Frequently asked questions
New SAQ.COM
- What are the main highlights of the new SAQ.COM website?
The new SAQ.COM website offers you a redesigned and improved experience to make your life easier, simple and intuitive navigation adapted to all types of devices (mobile, tablet or laptop). Each week, you will be offered new products to discover and, thanks to the geolocation tool, it is now easier to find your favourite products in the stores closest to you.
- Is the search tool more efficient?
Thanks to artificial intelligence, the new search tool will quickly become very powerful as it assimilates the numerous users’ searches in real time to suggest keywords (region, appellation, product name, etc.). As a result, the suggestions will become more and more relevant over time and the performance of the tool will improve.
- Has my Inspire account information been saved?
You can always view your purchase history in the "my purchase history" section of your account, as well as your points statement, your exclusive offers and the status of your online orders. However, your purchase profile is only accessible through your SAQ mobile application.
- With the new SAQ.COM website, should I change my password?When you log in for the first time, you won’t have to change your password. However, if it doesn’t meet the new security criteria, you will subsequently receive an invitation to register a new one. If you forgot your password, use the link "Forgot my password" and follow the instructions.
- Have my favourite products and recipes been saved to the new site?Your favourite products have been saved and are still available in your account. However, it is no longer possible to add cocktail recipes or meal recipes to your favourites lists.
- What are the benefits of the new geolocation feature?The new SAQ.COM website and the SAQ mobile application now feature a geolocation function, making it easier for you to find your favourite products in the stores closest to you. Thanks to geolocation, when you navigate through the product pages, you can consult the inventory of the nearest stores by clicking on the "Check quantities in stores" link.
- What are the benefits of saving your favourite store in SAQ.COM?When you navigate through the product pages, the inventory of your favourite store will be displayed automatically.
- What is the difference between the sugar content ("Detailed info" in the product page) and the sweetness ("Tasting" in the product page)?The sugar content is a data collected from analyzes produced in our laboratory, while the sweetness scale tells you about the taste in the mouth during tasting. Since our laboratory can’t analyze all of the products, the sugar content may vary from year to year or from one product renewal to the next.
SAQ Inspire
Browsing SAQ.COM
- Finding a store
When you first visit SAQ.COM, the site will suggest the store closest to your geographic location. The name of the store will be displayed in the website header. Click on the store’s name to open its mini page with more information and the list of products available in this store.
You’ll also find a link to search for other stores.
- How can I check which items are in stock in a specific store?
If the store displayed in the website header is your favourite store, click on the store’s name to view its mini page. You’ll then be able to click on the link View the products of this store.
You can also search for another store. Click on the Details button to access the complete page of the desired store, where you’ll also find the link View the products of this store.
Or better yet: select the desired store and check the option Save as my favourite store. That way, when you browse product pages, the quantity of products available in your favourite store will be displayed automatically in the product page.
- Are product quantities displayed in real time on SAQ.COM?
Yes. Product quantities are displayed in real time on SAQ.COM. With products offered in limited quantity, we suggest you contact store personnel beforehand.
- Creating lists of favourite products
Sign in to your account or create a new account. In a product page, click on Add to my favourites. You’ll then be able to save the product in the default list or create a new list in which to save the product.
You can create several lists and rename them. You’ll be able to save up to 100 products per list. You can associate a rating and a comment to each of your products.
To view your favourites lists, click on your name in the website header and click on the link My favourites lists.
- When I save favourite products on SAQ.COM, are they also added to my favourites in the SAQ mobile application?
Yes, all your favourites lists on the site are synchronized with the SAQ mobile application.
- Is it still possible to save recipes and cocktails in my favourites lists?
This feature is no longer available in the current version of the SAQ.COM site. We plan to add shortly sharing options compatible with increasingly popular dedicated applications that allow the creation of personalized recipe books.
- What browsers are supported by SAQ.COM?
Check out the Accessibility page to view the list of browsers and devices supported by SAQ.COM.
Online shopping
- How to shop on SAQ.COM or through the SAQ mobile application?
To buy online, you must create an SAQ account and be aged 18 years or over. You can buy online if you live outside of Quebec, but you can only have your purchase delivered in Quebec.
