Late Night Alcohol Delivery

[thespring]

Have been running a pub for 6 months and am looking into offering a late night alcohol delivery service within my local town. I already have the premises license and personal liscence and after working out some figures it has the potential to be very profitable. The town im in has a population of about 100,000 with about 10000 students who would be the main target market. I'm digging for ideas on how best to market the service to students/18-30 yearolds, thanks matt

 

[SneakSMS]

Best way is going to be to get a student to distribute a load of flyers around the student halls for you, I'd have thought

 

[red-source]

posters in your pub... surely most of them are in there every night

 

[patientlady]

Probably easier & a lot cheaper for them to go Tesco 24hrs! I know someone who tried this and fell flat after no time at all, sorry

 

[sysops]

Probably easier & a lot cheaper for them to go Tesco 24hrs! I know someone who tried this and fell flat after no time at all, sorry

But you could say the same about any home-delivered food. The fact is people like to have stuff delivered to their home, especially when they are drunk!

I think it's a good idea, that you could trial at very low cost. Well worth a shot.

As for advertising, leaflets will work well for this if you target them right.

 

[kulture]

Presumably you have got an off-licence condition in your premises Licence, and it covers the delivery hours you want? Also I presume you have contacted your vehicle insurance company to ensure that it will cover the delivery of alcohol, and I assume you have also talked to your business liability insurance to include cover for staff as they deliver bottles and cans etc to drunks.
Oh and also the Police agree and are happy????

 

[Esk247]

There was a company here that did this..they only had a mobile number on the advert though and after a couple of months they disappeared off the face of the earth.

I think there is a problem with getting Proof of Identity and delivering to under age limit etc.

 

[sysops]

I think there is a problem with getting Proof of Identity and delivering to under age limit etc.

Why is this more problematic when delivering to someone's house than when selling over the counter?

 

[sarah@opace]

I would use this service, you can't always get out to a tesco, so ideal if it could come to you, maybe if you had a website and a register to help with the orders it woud cover you legally on age restrictions etc, also yuo can tie in facebook and twitter and get good coverage
good luck, have one for me

 

[kulture]

Why is this more problematic when delivering to someone's house than when selling over the counter?

When delivering to a house or flat, what do you do when an underage person opens the door? Even if they say, its OK my dad ordered the booze, you are still running the risk that the dad ordered the booze for consumption of the underage person.

What if there is a party going on there and the kids want re-supply? Would you really refuse to hand over the booze to a bunch of drunk kids, who presumably have already paid for it in advance???

In an off-licence, it is your premises. You are more in control. It is much easier to ask for proof of age, and much easier to refuse to supply.

I am not saying its a bad business idea, just that is is likely to be more problematic that at first assumed. There is a gap in the market for a reason.

 

[sysops]

When delivering to a house or flat, what do you do when an underage person opens the door? Even if they say, its OK my dad ordered the booze, you are still running the risk that the dad ordered the booze for consumption of the underage person.

You ask to see their dad?

Isn't this the same as if this underage person came into your shop and said they were buying booze for their dad? I don't get the distinction.

What if there is a party going on there and the kids want re-supply? Would you really refuse to hand over the booze to a bunch of drunk kids, who presumably have already paid for it in advance???

It's really no different from drunk kids coming into your off-licence.

In an off-licence, it is your premises. You are more in control. It is much easier to ask for proof of age, and much easier to refuse to supply.

I don't see it as the big problem you do. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[TotallySport]

The only problem i see is the selling price, even a drunk student knows a can of larger in a pub is alot more than their local offy, adding on delivery charges, people messing about etc, I would think the costings couldn't allow for the sale price, but I agree it would be a small outlay to test the water. You will also have to worry about security, yu'll be an easy target at that time of night.

Good luck though.

 

[mollymalone]

I had this idea a while back. After thinking it over, I was put off by the thought of staff carrying money and booze maybe being a target. Also the underage thing seemed to be difficult. There were also local areas where I wouldn't send any member of staff.

 

[thespring]

Presumably you have got an off-licence condition in your premises Licence, and it covers the delivery hours you want? Also I presume you have contacted your vehicle insurance company to ensure that it will cover the delivery of alcohol, and I assume you have also talked to your business liability insurance to include cover for staff as they deliver bottles and cans etc to drunks.
Oh and also the Police agree and are happy????

I can sell alcohol off site outside of the pubs on license hours. Sure, insurance needs to be looked at. The driver will ring the person who ordered on arrival who will come out to the van alone, all stock will be sorted in the van and the staff will never leave the vehicle to limit potential risks involved with delivering booze to drunks. Why do i have to check with police, my license allows it???.

and i dont see the problem with i.d ing, there are about 50 websites in various towns/cities doing it.


