Beer it Forward
Version 2.0 of OpenTap will allow users to buy "beers" for friends directly in the app. It's a great option to help users celebrate their friend's life milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, etc).
How is it possible for OpenTap to sell beer?
OpenTap does not have a liquor license and therefore, cannot sell beer. Instead we are selling a Voucher redeemable at the brewery.
Is this even legal?
The process is similar to Groupon selling discounts on beer flights. We have email confirmation from Christopher Brookman, Supervising Agent at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that selling brewery vouchers is legal.
How is the money collected and paid out?
OpenTap will collect payment (via the secure app) and disperse funds to breweries on a monthly basis via check once beers are redeemed. Minimum of $25 required for payout.
What are the gift card prices?
There are 3 in-app payment choices. These price points resonate with users gift giving preferences.
$7
$15
$25
Does OpenTap charge a fee for this awesome service?
OpenTap will retain 15% of the purchase price, to cover payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) and administration costs for collecting and distributing payments.
$7 / $1.05 (fee) / $5.95 (payout)
$15 / $2.26 (fee) / $12.75 (payout)
$25 / $3.76 (fee) / $21.25 (payout)
How do we ring up the in-brewery transaction?
You will need to create (if you don't have already) a Gift Certificate or External Gift Card purchase option on your POS register (similar to Groupon, Dealpalooza, and other 3rd party vendors). OpenTap will provide a unique code at the time of purchase that can be recorded with the sale (although it is not necessary).
Will you provide a monthly report?
Absolutely! Detailed reports will be generated and distributed to each brewery along with payment every month.
What happens if someone doesn't redeem a beer?
If a voucher expires (see below), users are out of luck. That said, we'll do everything in our power (Email, Social Posts, App Notifications, etc) to remind them to enjoy their delicious free beer.
Do the Beer Vouchers ever expire?
Yes, in one year from purchase. But, we'll be actively reminding users if they have unused beer vouchers they should redeem.
Do we have to participate?
Obviously, we'd love ALL breweries on the app to join us, but it is not required. Nobody is going to force you to miss out on new revenue ;)
What's the value to the brewery?
OpenTap allows current brewery fans to entice their friends and family to come to your brewery. It's a low-cost way to empower your biggest fans to do the marketing for you and win new customers.
What safeguards are in place?
The app user MUST redeem the Voucher in front of the bar tender, guaranteeing a one time only use. We will be closely monitoring all sales and will be able to quickly identify anything fishy going on.
Is anyone else doing a similar thing?
ZenReach allows breweries to reward users with discounted beers. We use the SAME redemption process.