- What products does SAQ.COM offer?
SAQ.COM and the SAQ mobile application allow you to consult all the products sold in-store and online. Several thousand products are sold in SAQ.COM and the SAQ mobile application, including several web exclusives. See the full range of products available for sale online.
- What is the CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service?
The CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service allows you to buy online in SAQ.COM or through the SAQ mobile application and have your order delivered for free in participating stores with any purchase of $75 or more (after rebates and discounts), within 3 to 5 business days.
When you shop online, you have access to presales and to a product selection that may differ from the one offered in the store where your order will be delivered.
Occasionally, during promotions or due to circumstances beyond our control, delivery times may be slightly longer than usual. - Can restaurant owners use the CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service?
The CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP is offered to individuals only. Learn more about the services offered to restaurant owners by visiting the Permit holders section.
- Which stores offer the CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service?
Many stores throughout Quebec offer the CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service. Only participating stores will be offered to you at the “Delivery” step of your online purchase.
- How much does it cost to have my order delivered in-store if my purchase is under $75?
If the amount of your order is under $75, you can have it delivered in-store for a $6 fee.
If the amount of your purchase drops below $75 due to a missing product, delivery remains free. - Can someone else pick up my order in-store for me?
Yes. You can send someone in-store to pick up your order for you. This person must be aged 18 years or over and bring with them the in-store order pickup email notice or the order confirmation email, or the bill, as well as an acceptable form of identification: Driver’s license, health insurance card, passport, Canadian citizenship card or any other valid document issued by a government authority.
- How much does it cost to have my order delivered at home?
Purchases made on SAQ.COM and through the SAQ mobile application may be delivered to your home or office for a flat rate of $12 per order (this rate does not apply to remote areas), within 3 to 5 business days.
- How much does delivery in remote areas cost?
Deliveries in remote areas are carried out by Air Stage Offices, whose delivery fees differ and stand as follows:
Basic rate: $55 per order
Additional rate: $8 per item
SAQ Mobile application
- Installing the mobile application
How can I access the SAQ mobile application?
From your device, go to the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or to Google Play (Android) and search for the SAQ mobile application, then install the application on your device.Is the mobile application supported by Android and iPhone/iPad?
Yes, the mobile application is supported by Android and iPhone/iPad.iPhone/iPad:n iOS 9.0 and above
Android: Android version 5 and above
If you are having problems, it might be because your device isn’t supported.
Is it possible to install the application on a tablet?
The application is optimized for iOS (iPad) and Android tablets. - Using the mobile application
Do I have to create an account to browse the application and make purchases?
No, you are not required to create an account to browse the application, see available products, find a store ou add your SAQ Inspire card.However, if you want to add favourites or products to your basket, and pay for your order, you must create an account. By creating an account, you’ll also be able to access your exclusive Inspire promotions and your Inspire points balance.
If you already have an SAQ.COM/SAQ Inspire account, use the same username and password to log in to the mobile application.
What should I do if my account is locked or if I am having trouble with logging in?
You will have to contact Customer relation centre.How can I reset my password?
From the sign in page, click “Forgot your password?” and enter the email address associated with your account. You will receive a temporary password and a link taking you to SAQ.com. Resetting your password can only be done on SAQ.COM. Once you have changed your password on SAQ.com, you can return to the mobile application and log in.Can I change my personal information?
Yes, you may do so in your mobile app account. Simply log in and selecting “Personal information” From the menu.Can I track my order?
Yes, you may do so in your account by selecting “Order status.” You will be redirected to SAQ.com.Can I unsubscribe from my account?
Yes, you may unsubscribe from your account by contacting Customer relation centre. You will no longer be able to log in to SAQ.COM or the mobile app, however, your SAQ Inspire account will remain active and you can continue to use your SAQ Inspire card in store.Can I be connected on several devices at the same time?
Yes. You can connect to the SAQ mobile app and connect to SAQ.COM at the same time without being asked to reconnect. The issue has been solved.Is the connection persistent?
Yes, persistent connections enable users, from the first authentication, to stay connected, which means they can avoid entering their password each time they open the application. - SAQ Inspire subscription through the mobile app
Can I register for the Inspire program with the application?
