How to Sell Alcohol Online
Learn about selling wine, beer, and spirits online, but be aware that shipping and other regulations can differ from state to state.
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You Will Need
- Internet access
- State liquor license and direct shipper permit
Steps
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It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 in the United States. Make sure you are aware of all alcohol sales laws in the region where you are making sales.
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Step 1
Go to TTB.gov
Go to TTB.gov, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau website, for links to state alcohol control boards.
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Step 2
Visit state alcohol control board websites
Visit state alcohol control board websites to learn about each state's direct-to-consumer shipping regulations pertaining to alcoholic beverages.
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Cities within a state can have their own laws regarding direct shipping of alcoholic beverages.
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Step 3
Apply for a liquor license
Apply for a liquor license at state boards that allow direct shipping of alcoholic beverages. You may also need a direct shipper permit. Getting approval can be a long process, so be patient!
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Step 4
Apply for an Importer's Basic Permit
Apply for an Importer's Basic Permit from the TTB if you're importing alcoholic beverages from abroad with the intent of reselling it online.
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Regulations for wines are typically looser than laws regarding online sales and shipping other types of alcoholic beverages.
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Step 5
Sell alcoholic beverages at an online auction
Sell alcoholic beverages at an online auction website. Most will only allow limited sales of wine from members with liquor licenses.
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Step 6
Sell alcoholic beverages on consignment
Sell on consignment through an online auction service if you don't have a license. If they're partnered with a licensed seller, you won't need to have a liquor license.
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Billionaire Malcolm Forbes' family set a record when they bought a 1787 bottle of Lafite wine, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, for $156,000.
