations usually play a part. Stock up on party supplies, blenders, and juices, as well as other things like bar supplies and equipment.

A simple way to increase sales of high-margin goods and improve your bottom line is to place such items close to the checkouts.

You must thoroughly research your target market, do a full market analysis, and maintain the correct items in order to influence your customers to make a buying decision which helps you boost customer satisfaction and even profits.

4. Leverage Loyalty Clubs

Recognizing and appreciating your loyal customers through discounts, special offers, gifts, and other incentives is more crucial than ever. Starting loyalty programs is a fantastic marketing tactic for drawing your customers. It peels to splurge on your customers when you offer them enticing incentives, discounts, or awards.

In today's competitive environment, where customers have so many options to choose from, launching loyalty programs becomes very important.

Apart from attracting customers, it even helps in offering insightful information about consumer behavior and useful data. Liquor companies can better understand their consumers' demands and customize their marketing initiatives by keeping track of customer preferences and purchases.

Quick Tip: Although there are many loyalty programs available, a points program may be the most effective for a liquor store. Starting loyalty clubs would be quite appealing to alcohol fanatics. Just make it easy for customers to sign up for the subscription service online and in-store.

Overall, loyalty programs can assist customers in attracting repeat business, offering insightful data, promoting a community, and building lasting relationships with their clients.

5. Include Unique Items in Your Inventory

It's great if you are enjoying great customer footfall in your liquor business, but offering something new to your customers is also important. But, in order to expand and stand out from the crowd, you occasionally need to introduce new drinks in different categories or brands. You can opt to start serving snacks with the drinks or some related accessories.

Ask the vendors about several of their lesser-known products and order a small quantity to start. If all goes smoothly, you can place large orders, and if not, you can still experiment with other ones until you get the ideal one.

It encourages the customers to keep coming back to you in search of newly found products. And if customers like to stick to the basics, you can still add the new one to enhance the average value per customer.

So, in the end, experimenting is the key!

Here's a quick Tip: Make sure you analyze your customers and market demand, as it will give you a better idea regarding what to keep in your liquor business.

6. Location, Location, Location

For your liquor store business, it is crucial to make sure your location is visible and easy to find. Because you want prospective clients to be able to see your store quickly, as visibility is crucial. So, choose a location that is close to other well-known businesses or on busy streets.

Therefore, it is clear that your liquor store's location (like that of other businesses) has a significant impact on sales. Stores in less populous regions or states can anticipate annual sales of about $70,000. And when it comes to busy locations, the liquor stores can make around $100,000 and $150,000.

You should also conduct demographic research on your target market while choosing a site for your liquor store. Look into the median age, rate of marriage, and income of the residents.

Additionally, you should seek out a location where there is a sizable demand for alcohol but little competition. It could be challenging to draw clients and differentiate yourself from the competition if there are already a lot of liquor stores in the neighborhood.

7. Inventory Selection

Choosing what is right for your liquor business helps you a lot in rendering best-in-class products to your customers. The tendency of liquor store owners to stock up on goods depending on their own personal tastes is a widespread trait.

You need to think less of yourself and your opinions from the equation in order to operate a successful store. Stick to the market study and what your audience wants, regardless of what you drink, like, or what your gut tells you.

Install a new POS system for the liquor store that enables insight into promotional efficacy and KPI monitoring with every transaction. Not only should the correct POS system be able to manage and record how much stock you have at any one time, but it should also be able to provide you with precise sales data for each individual product.

Remember, what matters most is that you stock and sell the items that earn the highest margins, and the best liquor store POS system will guide you in that manner.

8. Pricing Strategy

Your performance in the market may be significantly impacted by the price plan you decide on for your liquor business. Selling your goods too high may scare away potential clients, while selling them too cheap may hurt your profit margins for liquor stores and diminish the value of your company. Decide on the ideal pricing approach that will enable you to strike a balance between profitability and client happiness.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while deciding the pricing strategy:

• Analyze the market demand and supply for the specific type of liquor you want to price.
• Determine the perceived value of your product by considering the uniqueness of your product, its quality, and the level of service you offer to your customers.
• Calculate your costs to set the right price for your liquor product. It includes considering the cost of production, shipping, taxes, and any other expenses.
• Consider your target customers and their willingness to pay. It involves understanding their purchasing habits and price sensitivity to determine the optimal price point.
• Evaluate your competition and their pricing strategies, as it will help you determine the right price for your product while remaining competitive in the market.
• Test your pricing strategy with a small sample of customers to determine the effectiveness of the pricing strategy before making a final decision.

Quick Note: Regularly evaluating your pricing strategy is critical to ensure it is still applicable and efficient in the liquor industry's evolving market conditions.

9. Marketing Strategy

Any local store must have a marketing plan. The same holds true for liquor stores.

You can grow revenue, draw in new customers, and establish brand recognition with the aid of effective marketing. Establishing your target demographic is the first step in creating marketing tactics for your liquor business.

