Restaurant Ordering Offers Real-Time Data and Convenience

In 2013, Virginia ABC introduced online ordering for its mixed beverage licensee customers. Today, nearly two years later, more than 1,500 restaurants across the Commonwealth are enjoying the convenience and benefits of this service.

Virginia ABC’s online ordering system allows licensees to place orders for distilled spirits and other ABC products around the clock. Supported by the agency’s Management of Inventory and Product Sales (MIPS) system, the online ordering function provides 24/7 access to ABC’s real-time inventory and enables licensees to view accurate, up-to-date product codes with present and future discounting.

Licensees utilizing the online ordering function receive automatic email notifications when orders have been submitted and again when orders are ready to be picked up at the store. The latter email includes the total amount due when the order is collected.

Many licensees still place orders by calling their ABC store or sending the order via a facsimile machine. They are unaware that online ordering can provide them with vastly enhanced resources and reliability in a busy and demanding industry.

Since the launch of online ordering in 2013, Virginia ABC has added two additional features to enhance the licensee’s online ordering experience:

1. In 2014, the agency expanded options for order pick up by allowing licensees to pickup product at an alternate store in the licensee’s region. This alternate store option allows licensees to submit an online order to a second store location within the licensee's service area up to twice a month for special circumstances. These circumstances include the primary (base) store being out of stock of a particular item, the convenience of the alternate store or the base store being closed for some reason. This addition is designed to give licensees more flexibility to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
2. Also in 2014, the agency created a comment section on the “Create Order” screen. This allows licensees to request or special order merchandise that the licensee’s base store may not carry. It also gives licensees the chance to enter additional information or special instructions related to the order. Any comments made appear on the email notification sent out once the order has been submitted.

As the agency continues to develop its newly redesigned website, it also will be making improvements to MIPS ensuring that online ordering is both easy to use and a reliable tool for meeting licensee needs.