Independent bottle shop

Local residents, people buying for dinners and parties, gift buyers and nearby cafes or small venues buying the odd bottle.

You buy stock from distributors and producers and sell at a margin. Extra income can come from gift packs, tastings and local delivery.

• Customer service and product knowledge
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling

• A liquor licence is needed in every state and territory. Check the application process, fees, and whether public notice or community objections apply
• Responsible service of alcohol training is commonly required for staff, check your state's rules
• Never sell to anyone under 18 or to intoxicated people, penalties for breaches can be serious
• Opening hours, security and signage conditions may be attached to your licence and local council approval
• Stock is a large upfront cost and margins can be tight, plan your cash flow carefully
• Public liability, stock and theft insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, stock and licensing costs. Stock is a large upfront cost, so plan your cash flow carefully. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, range and local customers. Margins can be tight, so revenue is not profit. Plan for at least about 40 hours a week. These are estimates only.

Check that a liquor licence is needed in every state and territory, including the process, fees and any public notice or objections. Also check responsible service training, rules on selling to minors or intoxicated people, licence conditions and council approval.