Liquor Delivery App Development with Benefits and Cost

Dreaming of building a profitable liquor delivery app like Drizly? With the alcohol e-commerce market expanding and global revenue projected to grow by $67 billion by 2029, now is the perfect time to enter the industry.

Offering customers the convenience of having their favorite drinks delivered right to their doorstep is possible with an online alcohol delivery app solution. The U.S. leads the global e-commerce market for alcoholic beverages, with a projected 6.1% sales increase this year.

If you’re ready to capitalize on this trend, this step-by-step guide will help you build an on-demand liquor delivery app, streamline operations, and boost sales. 

Let’s begin the journey of developing a liquor delivery software like Drizly. 

On-Demand Liquor Delivery App Facts And Statistics

• According to Businesswire, by 2025, the global alcohol market is projected to reach $1,684 billion.  
• The largest market for online beverage shoppers is China. According to Statista, approximately 70% of the orders for online liquor delivery were made via apps.
• 28% of millennials believe going out to buy beverages requires too much work, while 47% prefer to drink at home.
• In the alcohol eCommerce industry, some of the leading companies are Drizly, Saucey, and Minibar. CEO of Drizly Rellas says that 70% of Drizly’s sales are derived from mobile apps. 

How Does a Liquor Delivery App Work?

Liquor delivery apps work by allowing customers to order alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor, through a mobile app or website and have them delivered to their location. 

Below is a workflow of how liquor delivery apps work. 

User registration: Customers need to download the app or visit the website and create an account by providing personal information, such as their name, address, and payment details.

Product selection: The app or website offers a catalog of available alcoholic products, including brands, types, sizes, and prices. Customers can browse the selection and add the desired items to their cart. 

Age verification: Before completing the order, the customer’s age is verified to ensure they are of legal drinking age in the local jurisdiction. This is usually done through a digital ID verification process. However, it varies and depends on the country’s policies. 

Region	Key Compliance Requirements
United States	Must comply with Tied House Laws & state regulations. ID scanning is required at checkout and delivery. Signature and proof of age mandated before handing over alcohol.
European Union	Must follow GDPR for secure data processing. Some countries require third-party verification.
Middle East and  Asia	Some countries prohibit alcohol delivery (e.g., Saudi Arabia and Kuwait). In countries like India, unique identification (UID) number-based verification is required.

Delivery logistics: Once the order is placed, the app or website coordinates with a licensed alcohol retailer or distributor to fulfill the order. The retailer or distributor will then dispatch a rider to deliver the items to the customer’s location.

Delivery and payment: The rider will arrive at the customer’s location and deliver the order. Customers usually pay for the order through the app or website, often with the option to tip the driver.

Feedback and Ratings: After receiving the order, customers give feedback and ratings based on their experience. 

Benefits of Liquor Delivery App

The app to deliver alcohol provides several benefits to businesses and customers, such as:

For Business	For Customers
Better Management: By using a convenient and accessible liquor delivery app solution, business owners can easily manage their operations like order management, inventory management, order tracking, and more.	Access to Favorite Brands: The app that delivers liquor allows customers to purchase their preferred liquor brands without the need to visit multiple stores.
Expand Reach and Attract More Customers: The on-demand delivery app allows businesses to expand their geographical reach and attract new customers who may not have been able to visit their physical stores or were unaware of their existence.	Wide Range of Discounts and Offers: Customers can take advantage of various discounts, promotional offers, and bundle deals made available through the delivery app, leading to cost savings.
Provides Better ROI: The cost-effective nature of the delivery app, in terms of reduced overhead and operational expenses, can lead to a higher return on investment (ROI) for businesses.	Anytime, Anywhere Ordering: The app’s availability around the clock and across multiple locations enables customers to place orders at their convenience, whether it’s from the comfort of their home or office.
Improved Customer Support: The integrated features of the app, such as real-time order tracking and customer service channels, can help businesses provide better customer support and improve their overall customer experience.	Secure Online Payments: The app’s integrated payment gateway allows customers to make secure and seamless transactions.
Time and Cost Savings: The liquor delivery app saves businesses time and resources in terms of inventory management, staffing, and other operational costs.	No Need to Step Outside: The on-demand liquor delivery service eliminates the need for customers to leave their current location, stand in long queues, and wait for their turn to get their order.

Best Features to Include in a Liquor Delivery App like Drizly 

Alcohol delivery apps have become popular due to the convenience and ease of use provided to customers and businesses. They are famous, especially in areas where traditional liquor store hours or accessibility may be limited. Therefore, when you build the app, make sure to add those features that make your app attractive to customers. 

Below is a list of some features that you should incorporate into your app.  