Take into account the age, gender, income level, and region of your client base. You can use this information to develop audience-resonant marketing strategies that are specifically targeted.

Here are some of the marketing channels through which you can increase your liquor business visibility:

• Social media
• Loyalty programs
• Email marketing
• In-person marketing
• Traditional marketing tactics such as newspapers, flyers, local magazines, etc.
• Influencer marketing
• Samples testings

Look for alcohol marketing laws before we continue. Following the law not only demonstrates your responsibility but also fosters customer confidence. Watch out for restrictions on age, prohibitions against promoting excessive or reckless drinking, health and safety regulations, and social media usage rules.

10. Customer Service

The success of your organization depends on providing excellent customer service and happiness. You must therefore ensure that your clients are satisfied with the products they receive and their overall experience at the store.

In order to accomplish this, you need to know your customers, train your personnel, and use technology effectively, followed by top-notch customer service; prompt and accurate question-and-answer responses and timely complaint resolution are all necessary.

It will also help to guarantee that clients have a pleasant experience and depart with a smile by offering helpful suggestions for what they should try next.

And uphold customer happiness to make this happen. With the appropriate techniques in place, you can create an attractive environment that will attract customers and keep them coming back.

11. Staff Management

Staff is at the heart of any business, and their efficient management drives your business. So, make sure you ace it. Firstly, you need to determine your needs regarding how many employees you will need to manage your operations effectively.

After hiring - you also need to provide end-to-end training to your staff, which ensures that they are fully updated about your business and know how to run liquor stores and deal with your customers seamlessly.

Make sure your staff is well-versed in all facets of running a liquor store because they should know about the products you sell. It includes performing tasks like stocking shelves and responding to customer service requests.

Having knowledgeable employees will ensure customers have a pleasant experience and will even encourage them to come back in the future. Aside from that, make sure everyone on staff is familiar with the rules and laws that govern the sale of alcohol in your state or region.

Additionally, make an effort to create a welcoming environment so that workers look forward to coming to work.

12. Check up on your suppliers (From time to Time)

You are not compelled to stick with the same distribution business or suppliers from the start while you are establishing your liquor store. They allegedly promised deals in order to get you through the door. They might have slightly increased the price without telling you because you are a regular customer.

Compared to other suppliers, they are charging you more. So occasionally, get in touch with other distributors to see what their prices are and compare the prices to get the best one for your business. This back & forth is worth it, as wholesale prices have a direct impact on your bottom line.

To find cheap wholesalers, make sure you are not compromising on the quality of the products at your liquor store because quality makes a huge difference.

Quick Tip: Also, don't forget to have a backup supplier with you in case your current supplier fails to deliver or might not have the required products at some point. It will help you in fulfilling your customers' demands efficiently.

13. Inventory Management

It takes coordination to handle liquor store inventory levels while keeping your sanity. The success or failure of a business can depend on keeping correct inventory levels in liquor stores. For freshman liquor store owners, in particular, managing the inventory can be intimidating. Although owning a liquor store has many advantages, managing the inventory can be difficult.

Fortunately, the finest POS system for liquor stores are readily available and aids in simple inventory management.

Here are some of the main advantages of liquor store POS system:

• Real-Time Management: The real-time management feature of the POS system is the finest for controlling liquor business inventory. The POS system automatically changes the inventory levels when a customer purchases a product, improving stock management.
• Theft Control: Controlling theft is a key component of maintaining the liquor inventory. A liquor store POS system reduces theft since it is simpler to detect discrepancies in inventory counts, which also aids in improved inventory management.
• Stock Alerts: Another advantageous characteristic of liquor store POS systems is that the system notifies the business owner when stock levels are either low or too high. This under-stock and overstock alert is extremely useful for managing liquor shop inventory, managing working capital, and preventing losses.

14. Compliance and Regulations

After all of your hard work in opening your liquor store, the last thing you want is to have to close the doors because of a license problem. It's crucial that you treat the licensing procedure carefully, especially in the beginning or if and when the laws change. Obtaining a liquor license in your state is an important step to ensure the smooth operation of your business. Understanding the specific requirements and procedures involved in obtaining a liquor license is crucial for liquor businesses. It is frequently a significant concern for liquor businesses.

It's crucial that you first understand how much a liquor license will cost you. The licenses cost anything from $300 to $14,000, depending on where you live.

However, laws and requirements differ by state, city, and county, so it's typically best to seek the advice of a professional.

Additionally, be sure to keep up with any governmental implied rules and regulations changes. To know more about the detailed guide on the cost of opening a liquor store.

These licenses also have an expiration date, so be aware of it and take the necessary steps. Liquor firms have a number of constraints by default, so staying up to date will help you ensure smooth operations.

15. Financial Management

Given the nature of the business, which includes high expenses and legal constraints, financial management might be especially important in the liquor industry.

