What should be the features of an Alcohol Delivery Application?

The 2020 lockdowns were critical for physical vendors, especially the alcohol industry - no Saturdays! However, the alcohol vendor found alcohol delivery apps as an escape route.

It is daunting to find that the online sale of alcohol was merely one percent in 2019. On the other hand, online grocery sales accounted for about 3.4 percent. It is due to the US alcohol regulations. The regulation prohibited the direct distribution of alcohol from producers to consumers. 

An alcohol delivery service like Haus has challenged the three-tier system (US regulation) by selling aperitifs in flavors such as lemon and elderflower directly to consumers, since they are wine-based and contain less than 24% alcohol, thereby circumventing the three-tier system.

The lockdowns, however, had another ripple effect that troubled the alcohol industry. Candemic, ‘the shortage of aluminum beer cans’ added significant numbers to shelf prices, though consumers were ready to pay for it.

But anyhow, the online alcohol delivery industry is a virgin segment, yet to be explored. The US alone has a handful of online alcohol delivery startups- Drizly, Saucey, or Minibar Delivery - and a bootstrapper has many unexplored territories. 

With rising virus concerns, people have less mobility, so delivering alcohol door-to-door is a viable startup idea. This article, however, explores the attributes of an alcohol delivery app that make it optimal for usage.

Must-have Features of Alcohol Delivery Application

Selecting the primary features for the app can be a deal-breaker. Hence, these features need to be carefully chosen. Here is the list of features we think must be included while building an alcohol delivery app.

Social Login/ Sign Up

A short, simple, and quick sign-up process motivates early app users. The alcohol delivery app must enable users to quickly sign up using their social media accounts- google or Facebook. 

In addition, the app should take in sign up through email ID and phone number.   

Document Upload

This feature allows the users to upload the necessary documents to their profile, ensuring that they are eligible for the purchase and consumption of alcohol.  

Age Verification

The online alcohol delivery app business is subject to stringent laws. Consumption of alcohol is illegal under a certain age. For example, the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) in the United States is 21 years. 

So, this function helps to authenticate the user's age and other details to ensure they are eligible to use the app and purchase alcohol.  

Document Scanning

A well-functioning document-scanning facility enables shop owners and delivery riders to verify the authenticity of government-issued documents.  

Push Notifications

Push notifications inform the alcohol delivery app's stakeholders about the progress of an order. Simultaneously, these signals notify alcohol shop managers and delivery riders of any new orders received. 

In addition, these are important in circulating special offers and discounts provided by the alcohol vendors.   

In-app Navigation

Alcohol delivery apps should provide GPS location identification. This function allows consumers to track the delivery agent's whereabouts in real time. 

Furthermore, the tracking screen displays the estimated arrival time of their order.  

Voice Control

It is a sophisticated feature that can boost your alcohol delivery app's popularity among ease-loving users. Similarly, with Siri or Amazon Alexa, your users can place orders via voice commands.  

Catalog

The product catalog is a simple and appealing way to showcase the provider's drinks. Vendors can enlist all spirits and booze they have to offer, as well as their pricing and descriptions in the catalog. 

It tracks inventory and addresses shortages of specific drinks.  

Consumer Behavior Monitoring

Behavior monitoring helps understand customers' purchasing habits and interests. App developers can use acquired data to develop a more consumer-centric app, tailoring the user's experience. 

Additionally, the shop managers can optimize advertising and provide users with relevant notifications and information.  

In-app Chat

Consumers can communicate with delivery agents and vendors via the app's in-app chat. It helps check order status and assist the agent in reaching the customer's location quickly.  

Payment Gateways

 It is crucial to provide users with multiple payment options to enable quick, easy payments. Consumers pay using credit and debit cards, e-wallets, PayPal, cash on delivery, and other methods. So, it is wise to have multiple payment gateways.  