Customer App

Features	Description
Login/Registration	Customers can create an account on the app by providing some basic personal information. Alternatively, they can register for the app using their existing social media accounts.
Advanced Search by Filters	The beverage delivery service offers a user-friendly experience that allows customers to easily purchase items. Customers can filter products by various criteria, such as price, delivery hours, product type, and customer ratings, to find the best options for their needs. This feature enables customers to efficiently browse and select the beverages they want, enhancing the overall purchasing process.
Track Orders	Once customers place their orders, they will track them on the app and know when they will reach their doorsteps. Also, customers will get the order status, such as order accepted, on the way, arrived, etc.
Cashless Payments	The alcohol delivery app supports different payment methods for seamless transactions.  It provides a convenient way for customers to pay for their orders, ensuring a smooth and efficient delivery experience.
Order History	The service provides a reorder feature that allows customers to view their order history and easily reorder their favorite items with a single tap or click. This feature streamlines the ordering process and saves time for customers who regularly order the same or similar products.
Product Reviews	Customers can share their reviews for the liquor delivery stores or delivery agents. This helps other customers to make a better decision and purchase from the best store.
Chatbox	Customers can communicate with the rider and liquor delivery service if they face any issues with orders, promotions, and other things.
Push Notifications	The app provides customers with updates on their orders, as well as notifications about new deals, promotions, and other relevant information. This feature keeps customers informed and engaged with the service.

Store App

Features	Description
Login	The store owners will register on the platform as stakeholders.
Age Verification	The age restriction should be a priority in your liquor delivery application. You should also be aware that every nation has unique variations and distinctions in the laws about alcohol.
Customization	This feature allows store owners to customize the layout and appearance of the liquor delivery system according to their brand’s theme.
Manage Prices	The store owner can easily manage the pricing of all their products on the platform. They can view, update, and adjust the prices of items or entire product lines without any unnecessary complexity or hassle.
View Ratings and Reviews	The review and rating feature allows store owners to see the feedback provided by users. The platform also enables store owners to respond directly to reviews, allowing them to address customer comments, clarify any misunderstandings, and demonstrate their commitment to providing a positive customer experience.
Manage Earnings	The online liquor delivery system allows store owners to analyze their monthly or weekly earnings. This feature gives them peace of mind and avoids any misunderstandings.
Manage Drink Categories	The liquor store owner can list their drinks into different categories such as beer, wine, whisky, beer, etc.

Rider App

Features	Description
Accept/Reject Orders	Riders have the flexibility to accept or reject incoming orders based on their availability and preferences.
Order History	Riders can easily review their complete order history, including the total number of orders successfully delivered.
Check Earnings	Riders can conveniently access and monitor their total earnings from completed deliveries.
In-App Chat	The rider delivery app enables seamless communication between riders and customers, allowing them to collaborate on address-related issues.
Availability	Riders can effortlessly update their status to either “Active” or “Inactive,” allowing them to manage their work availability.

Admin Panel

Features	Description
Admin Login	The admin dashboard allows the business owner to create an account and view all business activities.
Payment Management	This feature allows the admin to manage and monitor all the payments and transactions of the customers. Also, from the admin dashboard, they can manage commissions.
Order Management	Handles all the assigned orders with their status and details easily.It helps to maintain a clear, real-time view of the order lifecycle, displaying the current status of each order (e.g., Pending, Processing, Shipped, Delivered, Cancelled).
Real-Time Analytics	It is one of the most crucial features of the admin dashboard. This feature allows the store owners to view real-time statistics and analytics. Also, it provides data according to the number of orders, peak delivery hours, etc. With this data, businesses can make better decisions.

Create the Liquor Delivery App in 6 Simple Steps

How to build a liquor delivery app like Drizly?

Below are some steps to help you create the online liquor delivery software in simple steps. 

1. Conduct Research

Start by thoroughly understanding the liquor delivery industry. Research current trends, challenges, customer demands, and opportunities for innovation. Analyze your target market and competition to identify unmet needs.

2. Select App Features  

Choose the main functionalities your app will provide, such as order placement, payment processing, delivery tracking, customer service, and a product catalog. Keep your target customer’s requirements and preferences in mind when selecting the app features. 

3. Select the Tech Stack 

Carefully choose the technology stack for liquor delivery app development. Always select the tech stack depending on factors like app goals, target audience, third-party integrations, and industry-specific requirements.

The table below shows the technologies needed for building the on-demand liquor delivery app.