I have been buying alcohol from supermarkets for my pub because with some of the offers they do it's half the price of wholesalers (i run a freehouse). The prices i charge would be no more than local convienience stores and would include free delivery e.g 12 cans carling, £6 on special at tescos, charge £12 free delivery, 50% gross profit, spirits about 30% gross, averaging 40% gross profit. Fill van up, 25 deliveries averaging £25, £600 in sales, about £250 gross - fuel £10-wages £80-insurance max £20 = £140 net profit per night for a fairly small operation and 25 orders out of 100,000 people is only a niche market

 

[shadesofblue]

I think there is a problem with getting Proof of Identity and delivering to under age limit etc.

Tescos seem to manage fine when delivering shopping so it shouldn't be a problem

 

[5wire]

If you can compete with the supermarkets, or near to for a feasible delivery cost then I think it would be a great idea.

May use a low cost number, or free number such as 0800 and even have an online checkout service.

A girl I know who lives in Lincoln uses a service exactly like that and its brilliant, its open till late and delivery does not take long at all. If I get time I'll try and get hold of her and PM you a link.

In terms of marketing it, a student and leaflet passing outside the student union, maybe an incentive such as discount on the first order, or an order over X value.

Also, remember the majority of students are only at university between September - June, and usually January, May and June time is exam season. It is probably worth remembering that a lot of universities have 3-4weeks off for Christmas, and 3-4weeks for Easter so maybe there will be six/seven months of good trade which you may have to make up for the weakness over the summer, or look to market at the locals.

I'm a student personally and I'd use a service that delivers to my house, if it was as competitively priced and chilled like in a supermarket or local convenience shop .

Hope this helps.

 

[thespring]

If you can compete with the supermarkets, or near to for a feasible delivery cost then I think it would be a great idea.

May use a low cost number, or free number such as 0800 and even have an online checkout service.

A girl I know who lives in Lincoln uses a service exactly like that and its brilliant, its open till late and delivery does not take long at all. If I get time I'll try and get hold of her and PM you a link.

In terms of marketing it, a student and leaflet passing outside the student union, maybe an incentive such as discount on the first order, or an order over X value.

Also, remember the majority of students are only at university between September - June, and usually January, May and June time is exam season. It is probably worth remembering that a lot of universities have 3-4weeks off for Christmas, and 3-4weeks for Easter so maybe there will be six/seven months of good trade which you may have to make up for the weakness over the summer, or look to market at the locals.

I'm a student personally and I'd use a service that delivers to my house, if it was as competitively priced and chilled like in a supermarket or local convenience shop .

Hope this helps.

the price would be about the same as convienience stores but with free delivery till 4am, e.g 12 cans stella £14.

A refridgerated van would increase the costs considerably but really would be needed, no good drinking warm beer, something to think about.

i understand the limited time periods students are here and yes i would need to target other markets aswell. The good thing is my pub is in a village on the outskirts of the town but close to a secluded student village with 1500 people with only a onsite shop that closes at 10pm and doesn't have much choice, but as said they all leave by end of may.

 

[shadesofblue]

the price would be about the same as convienience stores but with free delivery till 4am, e.g 12 cans stella £14.

A refridgerated van would increase the costs considerably but really would be needed, no good drinking warm beer, something to think about.

i understand the limited time periods students are here and yes i would need to target other markets aswell. The good thing is my pub is in a village on the outskirts of the town but close to a secluded student village with 1500 people with only a onsite shop that closes at 10pm and doesn't have much choice, but as said they all leave by end of may.

Don't bother with a refridgerated van you're not exactly dealing with CAMRA members! It'll just push the costs up and if they went to fetch it they wouldn't bring it home in a chilled van would they.

 

[Whambamsam]

When I took My Personal Licence course (which was conveniently run by an ex-copper) I asked about the whole booze delivery thing, and found that it can be done, but there are a few technical issues one of which was that you cannot have a van full of booze doing the rounds. your booze must all be kept at a designated premises until it is ordered.

This creates a problem because those who have order cannot increase the order once it has left your 'depot'

I though on way round this is to charge a Flat Rate callout charge (Say £10) and sell the alcohol at whatever margin is necessary, that way you always make your £10, and people will generally make a point of getting everything on one order.

 

[sysops]

When I took My Personal Licence course (which was conveniently run by an ex-copper) I asked about the whole booze delivery thing, and found that it can be done, but there are a few technical issues one of which was that you cannot have a van full of booze doing the rounds. your booze must all be kept at a designated premises until it is ordered.

This creates a problem because those who have order cannot increase the order once it has left your 'depot'

But how is this a problem?

