How to Become a Beer Distributor: The Complete Guide

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The journey to becoming a beer distributor is not easy. It takes an extensive amount of time and energy. However, once you are able to complete the requirements, you will be on your way to achieving a successful career in the beer industry.

A great place to start is with your local county brewing association (CBCA). They can tell you what you need to know about the business and provide information about the steps required for becoming a beer distributor. Fees vary from state to state, so make sure to find out what’s required in your area before beginning the application process. Once you’ve found out what’s required for your state, it’s time for the next step: finding an officer with whom you’ll work closely.

What is a beer distributor?

A beer distributor is a company that sells and distributes alcoholic beverages. The job requires the sale of alcohol, and also includes the transporting and logistics of the product.

In addition to selling and distributing alcoholic beverages, distributors must also be able to provide proof of age to customers. Distributors must also abide by any state laws or restrictions that are associated with the sale or distribution of alcohol.

How to become a beer distributor?

Beer distributors must be licensed by the state in which they operate. With that license, they are allowed to sell beer and wine to retailers and wholesalers in that state.

Check out the steps of becoming a beer distributor

1. Fill out the application

An application is required for every new beer distributor. The CBCA will provide the state-specific application for you to fill out, but you’ll still need to submit a separate application to your county liquor commission. You will have to visit both sets of agencies in order to apply.

2. Complete the state-specific training

The state-specific training is designed to teach you about the process of becoming a beer distributor as well as how business works in your particular state. This training usually lasts between two and three weeks, which means it takes time and effort on your part to complete these steps.

3. Pass an exam

After completing both the training and application processes, you will have to pass an exam before receiving your certificate of qualification from your local county liquor commission office. This can be done with either a written or practical test depending on what type of certification you’re seeking from this agency.

The pre-application process

This is the most difficult part of the process. You need to find someone who will provide you with information about the distributor’s business and work with you on completing all the paperwork. Once you’ve found your partner, you’re on your way to becoming a beer distributor!

You will be required to submit a letter of intent, which is basically an agreement that shows that you have read and understood all the requirements, are committed to working hard, and know what it takes to become successful. If you are unable to find anyone willing to work with you at this point in time, that’s okay. Just keep going through the application process until you find someone.

The application process

The process of becoming a beer distributor is broken down into six steps.

Step One: Fill out the application and submit it to your local CBCA.

Step Two: If you are selected as a candidate, you will be asked to attend an interview with the officer.

Step Three: You’ll receive a letter from the officer confirming that he or she has accepted your application and will be in contact soon to schedule an interview.

Step Four: Attend your first appointment with your prospective boss. This meeting can be either in person or over the phone depending on what’s convenient for both parties.

Step Five: Answer any questions that come up during the interview and answer any reference checks that may be necessary for your prospective boss. Once all the information has been gathered, you’ll know if you’re going on to step six!

Step Six: If all goes well, it’s time for another meeting with your prospective boss where you will finalize everything, sign contracts, and get ready for work!

Finishing up the application process and getting your license

There are many steps in the process of becoming a beer distributor. The first step is completing your application and submitting it to your local county brewing association. This is a critical step because it will be sent to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Board who will send you a license application form to fill out and return.

Once you’ve completed that, it’s time for the next step: meeting with that officer. To find out what officers are available in your area, your CBCA office can provide information on officer availability. You’ll need to meet with this person face-to-face so you can get a feel for their personality. Find someone who you feel comfortable working closely with, and choose them as your officer of record (OR). You’ll have to start applying for licenses once your OR agrees to work closely with you.

Wait for word from the state once they’ve received all of the applications from your OR and other authorized personnel involved in the business. If everything is approved, then congratulations! You’re now an official beer distributor in the state of California.

Pros and cons of being a beer distributor

Beers take time to brew, so it’s best if the distributor is located near a state-licensed brewery.

 

There are many pros to being a beer distributor, but there are also some cons that should be considered before taking the plunge. For example, you will be responsible for wrapping and delivering multiple cases of product per week. This can be frustrating because you will have to keep track of every single package in order to make sure it gets delivered on time. You’ll also have to pay taxes, which may seem like an unfair task when you’re only making an average wage. On the other hand, beer distributors have plenty of opportunities for promotion and advancement. They can also make a healthy living doing what they love while employing their skills set in a new career path.