Component	Technology
Frontend	React.js or Vue.js for a responsive, user-friendly interface
Backend	Node.js with Express.js framework for a scalable and efficient server-side logic
Database	MongoDB or PostgreSQL for efficient data storage and retrieval
Payment Gateway	Integrate with popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Braintree to handle secure transactions
Geolocation	Use Google Maps API for location-based features like delivery tracking, store locator, etc.
Messaging	Integrate a real-time messaging service like Firebase for in-app communication
Push Notifications	Use Firebase Cloud Messaging or similar services for delivering push notifications to users
Analytics	Integrate tools like Google Analytics to gather user behavior insights
Deployment	Docker and Kubernetes for containerized deployment and scalability
Hosting	Use cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure for hosting the application

4. Design the User Interface

Create an intuitive and visually appealing user interface that enhances the customer experience. Focus on simplicity, ease of navigation, and seamless interactions across various user flows.

5. Develop the Backend Infrastructure

Build a robust backend system to handle all the main functionalities like order management, inventory management, payment gateways, delivery logistics, and customer data. Ensure scalability and reliability to support your growing user base.

6. Test and Deploy

Thoroughly test your app and remove all errors. Once satisfied, deploy your app to the appropriate app stores and continually monitor user feedback to make iterative improvements.

Cost of Creating the Liquor Delivery App

The cost of creating the alcohol delivery app may vary and depends on the specific requirements, features, and the development team’s location and expertise. The costs may also change over time due to market conditions and technological advancements.

The table below gives you a better idea of the cost of creating the alcohol delivery mobile app.  

Cost Item	Estimated Cost
App Development
iOS App Development	$25,000 – $50,000
Android App Development	$25,000 – $50,000
Backend/API Development	$15,000 – $30,000
UI/UX Design	$8,000 – $15,000
Infrastructure
Cloud Hosting (1st year)	$2,400 – $6,000
Database	$1,200 – $3,600
Payment Gateway Integration	$2,000 – $5,000
Operations
Customer Support	$1,500 – $3,000 per month
Marketing and Advertising	$3,000 – $10,000 per month
Legal and Compliance	$5,000 – $20,000
Total Estimated Cost	$88,100 – $192,600

Challenges of Building the App for Delivering Alcohol  

Below are some challenges that are associated with alcohol delivery app development. 

Challenges	Description	Solution
Legal Requirements for Alcohol Delivery	Managing various laws and regulations regarding the sale and delivery of alcohol can be complex.	Partnered with legal experts to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.  Implement age verification systems to prevent underage sales.
Logistics Challenges	Ensuring the timely and safe delivery of alcohol can involve complex logistics, including inventory management and delivery scheduling.	Use advanced logistics software to optimize routes and manage inventory effectively.  Consider partnerships with reliable delivery services or use in-house drivers.
Competition in the Market	The alcohol delivery market is becoming increasingly crowded, making it difficult to differentiate from competitors.	Focus on unique selling propositions (USPs), such as exclusive products, subscription services, or exceptional customer service.  Invest in marketing strategies to build brand recognition.

Top Liquor Delivery Apps 

Here is a list of top liquor delivery apps with their pros and cons. 

Drizly

It is one of the most well-known and popular on-demand liquor delivery apps. Available in over 1,400 cities across the US and Canada. Drizly partners with local liquor stores to deliver beer, wine, and spirits to customers.

Pros	Cons
Wide selection of alcohol from local retailers	Delivery fees can be high in some areas
Fast and reliable delivery	Not available in all regions
Easy-to-use mobile app and website

Minibar

Minibar is another major player in the online liquor delivery space. Minibar partners with local retailers to deliver alcohol, mixers, and snacks within an hour in many major US cities.

Pros	Cons
Wide range of alcohol, mixers, and other party supplies	Delivery fees can be variable
Offers delivery in as little as 30 minutes
Good customer service

Saucey

Saucey is available in select cities across the US and focuses on fast, on-demand delivery of beer, wine, and spirits from local liquor stores and restaurants.

Pros	Cons
Fast delivery (often within 30 minutes)	Limited selection in some areas
No surge pricing or hidden fees
Offers mixers, snacks, and other party supplies

FAQs

1. Does DoorDash or Uber deliver alcohol?

Yes, both DoorDash and Uber Eats offer alcohol delivery in selected locations, often depending on local laws and regulations. Availability may vary by restaurant or store partnership.

2. How does Uber Eats verify alcohol?

Uber Eats verifies alcohol orders by requiring customers to provide a valid ID upon delivery. Delivery drivers check the ID to ensure the customer is of legal drinking age and matches the name on the order. 

3. Does Foodpanda deliver alcohol?

Yes, Foodpanda delivers alcohol in some cities, subject to local regulations and availability. Users can order from participating stores or restaurants that offer alcoholic beverages.

4. How does DoorDash verify for alcohol?

DoorDash verifies alcohol orders by requiring delivery drivers to check the customer’s ID upon delivery. The ID must confirm that the customer is of legal drinking age and matches the name on the order. If the customer cannot provide valid identification, the delivery may be canceled.

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