Loyalty Programs

Consumers are encouraged to order alcohol online from an alcohol delivery app via its loyalty program. Special discounts or discount coupons can be provided to the app's loyal clients using this functionality. In the long term, this helps to retain more clients.  

Integrations with CRM

Integration of an alcohol delivery app with a CRM might make it easier to manage, engage, and retain clients. It helps by improving your ability to use customer data for sales and growth.  

Suggested Reading: How liquor delivery app can boost your business? Find out!

Content Management System (CMS)

A robust CMS will make it easier for the admin to manage all contents published on the mobile app and website. They may also use it for blogging and raising SEO rankings of the alcohol delivery app.

Real-time Analytics Tools

It is a crucial feature that allows app owners to acquire valuable business information. Analytic tools can prepare sales statistics, revenue estimates, and so on to determine the business's feasibility.  

Heat Maps

The heat map enables the owner of an alcohol delivery app to view locations with the most orders, as well as hot pickup and drop-off zones. Such information can redistribute the delivery riders near high-traffic areas to avoid delivery delays.  

Marketing and Promotional Tools

To attract app audiences, the administrator can use a range of marketing tools to manage promotional programs, in-app ads, email templates, and more.  

Queue Algorithm

In an alcohol delivery app, a queuing algorithm can streamline order processing. When a user places a new order, the algorithm will locate the nearest delivery rider and allocate that order to him. 

It includes several advanced features to ensure accurate, fast order delivery.  

Suggested Reading: Brewdog Business Model: Decoding Successful Alcohol Delivery

Nearest Stores

Online alcohol delivery apps have significantly decreased logistical expenses and distances. Customers and business owners can now identify nearby stores, order drinks, and have them delivered on time. 

If a consumer does not want delivery, they place an online order and carry out self-pickups.  

Repeat Order

It allows the user to keep track of prior purchases. When a consumer places an order, the app records the information. It comes in handy at a later time to facilitate future purchases. Further, it also assists both the vendor and the consumer in carrying out payments. 

It represents the user's choices and preferences. Also, it helps the app notify the user about specials and offers on the beverages they enjoy.  

Intelligent filters

Filters make it simple for consumers to search and choose their drinks from the numerous categories shown in the display of the alcohol delivery app. 

It narrows the alcohol categories in terms of costs, alcohol percentage, customer ratings, and thorough descriptions of the glasses.

Multilingual support

An alcohol delivery app requires multilingual support to extend its market globally. It would enable the alcohol delivery apps to communicate with diverse lingual consumers. 

It allows businesses to take their products to worldwide marketplaces and serve vast audiences.

Conclusion

Modern tech-savvy consumers use mobile apps for every requirement. They can certainly tell what they require and what they do not care about; knowing the operational domain and being flexible to incorporate changes gives businesses chances to stain in harsh times. As they say, when times get tough, merchants get creative. 

The above-mentioned features are today's requirements. Besides, an on-demand alcohol mobile app development company- Appsrhino- can better guide you through the nuances of developing a market-fit product. 

However, developing an alcohol delivery app (until it is usable!) will remain a winning business idea. 

AppsRhino offers the best Tech-driven solutions for Home services, Laundry delivery, Alcohol delivery, Grocery Delivery, On-demand Cannabis, and Taxi Services:

• Food Delivery
• Taxi services
• Alcohol Delivery
• On-demand Cannabis

Contact AppsRhino to quickly create, optimize, and dispatch routes for your company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What features should an alcohol delivery app have?

Key features include easy navigation, secure payment options, real-time tracking, a wide product selection, age verification, and customer support.

How does the age verification process work?

The app prompts users to upload an ID for verification during sign-up, ensuring they meet the legal age requirement before allowing alcohol purchases and delivery.

Can alcohol delivery apps offer promotions?

Yes, apps can offer discounts, loyalty programs, or special deals to encourage repeat customers while adhering to alcohol sales regulations.

Is real-time tracking available?

Most apps offer real-time order tracking, allowing customers to monitor delivery status and estimated arrival time for a seamless experience.