ELEVATE YOUR BRAND WITH CUSTOM TAP HANDLES
When customers are deciding what to drink at a bar, restaurant or taproom, the first thing they notice are the tap handles. Positioned at eye level, tap handles not only showcase your beer but also serve as your brand’s primary form of marketing in a crowded space. At Boelter, we understand that in a highly competitive craft beer market, standing out is more important than ever. That’s why our high-quality, custom tap handles, decorated in the United States, are designed to capture attention and build brand loyalty.
Boelter tap handles are proudly decorated in the USA, with a fast turnaround time of 4-5 weeks. By purchasing through Boelter, you avoid the delays associated with overseas manufacturing, including slowdowns during Chinese New Year and the complexities of international shipping and freight.
Here’s what you need to know about how the right tap handle can boost your sales and enhance your brand.
Why Tap Handles Matter
With over 6,300 operating breweries in the U.S., 98% of which are small and independently owned, your tap handle is often your only form of marketing in bars and restaurants. Studies show that 32% of purchase decisions are made at the bar, and an attractive tap handle can increase draft sales by up to 10% in the first three months, with continued growth over time.
When customers settle in and scan their options, you have just a few seconds to influence their decision. If your tap handle stands out, it’s likely they’ll give your beer a try. Let’s explore what makes a great tap handle design.
Key Elements of Effective Tap Handle Design
1. Make Your Beer Style Clear
Customers often feel rushed in busy bars. By prominently displaying your beer style on the tap handle, you eliminate the guesswork and make it easier for them to choose your brew.
2. Consistency is Key
If you have multiple beer styles on tap, ensure your tap handles share consistent branding elements. This helps customers quickly connect different beers with your brewery, strengthening overall brand recognition.
3. Be Legible from a Distance
Bars can be crowded and poorly lit, so your tap handle needs to be easily readable from multiple angles and at a distance of 10–15 feet. Use bold text and simple designs to make sure customers can spot your brand quickly.
4. Use Contrasting Colors
Studies show that tap handles with vibrant, contrasting colors attract more attention. For example, a white resin or wood handle with black typography will stand out much more than a darker-colored handle with similar text. Colorful, high-contrast designs help unfamiliar customers choose your beer.
5. Choose a Unique, Custom Shape
A tap handle is not just a functional tool—it’s a mini work of art that tells your brand’s story. A custom tap handle shape that represents your beer's character or your brewery’s values will make your handle memorable and unique. But remember, tap handles shouldn’t exceed 2.625 inches in width or be more than 10–12 inches tall to fit comfortably on tap towers.
The Boelter Difference: Why Choose Wood or Resin Tap Handles?
At Boelter, we offer high-quality wood or resin tap handles, crafted with durability and design in mind. Wood and resin are excellent materials for tap handles because they:
- Are easy to customize, allowing for intricate designs that reflect your brand’s personality.
- Offer durability, standing up to the wear and tear of a busy bar environment. Our patented finishing process ensures your tap handle lasts, even under heavy use.
Our wood and resin handles are customizable with interchangeable elements like pucks and toppers, giving you even more flexibility in how you present your beer.
Locally Made with Care
Our tap handles are proudly crafted in the United States, using the finest materials and the latest technology, such as laser engraving and UV printing. While technology plays a key role, the creation of each tap handleremains a hands-on process, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Our team designs and produces 500,000 tap handles a year, each one tailored to meet the unique needs of establishments like yours.
How to Get Started with Your Custom Tap Handle
If you're ready to elevate your brand and increase your draft beer sales, it's time to invest in a custom tap handle from Boelter. With a wide range of shapes, colors, and designs available, we’ll work with you to create the perfect tap handle that not only looks great but also drives sales.