Liquor firms may encounter issues such as shifting demand, compliance with regulations, and inventory management. To handle these issues and make decisions that will support the expansion and success of the company, a solid financial management system is needed.

Here are some things you can do for the effective financial management of your liquor business:

• Create a Financial Plan: For end-to-end financial management, you should develop a comprehensive financial plan which mentions your business goals, projected revenue, and expenses. Also, make sure you regularly evaluate and update your financial plan to meet your financial objectives.
• Leverage the Tech in the Right Manner: There are many financial management tools available that can help you track expenses, manage inventory, and monitor cash flow. We recommend you utilize these tools that can help you streamline your financial management.
• Manage Your Cash Flow: Managing cash flow is critical in the liquor business, where suppliers and customers may have different payment terms. Creating a cash flow forecast can help you plan for expenses and ensure that you have enough liquidity to meet your obligations.
• Consult a Professional - Consider working with a financial advisor or accountant who has experience in the liquor industry. They can provide valuable insights and advice on financial management strategies that are specific to your business.
• Manage Your Expenses: It is essential to keep track of all expenses, including fixed and variable costs. Regularly reviewing expenses can help you better manage your finances.

16. Social Media Management

Store fliers and word-of-mouth advertising are no longer the only advertising ways for liquor stores. You can now leverage social media and other online means of marketing for your frozen yogurt business.

Add up the right content: Facebook and Instagram are excellent for advertising. Post some useful advice, mix in some funny and witty content, and then include behind-the-scenes stuff like recipes and videos on mixing drinks, as well as information on any special deals or promotions you have for your audience. In other words, provide your audience (or the social media community) with entertaining and interesting information.

Make it real: Sales should not be the only focus; rather, they should be incorporated occasionally. With this, your audience will learn more about you and be attracted to check out your store. Influencer marketing is also helpful, and you can surely leverage it for your company's needs.

How Profitable Are Liquor Stores?

Almost all Liquor stores are profitable. However, there are so many different reasons behind their profitability, such as location, marketing, operations, management, etc. But, there are some favorable reasons which increase the profit margin for liquor stores. Those three reasons are lesser competition and better margins, followed by free advertising and greater shelf life leading to lesser wastage and maximum utilization.

Find out more about the benefits of starting your liquor shop below:

1. Low Competition

Due to a drawn-out and difficult establishment and registration process, liquor outlets face less competition than other industries. Each state has the authority to impose rules on the sale, shipment, and distribution of alcoholic beverages within its borders.

States frequently set a limit on the number of liquor outlets allowed in a given area, though every state approaches this issue differently. It restricts customers' access to alcohol, but it also implies less local competition for store owners.

Although it can be challenging to apply for and obtain a liquor license, once you do, you won't have to worry about a lot of competition expanding on your sphere of impact. As a result, your liquor store sees an increase in customer traffic.

2. Free Advertising

So, to attract customers, Free promotion is among the greatest advantage for liquor firms as liquor brands are doing for them! Producers of beer, wine, and spirits already invest millions of dollars in marketing initiatives to increase consumer awareness of and demand for their goods.

Owners of liquor stores only need to take advantage of these already-running advertising programs to increase sales. The best part is that you still have the option to sell the customer a bottle of their choice if they decide to visit your store as a result of a liquor advertisement but later change their mind. And here is where neat organizing and eye-catching displays come in!

All you have to do is spread the word about your store and enhance the footfall at your liquor store. You need to develop your strong presence through your website, social media, and even offline marketing.

Making a website and a presence on social media could make this simple. Just make sure to check any local laws before you post anything online.

3. No Worries About Spoilage

Grocery businesses and restaurants, in particular, must use or sell their inventory before it degrades. On the other hand, alcohol and wine can be securely stored for a long time.

However, for the most part, your inventory can be left on the shelf without worrying about going to waste. There may be some circumstances where you need to make sure that specific items are kept in the proper climate-controlled limitations.

Liquor businesses may plan ahead and stock up on big quantities of goods because of shelf stability. For instance, you can stock up on in-demand winter goods in the summer when your finances may be more plentiful.

Without altering the taste or quality of the product, some beverages can be stored all year and will be available for sale over the holidays, allowing the owners of liquor stores to utilize their storage space fully.

Conclusion

Managing a liquor store can be exciting and challenging, but it can also be a profitable business with the right approach. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, we have listed some helpful tips for managing a liquor business.

In conclusion, managing a liquor store requires a combination of careful planning, effective marketing strategies, strong financial management skills, and excellent customer service.

By staying on top of your inventory, establishing a strong online presence, creating a welcoming store environment, and offering a diverse range of products, you can build a successful liquor store that meets the needs of your community and provides a source of enjoyment for customers.

If you are looking for further guidance on efficiently running your liquor store by installing the best-in-class POS system, then reach out to the team at OVVI. They will understand your needs and guide accordingly.