When you order pizza, you don't expect to be able to say to the delivery guy "oh, can I have an extra garlic bread please?".

 

[5wire]

the price would be about the same as convienience stores but with free delivery till 4am, e.g 12 cans stella £14.

A refridgerated van would increase the costs considerably but really would be needed, no good drinking warm beer, something to think about.

i understand the limited time periods students are here and yes i would need to target other markets aswell. The good thing is my pub is in a village on the outskirts of the town but close to a secluded student village with 1500 people with only a onsite shop that closes at 10pm and doesn't have much choice, but as said they all leave by end of may.

Regarding the cooling, what about just using cool boxes with ice packs? Surely that would be a cheaper alternative, just offer like 50p extra for cooled or something.

As long as you have something to cover the service whilst students are away, obviously you'll have an intake of some students who have returned and colleges etc, so they may be also worth targeting too.

 

[thespring]

When I took My Personal Licence course (which was conveniently run by an ex-copper) I asked about the whole booze delivery thing, and found that it can be done, but there are a few technical issues one of which was that you cannot have a van full of booze doing the rounds. your booze must all be kept at a designated premises until it is ordered.

This creates a problem because those who have order cannot increase the order once it has left your 'depot'

I though on way round this is to charge a Flat Rate callout charge (Say £10) and sell the alcohol at whatever margin is necessary, that way you always make your £10, and people will generally make a point of getting everything on one order.

interesting point, because im 6 miles from town it would take out all the profits constantly back and forth, but tbh how would they ever know, just restock every couple hours.

 

[APC Nexday Overnite Ltd]

I can imagine there being a lot of hassle regarding this idea due to the laws regarding alcohol but every credit to you if we had one near us I know Id use it!

Might in a way save someones life/license also who otherwise would have drove to their nearest shop whilst under the influence!

Perhaps offer incentives such as if they drink in your pub that same night they get money off the price of beer....a free four pack etc etc

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

I's a great business idea - not sure how on earth you would cover all eventualties but I'm sure you've thought of them and worked it out!
For what it's worth though as a plus for you plan: students often don't have access to their own transport so may not be able to get to their nearest Tesc/Asda supstore to take advantage of special offers, and even if they can they're limited to wha they can physically carry back to their digs. They're not great at pacing themselves either, they will drink until the drink has all gone and consequently run out long before they hoped they would so would quite likely use a service that would turn up on their doorstep with more booze; I do think you should offer a chilled option; cost would be a factor if they were stone cld sober when they ordered but once they've hd a few drinks they probably won't care what it costs! Offer free family packs of crisps if they spend over a certain amount too ...... they'll think they're getting a bargain!

 

[virtuallysorted]

I used to live in a "Dial-A-Crate" delivery area - due to licensing they could deliver a crate any time of day or night but not a single bottle... Rather brilliantly this meant ordering a whole crate of Jack Daniels one night at about 2am!!!

Inspired idea!

 

[That Guy]

This just launched on the Isle of Wight: http://www.booze2door.com/

Shame about the state of their website

 

[patientlady]

I have been buying alcohol from supermarkets for my pub because with some of the offers they do it's half the price of wholesalers (i run a freehouse). The prices i charge would be no more than local convienience stores and would include free delivery e.g 12 cans carling, £6 on special at tescos, charge £12 free delivery, 50% gross profit, spirits about 30% gross, averaging 40% gross profit. Fill van up, 25 deliveries averaging £25, £600 in sales, about £250 gross - fuel £10-wages £80-insurance max £20 = £140 net profit per night for a fairly small operation and 25 orders out of 100,000 people is only a niche market

Hi look sorry to be putting a dampner on this but...
25 deliveries per evening will be good going for a driver and that doesn't equate to £10.00 in petrol. You need to include your time for collecting stock from Tescos,deduct vat from your profit figure plus employers contribrutions, wear & tear on the vehicle and you working to 4am when the driver doesn't turn up for shift! It might be a good idea but I just cannot see how you can make any money

 

[Simon12]

I like the idea and think you can charge more than you say you are intending to or chrage £5 for orders under £25. I know Indian restaurants can deliver bear with takeaways and know a few people (idiots) who order an Indian and 6 bottles of cobra at £6 each after the pub shuts. Sorry if you already said but is there a time you have to stop selling as 1/2 hour to 1 hour after the pubs shut would be your peak time.

 

[Simon12]

I forgot to say could you sell cigarettes as well?

 

[alexandersmith1992]

If you want my two cents...Personall I'd invest in the Experian services which allow you to check passport and driving license numbers over the phone. This would allow you to get the customer details and check before you left so it wouldnt be a wasted trip if no ID. Also I would sell cigarettes at a large markup - I know our local delivery service charges around £9 for 20 ciggies a huge markup yet people are willing to pay!