Yes, you can join the SAQ Inspire program at any time, when you create a SAQ account or from the top-right menu of the app by clicking on the «Subscribe to SAQ Inspire».Are my Inspire purchase profile and purchase history available in the application?
Yes. Sign in and you'll be able to access your purchase profile and purchase history, as well as your personalised offers. Currently, only your detailed points balance is not available on the app.Is there a virtual Inspire card in the mobile application?
Yes, if you are a member of SAQ Inspire, your Inspire card is automatically available in the app when logged in. If not logged in, you can add a virtual card by scanning or manually entering your SAQ Inspire card number.Can I earn points with the SAQ Inspire virtual card?
Yes, same as with your plastic card, you can earn points when you present your virtual card in store.Can I see the points I can earn by making purchases with the application?
Yes. The points you can earn are displayed in the shopping cart and in the order confirmation page.Can I redeem my points with the SAQ Inspire virtual card?
In order to insure that the use of points for the payment of goods and services is made by the member himself, the SAQ reserves the right to require photo ID from the person asking to redeem points, in addition to require the person to have their SAQ Inspire card on hand (and not the virtual card in the SAQ app, or any other printed or electronic reproduction of the card). - Searching for products
How can I search for a product?
There are several ways to search for a product:You can go to the “Search” tab on the navigation menu to search by keyword or by criteria (Categories, Country/Regions, Taste tags, Prices, Promotions).
You can go to the “Scan” tab on the navigation menu to scan the barcode on a product and access its product page.
Will I find the same product selection on the application as on the SAQ.COM website?
Yes, the same selection of products and the same promotions are on both the application and the SAQ.COM website.Can I sort and refine the results of a product search?
Yes, these functions are located on top of the search results. The sort function is located to the left and the refine function is located to the right. - Product information
Will I find the same product information as on the SAQ.COM website?
No, the application presents a simplified version of the SAQ.COM product page.Can I find the page of a product that is no longer available in stores?
Yes, you have access to all products in or out of stock. However, products that are out of stock will appear at the end of the search results.Will I find information on SAQ Inspire points?
Yes, the icon for SAQ Inspire bonus points or point multipliers will be visible on the product page.Can I share a product on social media?
Yes, by tapping the “Share” icon in the product page, you can publish its link on your social media. - Favourites
How can I access my favourites?
You can access your favourites by tapping the Favourites icon on the home page. If you are not connected, the application will ask you to sign in or create an account.I just added a new product to my favourites, and it does not appear in my list. Why?
You need to refresh/update your favourites by sliding the list downwards.Will I find my favourites from the mobile application on the SAQ.com website?
Yes, favourites are automatically synchronized (transferred) from your application to SAQ.com, as long as you sign in with your SAQ.com / SAQ Inspire account on the mobile application. You can also consult your favourites from SAQ.com on the mobile application.Can I create favourites lists?
Yes, it’s now possible to create new lists of favourites in the application.Can I add a rating or a comment to a product in my favourites?
Yes, you can comment on and rate a product from your favourites list.
To assign a rating, access your favourites list and click on the stars located below the product. A window will open up; rate the product by assigning it stars.
To enter a comment, click on Add a personal comment.Can other users see the ratings and comments that I add to my favourites?
No, these are only visible in your profile since they are personal ratings/comments. Other users don’t have access and they won’t be published on social media. - Adding to the shopping cart
Can I add a product to my shopping cart on the mobile application and complete my purchase on SAQ.com?
Yes, if you are using the application and add products to your shopping card, you can continue your transaction on SAQ.com and vice versa.Will I have the option to use the Click, purchase, pick up service?
Yes, you have the option of having your purchases delivered to a Click, purchase, pick up store of your choice or directly to your home.Can I have an order shipped to more than one address?
No, you cannot have a single order shipped to multiple addresses from the app; this option is available only on the SAQ.com website.Can I add a greeting card to my order?
No, you cannot add a greeting card to your order; this option is available only on the SAQ.com website.Will I have the option of earning SAQ Inspire points?
Yes, you can earn SAQ Inspire points on the mobile application. However, you cannot access the entire balance of your points, and you will not see how many points you have earned through the current order. Red the SAQ Inspire section above for further details on how points are attributed.Can I pay part of my purchase using my SAQ Inspire points?
