Common Drinks Logistics Myths

From the outside, drinks logistics might seem like a straightforward business- load the cases, drive the van, deliver the drinks... but anyone working behind the scenes knows that the movement of alcohol from producer to consumer can be anything but simple.

With the complexity of drinks logistics comes many misconceptions.

As a London-based 3PL specialising in drinks, we’ve heard it all: from myths about shipping costs to misunderstandings about compliance. So, let's set the record straight and uncover the truth behind the biggest drinks logistics myths.

What Is Drinks Logistics? A Quick Guide for UK Drinks Brands

So, what is drinks logistics?

Here's the short version:

Drinks logistics refers to the storage, handling, fulfilment and delivery of all kinds of drinks, from alcoholic to non-alcoholic beverages. It’s a specialist part of the supply chain that includes (but is not limited to):

1. Alcohol warehousing and storage (including bonded warehousing and temperature-controlled storage)
2. Order fulfilment (both on-trade and e-commerce drinks delivery)
3. Drinks stock breakage and spoilage prevention
4. Distribution methods management
5. Drinks delivery tracking
   

For breweries, wineries, distilleries and no-and-low producers, getting the logistics right means faster (and sometimes next-day) delivery, happier customers and much smoother brand growth.

Looking for a London-based drinks logistics provider who understands the drinks industry inside and out? Talk to our Tap'in 3PL team about how we can take on and customise your London & South East drinks delivery.

What Are the Most Common Drinks Logistics Myths?

Let's debunk the most common myths and misconceptions in the drinks logistics industry.

Myth: “It’s cheaper to do your drinks logistics in-house.”

At first, handling your own drinks logistics might be a cost-saving move. However, the costs can start to pile up fast once you factor in:

1. Warehouse rent
2. Staffing
3. Insurance
4. Packaging materials
5. Storage compliance
6. Tech infrastructure (such as an efficient WMS)
   

The reality

‍Outsourcing your logistics to a 3PL gives you access to an existing drinks logistics framework, optimised technology and expertly trained staff... without all the overheads.

You only pay for the storage and service you need and when you need it. This is especially perfect for navigating fluctuating or seasonal drinks demand.

Common drinks logistics questions, such as 'how much does a 3PL cost?' and 'how does drinks fulfilment work with a 3PL?' don't have to leave you feeling overwhelmed!

Check out our library of drinks logistics blogs- they're full of tips on how to optimise your London & South East drinks logistics for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Or, take it a step further and try our FREE in-house vs. outsourced logistics costs calculator.

Myth: “Using a 3PL means I lose complete control of my drinks brand.”

Many drinks brands worry that outsourcing their drinks fulfilment and logistics means giving up the little things that make their brand unique, like sustainable packaging or the unboxing experience for DTC ecommerce drinks producers.

Not to mention- drinks producers are often sceptical about using an outsourced fulfilment method over fear of a lack of control over margins and position in the market.

The reality

‍A drinks-specialist 3PL becomes an extension of your brand. 3PLs do not buy and sell your stock for you, allowing you to keep control of your margins and sell and market your product on your own terms.

With the right third-party logistics partner, you can customise the fulfilment experience- from ecommerce packaging to on-trade delivery requests- to ensure your customer experience stays on point throughout.

Some 3PLs, such as Tap'in, give their clients access to their Warehouse Management System (WMS) so that drinks producers can keep an eye on their stock levels. This allows drinks producers to maintain control of their stock levels whilst still outsourcing the time-consuming drinks logistics.

There are many different routes to market for drinks producers, including wholesale and third-party logistics. Many drinks producers who are conscious about keeping ownership of their drinks brand choose to partner with a 3PL because:

1. You still own your product when you partner with a drinks 3PL
2. You are still in control of your margins and how much you sell your drinks for with a 3PL
3. You still manage your own marketing and position in the drinks world
   

Unsure whether a wholesaler or drinks 3PL is right for your business? Check out our comprehensive blog on the pros and cons of a 3PL vs wholesaler.

Myth: “Delivering alcohol is just like delivering anything else.”

Let's be honest- drinks logistics isn't always a breeze. It comes with its own set of headaches, such as:

1. Holding temperature-sensitive drinks stock
2. Higher risks of bottle breakage
3. Carrier restrictions
4. Compliance and paperwork (especially when importing alcohol into the UK from overseas)
   

The reality

‍Drinks logistics is very different from generic logistics.

Drinks-specialist 3PLs are experts in handling these unique challenges by:

1. Having the right storage conditions (such as cold drinks storage or ambient drinks storage)
2. Carrier partnerships and connections (e.g access to Pallet Network, DTC ecommerce drinks couriers and even their own trusted drinks delivery partners)
3. Understanding alcohol regulations and compliance, especially in markets like the UK and EU.
   

A drinks 3PL like Tap'in will notify you when your drinks have been delivered by sending a POD ('Proof of Delivery') to the drinks producer. This keeps producers in-the-loop about their deliveries, without having to organise the logistics themselves.

Myth 5: “I’ll only need a 3PL when I scale.”

Many 3PLs require Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) to work with them, based on monthly or annual volumes (litres) delivered. However, drinks producers do not necessarily need a scale plan in order to partner with a 3PL, as long as they meet these MOQs.

Both drinks brands with stable sales and drinks brands with rapidly increasing growth can highly benefit from partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Outsourcing your logistics can free up your time, money and resources, allowing you to focus more on crafting new drinks and scaling your business.

The reality: Our top tip? Plan to partner with a 3PL early, before a big wave of demand hits. This allows you to fully integrate into the 3PL's systems and workflows so that your growth is supported entirely during peak drinks order surges.

Tap'in 3PL is a drinks logistics company located just 5 miles from Woolwich, offering next-day London and South East drinks delivery. Tap'in operates under the following Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs):

1. MOQ for on-trade deliveries: 3,500 litres per month (or 42,000 litres per annum)
2. MOQ for DTC/ecommerce drinks deliveries: 500 orders per month
   

Does this sound like your drinks company? Reach out to our expert team for a quote today.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Partner

Whether you’re delivering bold new beers, artisanal wines or no-and-low alcohol options, drinks logistics certainly isn't always straightforward... but it can definitely be efficient.

Partnering with a 3PL that's right for YOU means you have the correct support and resources that are bespoke to your drinks operation scaling plan.

At Tap'in 3PL, we’ve built our drinks logistics business around helping both growing and well-established drinks brands seamlessly navigate the complexities of drinks fulfilment, giving flexibility to grow and adapt to the ever-changing market.

Want to learn how Tap'in can help your drinks brand deliver next-day to London and the South East? Contact our team using the form below for a no-obligation chat with our expert team.

Or, check out some other helpful blogs about drinks logistics:

1. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) VS. Wholesaler: Which is Right For Your Drinks Business?
2. 10 Signs It Might Be Time to Use a Third-Party Logistics Provider for Your Drinks Business
3. How Can a Drinks 3PL Help You Deliver Across the UK?