Local craft drinks distributor (van round)

Cafés, delis, health food shops, gyms, small grocers and restaurants that want local drinks but can't deal with many small producers separately.

You buy at a wholesale price and sell at a higher trade price, keeping the margin. Some distributors also earn a fee from producers for sales and delivery.

• Selling and building relationships with venues
• Route planning and reliable delivery
• Stock and invoice tracking
• Safe lifting of heavy cartons

• Public liability and motor vehicle insurance suitable for carrying goods for business, check with your insurer
• Food storage and labelling rules, check with your local council and the producers' own compliance
• Chilled products need proper temperature control, so check what your vehicle and storage can handle
• Check whether container deposit schemes in your state affect your products
• Late-paying customers, so set clear payment terms
• Storing stock at home may need council approval, check your local rules
• Register for GST once you reach the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your vehicle, storage, opening stock and any chilling equipment. These figures are estimates, not quotes.

Check food storage and labelling rules with your local council, and temperature control for chilled products. Also check insurance for carrying goods, whether container deposit schemes in your state affect your products, council approval for storing stock at home, and GST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many venues you supply, the products you carry and your delivery route. Estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week. Late-paying customers can affect cash flow.