Barrel yard selling new and reconditioned barrels

Wineries, distilleries and breweries, plus the occasional maker wanting a specific size, toast level or previous spirit.

Margin on each barrel sold, plus fees for reconditioning, delivery and regular supply to repeat customers.

• Sales and account management
• Handling heavy stock safely
• Spotting barrel faults and quality
• Organising stock and freight

• Zoning and council approval for a yard or workshop, which differ by council
• Forklift use may need a high risk work licence, check with your state's WorkSafe body
• Fire risk from stored timber and residual alcohol, check insurance and fire safety requirements
• Public liability, property and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• If you import barrels, check biosecurity rules for timber products with the Department of Agriculture
• Check with the ATO about any excise or permit rules for barrels that held spirits
• Stock tied up in barrels can be slow to sell, so watch cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the yard or shed you rent, how much stock you buy and the handling equipment you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on stock range and how many wineries, distillers and breweries you supply. Stock tied up in barrels can be slow to sell, so watch cash flow.

Check zoning and council approval for a yard or workshop, and whether forklift use needs a high risk work licence with your state's WorkSafe body. Also check fire safety, insurance, biosecurity rules for imported timber, and ATO excise or permit rules.