Independent craft beer distributor

Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and independent bottle shops, who pay you on account or on delivery.

You buy at wholesale price and sell at a markup, so your margin is the gap between the two. Profit depends on volume, number of drops per run, and how well you control stock and unpaid invoices.

• Selling and building relationships with venues
• Route planning and driving
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping
• Knowledge of beer styles and keeping beer fresh

• Liquor licensing: wholesale or distributor licence rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state's liquor regulator
• Excise and GST: check with the ATO whether you are buying duty-paid beer and when to register for GST
• Public liability and goods-in-transit or stock insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire
• Keeping kegs and cartons cool and fresh; beer can spoil if stored badly
• Late-paying venues can squeeze your cash flow, so set clear payment terms
• Check local container deposit scheme rules and any exclusivity terms in brewery agreements
• Manual handling of heavy kegs and loading-zone or council rules for your unit and van

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your van, the unit and cool storage you set up, and how much beer stock you buy first. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many venues you supply and your range, from about 30 hours a week. That is revenue, not profit, and late-paying venues can squeeze cash flow.

Check wholesale or distributor liquor licence rules with your state or territory liquor regulator. Check excise and GST with the ATO, container deposit scheme rules, any exclusivity terms in brewery agreements, and insurance for public liability and stock.