Event and market soft drink supplier

Supply bulk soft drinks, ice and mixers to events, markets and clubs on a weekend basis.

Startup costA$1k to A$6k
Monthly revenueA$800 to A$4k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A smaller, flexible version where you supply cans, bottles or post-mix drinks in bulk to events, community groups, markets and sports clubs, often as a side hustle around other work.

Your first three steps

  1. Make a list of local events, clubs and markets coming up and find who books their drinks
  2. Get trade pricing from a wholesaler or brand and work out a simple per-case price list
  3. Offer a quote for one upcoming event, with delivery included, and ask for a review afterwards
Who pays

Event organisers, school and community fundraisers, sports clubs, market stallholders and caterers.

How it makes money

You sell cases or event packages at a markup, sometimes adding delivery, pick-up of unsold stock or hire of fridges and tubs for a fee.

Skills that help
  • Organising and planning orders around event dates
  • Negotiating prices with wholesalers
  • Friendly, dependable customer service
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, which many events ask to see
  • Storing stock at home may need council approval, so check locally
  • Check your state's container deposit scheme rules for drinks you sell
  • Do not supply alcohol without checking your state's liquor licensing rules
  • Unsold stock and weather-dependent demand can hurt, so agree return terms where possible

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: event and market soft drink supplier

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an event soft drink supply business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your storage and your transport. These are estimates only. Starting small and growing with demand can help limit your risk.

How much can I earn supplying drinks to events and markets?

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you supply and the size of your orders. Demand can depend on the weather and the event calendar. These are estimates only.

What should I check before supplying drinks to events in Australia?

Check public liability insurance, which many events ask to see, and whether storing stock at home needs council approval. Also check your state's container deposit scheme rules, and do not supply alcohol without checking your state's liquor licensing rules.

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