North America

Consumers with Buying Power Want DtC Beer Shipping

Rachel Hoffman
November 2, 2023

This blog was last updated on May 3, 2024

Direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping has remained out of reach for beer enthusiasts who crave the convenience of having their favorite brews delivered right to their doorstep. The demand for DtC beer shipping is palpable, but the supply is disappointingly scarce, with only 10 states and D.C. allowing beer to be shipped to its residents.

A substantial majority of beer enthusiasts express a strong desire to, at the very least, have the legal option to have beer shipped to their homes. Who are these consumers, and what motivates them to seek DtC beer?

Buying power for DtC beer shipping

These potential DtC beer customers are already passionate about their brews. They regularly purchase beer from stores and embark on pilgrimages to craft breweries in search of unique flavors and limited-edition batches.  These consumers know that the types of beer they want are out there but may be difficult to find on the shelves of their local retailers.

The call for convenience is showing with the buying power for DtC beer shipping

Those aged 34-44 and those with children under the age of 18 living in their household are particularly interested in purchasing beer DtC. These consumers are looking for convenience, as their responsibilities and commitments make it challenging to visit a brewery or specialty beer store. This insight disproves claims that mothers and families are universally opposed to the idea of shipping alcohol and instead, suggests that convenience is a compelling factor in their beer choices.

Supporting and promoting local brewers

The benefits of offering DtC shipping extend beyond the immediate revenue impacts. If a brewery offered DtC shipping, 82% of regular craft beer drinkers would likely buy from that brewery more often, and 85% of them would recommend their friends and family do the same.  If consumers know that their friends and family, regardless of their location, can enjoy the brewery’s beer, they become more likely to recommend it to their loved ones. DtC beer shipping, in this context, becomes a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.

It’s abundantly clear that consumers want DtC beer shipping, however, legal barriers have held back the industry’s full potential. Craft breweries are poised to benefit greatly from expanded DtC shipping permissions, as long as they approach this opportunity with realistic expectations and set prices that ensure a good return on investment without overextending themselves.

It’s time for the beer industry to collaborate and extend the map of available legal beer shipping options. All that consumers are asking for is a chance to meet the clearly evident demand for DtC beer. It’s a win-win situation, and it’s time for the beer industry to raise a glass to a more accessible and consumer-friendly future.

Take Action

Learn how Sovos ShipCompliant helps breweries keep up with compliance.

Sign up for Email Updates

Stay up to date with the latest tax and compliance updates that may impact your business.

Author

Rachel Hoffman

Share this post

cannabis plant demonstrating the source of hemp-derived beverages
North America ShipCompliant
July 28, 2025
Legal Considerations for Hemp-Derived Beverages in a Rapidly Evolving Market

This blog was last updated on July 28, 2025 The swift growth of hemp-derived CBD and THC beverages has introduced a wave of innovation to the beverage industry, along with a fair amount of legal confusion. These products are showing up everywhere: on retail shelves, in tasting rooms and in the hands of curious consumers […]

ViDA e-invoicing
North America VAT & Fiscal Reporting
July 18, 2025
ViDA E-Invoicing and Digital Reporting Requirements: What Businesses Need to Know

This blog was last updated on July 18, 2025 VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) is one of the most significant regulation changes to EU VAT in recent years. Changes to requirements became effective on 12 March 2025 with the official adoption of the package, with further rules coming into effect in 2030. This blog […]

See for yourself how the Sovos Compliance Cloud can meet your business' unique tax compliance challenges.
Book a Demo
© 2025 Sovos Compliance, LLC. All rights reserved.
Why Sovos?
Resources
About
Products
Indirect Tax Suite
Information Reporting and Withholding Suite
Specialty Products
Solutions
By Tax or Document Type
By Industry
By Team or Initiative
By Region