No, it is not possible to redeem SAQ Inspire points when paying on the application. You may redeem your points in our network of stores.Is it secure to make a payment on the mobile application?
Yes, because the SAQ mobile application adheres to high security standards—the same as those used for Transaction security on SAQ.com.
SAQ stores
- Store locations and list of available products
When you first visit SAQ.COM, the site will suggest the store closest to your geographic location. The name of the store will be displayed in the website header. Click on the store’s name to open its mini page with more information and the list of products available in this store.
You’ll also find a link to search for other stores, by street name or city name, for example. Click on the Details button to access the complete page of the desired store. You’ll also find the link View the products of this store.
In the mobile application, click on the Outlets icon in the menu on the bottom of the screen. As on the website, the application will suggest stores closest to your geographic location. Click on one of the stores to view its details.
- Where can I purchase bulk wine?
You have two options: Comptoir de Vin en vrac Constellation Brands and the Maison des Futailles’s Vin en Vrac counters.
Visit www.vinenvrac.ca for information about the available products and prices as well as the locations and opening hours of the Maison des Futailles’s Vin en Vrac counters.
For the Constellation Brands Vin en Vrac counter, call for more information or visit their Facebook page by typing ‘’Vin en vrac Constellation Brands’’ in a search engine for information about the available products and prices, as well as the locations and opening hours.
Maison des Futailles (Montreal): 514 353-2021Maison des Futailles (Saint-Hyacinthe): 450 773-8467
Comptoir de Vin en vrac Constellation Brands (Rougemont): 514 861-2404
- Is there a limit on the number of empty beer bottles I can bring back to a store?
Individuals can bring back any returnable bottle bought at the SAQ to any SAQ store. However, if you want to return an unusually large number, we ask that you call the store beforehand to make sure it has room to store them.
Permit holders are required to bring returnable bottles back to the store where their purchases were stamped. When placing an order over the phone, they must indicate the number of bottles to be picked up by SAQ personnel upon delivery.
- What are the terms and conditions associated with the Wi-Fi SAQ service in-store?
To find out about the terms and conditions of the Wi-Fi SAQ service in-store, please read the general conditions of use (PDF format).
Cocktail recipes and food pairings
- Where can I find wine and meal pairings?
Recipes and wine and meal pairings are now available in SAQ.COM website, SAQ mobile application and in-store terminals.
Our in-store wine advisors will also be happy to share their knowledge and wine pairing expertise with you.
- Where can I find the cocktail recipes?
The cocktail recipes and cocktail suggestions in the product pages are still available on SAQ.COM. However, they are currently not available in the SAQ mobile application.
Wine and spirit courses
- What are the courses available to consumers? Can I obtain a diploma by taking them?
SAQ courses are open to everyone. Although they cover many aspects of the world of alcoholic beverages, people who take them do not receive a diploma. Visit the Ateliers SAQ par ITHQ website to see the list of all courses and workshops offered.
Those interested in the profession of mixologist and who wish to obtain a diploma must apply directly to the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ).
Partnering with the SAQ
- Partnering with the SAQ
Present and active in Quebec society, the SAQ partners with a multitude of festive and charitable activities throughout Quebec.
Its contributions are governed by the Donation and Sponsorship Policy, which guarantees that all applications are handled fairly and equitably.
We encourage you to browse the to learn about the categories favoured by the SAQ, the eligibility criteria and the prerequisites for submitting a donation or sponsorship application.
- Can I sell alcoholic beverages as a fundraising activity?
The sale of alcohol by the bottle is exclusive to the SAQ and its agencies, as well as grocery permit holders and small-scale production permit holders. No one else is authorized to sell alcohol.
As for auction sales, all such events must go through the SAQ.
Sales by the glass require a permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) and specific conditions apply. If the sales are made under a restaurant, bar, pub or tavern permit, the bottles must be stamped. If the sales are made under a reunion permit, the bottles don’t need to be stamped (reunion permits are issued for a specific time-limited event as described in the application).
- What is the SAQ’s policy regarding contracts and financial commitments?
To learn more, please refer to the Contract information page.
- Can the SAQ refuse to sell alcoholic beverages?
