B & B Distributors: Wholesale Beer, Wine, and Spirits in South Carolina
What B & B Distributors sells and who can buy
B & B Distributors is a wholesale supplier of beer, wine, and spirits operating in South Carolina. The company sells to retailers, restaurants, bars, and other licensed establishments rather than directly to consumers. If you own or manage a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or other venue that serves alcohol, B & B can stock your shelves and coolers.
The distributor carries a range of brands across all three categories—domestic and imported beers, wines from various regions and price points, and spirits including whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and more. Like other wholesalers in the state, B & B operates under South Carolina's three-tier alcohol system, which requires that producers sell to distributors, distributors sell to retailers, and retailers sell to consumers.
Ordering from B & B requires a valid South Carolina alcohol license for your business. The distributor handles delivery to your location, manages inventory relationships, and typically offers pricing that reflects bulk purchasing rather than retail markup.
Key Takeaways
- B & B Distributors sells wholesale to licensed bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, not to individual consumers.
- You need a valid South Carolina alcohol license to open an account and place orders.
- The distributor carries beer, wine, and spirits from multiple brands and price ranges.
- Delivery and account management are part of the wholesale relationship, with pricing structured for business volume.
- B & B operates within South Carolina's three-tier system, which separates producers, distributors, and retailers.
How to set up an account with B & B
To become a customer, you will need to contact B & B Distributors directly with proof of your business license and alcohol license. Most distributors in South Carolina require this documentation before opening an account, since selling to unlicensed businesses violates state law.
Once your account is open, you can place orders through the distributor's standard ordering process—typically by phone, online portal, or sales representative. Minimum order amounts and delivery schedules vary by distributor, so confirm those details when you first connect. Ask about payment terms, delivery fees, and whether the distributor offers any volume discounts or promotional pricing for new accounts.
Building a relationship with a distributor sales representative can be helpful. They can advise on which products move well in your market, alert you to new inventory, and help you plan for seasonal demand or special events.
Understanding wholesale pricing and margins
Wholesale prices are lower than retail prices because you are buying in volume and the distributor is selling to many businesses at once. The difference between what you pay B & B and what you charge customers is your margin—this is how bars, restaurants, and liquor stores cover their operating costs and make profit.
Margins vary by product type and business model. A liquor store may mark up beer by 20 to 30 percent, while a bar or restaurant typically marks up by 200 to 400 percent because they are selling by the drink rather than by the bottle. Wine margins often sit between those two extremes. Ask other business owners in your area what margins they work with, and compare B & B's pricing to other distributors to make sure you are getting competitive rates.
Some distributors offer promotional pricing on specific products for limited periods. These deals can help you introduce customers to new brands or move slower inventory, but they also affect your margin on those items.
Delivery, payment, and account management
B & B Distributors, like most wholesalers in South Carolina, handles delivery to your business location. Delivery schedules are usually set on a regular cycle—weekly, twice weekly, or as needed—depending on your volume and the distributor's route. Confirm the delivery day and time window when you set up your account so you can plan staffing.
Payment terms vary. Some distributors require payment on delivery, while others offer net-30 or net-60 accounts for established businesses with good credit. Ask about the payment options available to you and whether there are any discounts for early or cash payment.
Keep track of your orders and invoices. Distributors send detailed receipts showing product names, quantities, unit prices, and total charges. These records are important for your own accounting, for tracking inventory, and for verifying that you received what you ordered at the price you agreed to.
South Carolina's three-tier alcohol system and what it means for you
South Carolina law requires that alcohol move through three separate tiers: producers (breweries, wineries, distilleries) sell to distributors, distributors sell to retailers, and retailers sell to consumers. This system exists in most states and is designed to ensure tax collection, prevent monopolies, and maintain oversight of the alcohol supply chain.
As a retailer, you cannot buy directly from a brewery or winery—you must go through a licensed distributor like B & B. Similarly, you cannot sell directly to consumers except through your own licensed establishment. This structure means your relationship with B & B is essential to your supply chain, and the distributor's reliability and product selection directly affect what you can offer your customers.
South Carolina's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board oversees this system and enforces licensing requirements. If you have questions about what you are allowed to order, sell, or stock, the ABC Board's website and staff can clarify the rules.
Comparing B & B to other South Carolina distributors
South Carolina has multiple beer, wine, and spirits distributors. Before committing to B & B, contact a few others to compare pricing, product selection, delivery schedules, and customer service. Some distributors specialize in craft beer or premium wines, while others focus on volume and mainstream brands. Your business needs may align better with one distributor than another.
Ask potential distributors about their territory—some cover the entire state while others serve specific regions. Ask whether they carry the brands your customers want, whether they can special-order products not in regular stock, and how they handle returns or damaged goods. A distributor who understands your market and your business model is worth more than the lowest price alone.
Check references by talking to other bar owners, restaurant managers, or liquor store operators in your area. They can tell you which distributors are reliable, responsive, and fair to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy from B & B Distributors as a consumer?
No. B & B sells only to licensed businesses—bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and similar establishments. Consumers must purchase beer, wine, and spirits from retail locations. This is required by South Carolina's three-tier alcohol system.
What licenses do I need to order from B & B?
You need a valid South Carolina alcohol license for your business. The type of license depends on what you do—a beer and wine license for a restaurant, a spirits license for a bar, or a retail license for a liquor store. Contact your local city or county government to learn which license applies to your business and how to obtain it.
Does B & B deliver to all parts of South Carolina?
Most distributors serve specific regions or territories. Contact B & B directly to confirm whether they deliver to your location. If they do not, they can usually recommend another distributor in your area.
What happens if I receive damaged or incorrect products?
Report the issue to B & B as soon as you discover it. Most distributors have a process for handling damaged goods, short shipments, or order errors—usually involving a credit to your account or a replacement delivery. Keep your invoice and photos of damaged products to support your claim.
Can B & B special-order products that are not in regular stock?
Many distributors can special-order products, but availability and timing depend on the brand, the distributor's relationships with producers, and demand. Ask your B & B sales representative what special-order options are available and how long orders typically take to arrive.