Buying beer direct from a Distributor

jtischauser · Mar 28, 2011

Does anyone have any experience buying directly from a distributor? We buy about 50 cases every 2 weeks at work and would like to same a few bucks. Do you need a beer license from the state to buy direct? What say you?

bsmith918 · Mar 28, 2011

I'm pretty sure you are going need a license. In the tobacco industry, the wholesaler cannot sale tobacco products to a non-licensed business/individual. I'm pretty sure the rules are the same.

jtischauser · Mar 28, 2011

Damn. any idea what it takes to get a license?

pyplynr · Mar 28, 2011

We used to buy it right off the truck when I was in high school. It was always the "damaged boxes".

bsmith918 · Mar 28, 2011

Jesse Tischauser said:
Damn. any idea what it takes to get a license?

Not really and I'm not 100% sure that a license is required, but the rules for tobacco and beer are usually very close to the same.

redneck1861 · Mar 28, 2011

I don't about cases of beer, but my buddy bought a couple kegs directly from budweiser, a few months ago. I will get the info and send it to you JT

dennishoddy · Mar 28, 2011

Jesse Tischauser said:
Does anyone have any experience buying directly from a distributor? We buy about 50 cases every 2 weeks at work and would like to same a few bucks. Do you need a beer license from the state to buy direct? What say you?

Holy crap! I'm coming to work for you! Got a space for an old tired worn out guy?

DoctorJJ · Mar 28, 2011

I talked to my friend who used to be a "Bud man". He said you have to have a license. He said your best bet is to talk to a store owner or someone at the store and see if they can just order for you. Being as you buy that much they should cut you a deal if you agree to buy from them every time.

bsmith918 · Mar 28, 2011

DoctorJJ said:
I talked to my friend who used to be a "Bud man". He said you have to have a license. He said your best bet is to talk to a store owner or someone at the store and see if they can just order for you. Being as you buy that much they should cut you a deal if you agree to buy from them every time.

I'm in 10 or more c-stores a day and have talked with the owners about the margin on beer and it is VERY low. They usually make .50-1.00 per case so there is very little wiggle room.

DoctorJJ · Mar 28, 2011

I know there's not much room. The price is set by the distributor as well. They have very distinct territories. Two stores just a mile a part may vary by $1 per case. Muskogee is very expensive, for example. It could possibly be worth it to drive a bit further depending on the prices in your area.

Burk Cornelius · Mar 29, 2011

Jesse Tischauser said:
We buy about 50 cases every 2 weeks at work and would like to same a few bucks.

Are you reselling it, or are you guys on the "plant-a-flower / drink-a-beer" schedule?

jtischauser · Mar 29, 2011

No resale just personal consumption.

Boozepusher · Mar 29, 2011

You have to have either a retail license, on premise license or a caterers license to purchase from a distributor or wholesaler. I'm not sure of the rules regarding 3.2% just strong beer. If you approach a retail store and tell them what you need I'm sure they will give you a very good deal, you will still have to pay sales tax though.

jtischauser · Mar 29, 2011

Boozepusher said:
You have to have either a retail license, on premise license or a caterers license to purchase from a distributor or wholesaler. I'm not sure of the rules regarding 3.2% just strong beer. If you approach a retail store and tell them what you need I'm sure they will give you a very good deal, you will still have to pay sales tax though.

With a name like your I don't think anyone will argue. It sounds like its not worth pursueing a liquor license then since there isn't much savings on case beer. Thanls for the help guys.