With microbreweries exploding across the country, we’re seeing business model innovation right before our eyes.
Similar to the Supreme, hypebeast model, a hip brewery drops a limited amount of a beer that will presumably sell out within a day or two. The beers they sell in these “drops” are typically hazy, New England style IPAs and they can sell for anywhere from $16-$24 for a four pack. Compare that to a 6 pack of Dogfish Head 60 Minute for $10.99, or something else for even less.
It’s clear this business model has some major benefits (high prices, buzz about the product, fast inventory turns, little need for distribution) but it’s also not an accident. Scarcity and urgency spur action. Knowing that they might not brew this beer for another 2-3 months might help you rationalize paying $5/can. And knowing that today is the only day you’ll be able to buy it before they sell out pushes you to buy.
Business models can happen by accident, but you can also do them on purpose. Since you get to pick, you might as well pick one that is advantageous to you, the creator.