Alex

 

[mcgovern]

i am in the process of setting this type of business up, i have been going through the licensing procedures ect since january.

The local authorities have been granted more powers by the goverment to refuse licenses and revoke licenses, councils now can refuse on moral grounds.

If you live in a backward area like i do then i wouldnt bother.

In order to apply for a premises license you have to have a suitable premises( commercial) catch 22

councils can now also charge raised application fees to offset any other expenses caused by anti social behaviour and drug alcohol misuse.

Local authorities are always looking at ways to curtail anti social behaviour and alcohol misuse in particular, prohibition springs to mind or Totalitarianism is more appropriate.

by banning something you are not dealing with the problem you are onl trying to sidestep it. Education is the key.



.

 

[mcgovern]

Hi look sorry to be putting a dampner on this but...
25 deliveries per evening will be good going for a driver and that doesn't equate to £10.00 in petrol. You need to include your time for collecting stock from Tescos,deduct vat from your profit figure plus employers contribrutions, wear & tear on the vehicle and you working to 4am when the driver doesn't turn up for shift! It might be a good idea but I just cannot see how you can make any money

You are providing a service which peolpe will pay a premium for, a bar will charge £3.00 for a 330ml bottle of beer ect a 20 pack could possibly retail a £60.00

 

[jelly3]

Probably easier & a lot cheaper for them to go Tesco 24hrs! I know someone who tried this and fell flat after no time at all, sorry

It is a win for me. Too lazy to go to the takeaways which are about 100 yards away, I phone up/go on the internet (justeat.com)for my late night junk food fix. With Tesco I've got to put on my coat, my shoes, clothes. I have to walk. I have to have bright strong light in my eyes.Someone might expect me to speak. I have to walk again to get home.
With delivery man, I just put on towel, no need even for knickers. I just stick my hand out of front door, perhaps show my eye, grunt. Within 2 ticks, I am back in my favourite chair, naked, watching QVC.

NB. I do say thank you.

 

[MASSEY]

It is a win for me. Too lazy to go to the takeaways which are about 100 yards away, I phone up/go on the internet (justeat.com)for my late night junk food fix. With Tesco I've got to put on my coat, my shoes, clothes. I have to walk. I have to have bright strong light in my eyes.Someone might expect me to speak. I have to walk again to get home.
With delivery man, I just put on towel, no need even for knickers. I just stick my hand out of front door, perhaps show my eye, grunt. Within 2 ticks, I am back in my favourite chair, naked, watching QVC.

NB. I do say thank you.

Oh dear,

*ahem, tesco deliver.

 

[jelly3]

http://www.drinks626.co.uk/
they are also on justeat

http://www.boozemanchester.co.uk/
delivery is up to 6am


http://www.drinksdriver.com/delivery.htm
google says there are a lot of these about. Jump on this.

 

[jelly3]

Oh dear,

*ahem, tesco deliver.

Yeah by the time your order arrives your craving will have worn off. I have been ordering from Tesco since they started visiting.
I do not want beer/wine whatever on sat between 4pm-6pm. I want it now.

 

[MASSEY]

I want it now.

haha, i know what you mean.

 

[freddo]

Sounds like a good idea if there isn't one in your area and you live in a student town. Cigarettes are a definite to have on the menu Perhaps bags of ice also.

There's 24 delivery for booze in my area, infact, I have 2 now. 3 months after the first one opened, another company jumped on it (got to watch out for that too). As said before, people are lazy and also willing to spend bucks for something they want when they're drunk!

No harm in giving it a try, but make sure you have an extremely catchy brand name!

 

[mcgovern]

In most areas local authorities will only grant one license for this type of service, I.E. small county's, so you have the customer by the balls if they are desperate for your service.

I have heard of people ringing up paying the minimum spend on alcohol just to get some johhnies

 

[jmc12345]

Oh dear!!,
Just read the thread, it appears no-one knows what to do. Please do not listen to members who are not experienced in these matters, and I am surprised at the writer when he says he runs a pub!.
The law is the law! You cannot ask the customer to pay on delivery! Remember your van is not licensed! You need to vary your existing Premises Licence to cover the deliveries. You need to put due diligence measures into place to prevent young persons from obtaining alcohol. Many business all over the country have tried home delivery, most have failed some have been successful. Do your sums first. If you need your Premises Licence organising, please contact me via this site through a private message. I have years of experience in this field and no I am not a solicitor. Please do not listen to the comments and opinions on this site, most of which is misleading and dangerous for you to take on board as advice. Good luck!