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7 Best Places Bars Buy Their Liquor at Wholesale Price

Starting and managing a liquor bar can prove to be a very lucrative and exciting business journey. However, there are essential things to note to ensure you can effectively manage such a business and make good profits.

One such thing is finding or sourcing liquor at competitive prices. In this line of business, locating reliable and affordable suppliers remains one of the critical factors that will in many ways determine how profitable the business will be.

Owing to that, business owners or managers must understand their available options as well as those that align with the needs of the business.

Where Do Bars Can Buy Their Liquor at Wholesale Price?

  1. Local Distributors

These sources have long been renowned as the backbone of the liquor supply chain, as they represent the most common and available source of wholesale liquor for bars.

These businesses tend to possess direct relationships with distilleries, breweries, and importers, and as a result, can provide bars with a vast assortment of products at competitive prices.

Keep in mind that a good number of bars choose to align with local distributors because they can provide them with steady deliveries, well-tailored customer service, as well as flexible payment terms.

In addition to all that, working with a local distributor also translates to shorter lead times, and this is very important for bars with less substantial space and capital.

  1. Regional Wholesalers

These businesses are known to operate on a much bigger scale especially when put in comparisons to local distributors. Note that rather than serving a particular location, these businesses cover numerous states or a specific region of the country.

They operate by providing their customers with bulk purchasing options that drastically reduce liquor’s per-unit cost. These wholesalers are the perfect suppliers for bars that have massive storage and inventory, as well as equivalent sales traffic.

Aside from the fact that they sell at much lower prices, these regional wholesalers tend to stock a vast array of brands and might as well provide exclusive deals on some items.

  1. National Liquor Wholesalers

As a bar owner or manager, working with this wholesale source is the dream because they are considered the big shakers of the liquor distribution industry. These businesses are in direct contact with the biggest brands and distilleries.

Some well-known national liquor wholesalers like Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits or Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) have made a lasting name in the distribution industry by cultivating vast networks as well as a reputation for ensuring that their customers can benefit from the competitive pricing they offer owing to the volume of their operations.

  1. Online Wholesale Platforms

As with most business industries, technology as well as the advent of the internet have revolutionized the way businesses purchase liquor. In these modern times, bars can leverage wholesale platforms such as Beverage Media and LibDib.

These platforms provide business owners and managers with the convenience of browsing, comparing prices, as well as ordering liquor from numerous suppliers within one place.

Aside from that, these platforms ensure that business owners can pick from a vast assortment of products, from popular brands to craft spirits, as well as special promotions and discounts.

This particular source has become prevalent since it ensures that business owners and managers can place orders online and have products delivered directly to the bar’s doorsteps.

  1. Direct from Distilleries and Breweries

If you own or run a bar that thrives on selling a particular liquor, such as craft beer or artisanal spirits, then distillers and breweries will prove to be one of the most viable sources for drinks at wholesale prices.

Note that a good number of craft producers are open to developing good working partnerships with bars to further promote their brands.

Keep in mind that this direct relationship will give rise to better pricing, and unique offerings, in addition to co-marketing opportunities.

Aside from that, getting the liquors directly from the sources also means that bars will benefit from having access to limited-edition or exclusive products that aren’t available via other distributors or wholesalers.

  1. Membership-Based Wholesale Clubs

This refers to big wholesale clubs such as Costco and Sam’s Club which are well renowned for being a good source of products and inventories for bars.

These clubs are quite beneficial to smaller establishments, which will most likely benefit from buying liquor at wholesale prices without the commitment of a large order.

It is imperative to point out that these clubs tend to stock a limited but properly curated selection of spirits, wines, and beers at competitive prices.

Even though the selection might not be as extensive as that of specialized liquor wholesalers, keep in mind that the convenience, as well as the cost-saving benefits they offer to their customers, can be quite massive and impactful to the eventual success of the business. 

  1. Auctions and Closeout Sales

Although not considered a major source, auctions and closeout sales might prove to be goldmines especially when it comes to finding high-quality liquor at rock-bottom prices.

More often, you will find that distributors and wholesalers want to get rid of or even offload excess inventory, discontinued products, or items that will be expiring soon, and for bar owners or managers with the right market, this is a good source for liquor.

Nevertheless, it’s recommended that business owners or managers first possess a valid insight into their inventory needs as well as the shelf life of the products before leveraging this inventory source.