How does Drizly make money?

Answered by James Porterfield

Drizly, the popular online platform for ordering alcoholic beverages, generates revenue through a combination of commissions from liquor stores and delivery fees. This business model allows Drizly to provide a convenient and efficient service for customers while also benefiting the participating liquor stores.

1. Commission from Liquor Stores:
Drizly earns a significant portion of its revenue through commissions paid by liquor stores for orders received through the platform. When customers place an order on Drizly, the platform connects them with nearby liquor stores that have partnered with Drizly. These liquor stores pay a commission to Drizly for each order they receive through the platform. This commission structure incentivizes liquor stores to join the Drizly network and fulfill orders efficiently. The commission percentage may vary depending on the specific agreement between Drizly and each liquor store.

2. Delivery Fees:
In addition to the commissions earned from liquor stores, Drizly also charges delivery fees to customers. When a customer places an order on Drizly, they have the option to choose delivery as their preferred method of receiving the purchased beverages. Drizly then coordinates the delivery process by partnering with local delivery services or employing their own drivers. The delivery fees charged to customers vary based on factors such as location, order size, and delivery speed. This revenue stream allows Drizly to cover the costs associated with delivery logistics and provide a convenient service to customers.

3. Partnerships with Brands and Promotional Opportunities:
Drizly also seeks opportunities to partner with brands and promote their products on the platform. These partnerships can take various forms, such as featured promotions, sponsored listings, or exclusive offers. By collaborating with alcohol brands, Drizly not only enhances its product offerings but also generates additional revenue through advertising and promotional activities. These partnerships can be beneficial for both Drizly and the alcohol brands by increasing brand visibility and driving sales.

Personal Experience:
As a sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed the growing popularity of online platforms like Drizly in the alcohol industry. These platforms have revolutionized the way customers discover and purchase alcoholic beverages, providing a convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Drizly, in particular, has gained a reputation for its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of products.

I have personally used Drizly to order specific wines and craft beers that are not readily available in my local stores. The platform's ability to connect me with nearby liquor stores and offer a wide range of options has been invaluable. The convenience of browsing through different products, reading reviews, and placing an order from the comfort of my home has made the overall experience enjoyable.

In terms of revenue generation, it is evident that Drizly's business model revolves around facilitating transactions between customers and liquor stores. By earning commissions from the liquor stores and charging delivery fees to customers, Drizly can sustain its operations, cover logistics costs, and continuously improve its services. Additionally, partnerships with alcohol brands provide an additional revenue stream and add value to both the platform and the brands.

To summarize, Drizly makes money through commissions paid by liquor stores for orders received through the platform, delivery fees charged to customers, and partnerships with alcohol brands. This multi-faceted approach allows Drizly to provide a seamless and convenient service while generating revenue for its operations.