Independent craft drinks distributor

Pubs, restaurants, cafes, independent bottle shops and function venues that want local or hard-to-find drinks.

You earn the margin between the wholesale price you pay producers and the price you charge venues, per carton or keg. Regular standing orders make income steadier.

• Sales and relationship building
• Organising orders and stock
• Knowing the drinks you sell
• Basic bookkeeping

• Wholesale liquor licence requirements, which differ by state and territory, so check with your licensing body
• Registration for Wine Equalisation Tax and any excise rules with the ATO, depending on what you sell
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock in storage and transit
• Cash flow, as venues may pay late while you pay producers up front
• Check whether your council allows a home office and where stock can legally be stored

Startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on your opening stock, storage and delivery arrangements, and licensing. These are estimates, so cost your own range and suppliers before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the producers you represent, how many venues you supply and your margins. Treat this as an estimate, and allow for venues that pay late.

Check wholesale liquor licence requirements with your state or territory licensing body, and Wine Equalisation Tax and excise registration with the ATO. Also check public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and council rules on home offices and stock storage.