SAQ employees have the duty and responsibility to refuse to sell alcoholic beverages to minors, to people who are obviously inebriated and to adults who attempt to purchase alcohol on their behalf.
Please refer to the Sales ethics page in the Social responsibility section.
Other services and policies
- What is the SAQ’s exchange and refund policy?
Upon presentation of a sales receipt, the SAQ refunds any product purchased in an SAQ store in the last 90 days, under certain conditions.
You must present the sales receipt when requesting a refund. For exchanges, the sales receipt is optional, provided that the following rules be complied with:
- a vintage product can be exchanged if there isn’t more than a one-year difference between the vintage being brought back and the one currently being sold;
- the label must not have changed;
- a product with an expiry date must not be expired;
- the product must exist in the directory;To be exchanged or reimbursed, the returned product must be sealed in order for the store to be able to sell the product again, and the product inside the container must be defective. In this case, the returned bottle must be at least three quarters full. Otherwise, the packaging, the bottle and the labels of a sealed product that be can be sold again must be in good condition. An open bottle that doesn't have any fabrication defect cannot be refunded or exchanged.
With or without a sales receipt, a product that can't be consumed due to a fabrication defect can be exchanged or reimbursed under certain conditions. The exchange or refund may take place in the store of your choice, even if the purchase was made in another point of sale in Quebec (store, SAQ agency or supermarket*). The bottle of a defective product must be at least three quarters full.
If you purchased the product online, please see the Terms of sale page.
A specific exchange and refund policy applies to permit holders. For more information, contact the Permit holder client center at 514 254-8686 or 1 888 554-8686 (Montreal area) or at 418 654-2950 or 1 888 654-2950 (Quebec City area).
*The following policy applies to products purchased in a grocery or convenience store: if the product is defective, it may be exchanged or refunded at the SAQ outlet of your choosing. If the product hasn’t been opened, you must go to the grocery store or convenience store where you purchased it to obtain an exchange or a refund.
Certain conditions and exclusions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. The SAQ reserves the right to decline a refund or to subtract points from the SAQ Inspire account in case of abusive or inappropriate returns by a client. Please consult store personnel or visit the Terms of sale page for all the details.
- Is it possible to have the telephone number of the seizure department?
You can reach the seizure department at 514 254-6000, extension 5239.
- Does the SAQ grant liquor licences?
In Quebec, only the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) is authorized to issue liquor licences.
To apply for a licence, visit the RACJ website or call the RACJ at one of the following numbers:
Montreal : 514 873-3577
Quebec-City : 418 643-7667
Toll-free : 1 800 363-0320
- Can individuals become the owner of an SAQ store?
The SAQ is a government corporation and its sales outlets cannot be franchised. In other words, individuals cannot own an SAQ store. However, in some cases and under certain conditions, owners of food stores can obtain authorization to sell beverage alcohol as an SAQ Agency.
- What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining authorization to sell as an SAQ Agency?
When the SAQ determines that a municipality meets the eligibility criteria AND is deemed a possible agency store location, it publishes an announcement in the local newspaper and invites interested parties to reply to its call for tenders.
To obtain an SAQ agency store permit, the store must be located in the area covered by the call for tenders and it must satisfy the SAQ’s business criteria. In addition, one of the following two conditions must be met:
The business centre of the municipality or area affected by the proposed SAQ agency store must be located at least 15 kilometres from the nearest SAQ store;
OR
the business centre of the municipality or area affected by the proposed SAQ agency store must be located at least five kilometres from the nearest SAQ store, and:
- be in a municipality or area whose permanent population is less than 6,000 residents;
- have the product sales potential set by the SAQ, once the cannibalization of sales from the existing SAQ store and agency store network has been taken into account; and
- provide a representative sampling of our SAQ products (100 to 140 linear feet).
Besides meeting these criteria, storekeepers in the areas concerned who wish to operate an SAQ agency store must own a food store (grocery or convenience store) and hold an alcohol permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux.
For more information, see the SAQ Agency Stores page.
- How can I become a product agent?
Please contact our Service d’assistance aux relations d’affaires (business relations assistance service) by emailing sara@saq.qc.ca or calling 514 254-2711.