Local drinks wholesaler with a small warehouse
Stock a range of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks in a rented unit and deliver to local pubs, restaurants and shops.
- A$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small wholesale operation from a rented unit, holding a broad range of bottled and canned drinks and delivering to local trade customers in your own van or ute, with a bit of counter pick-up.
Your first three steps
- Check your state or territory liquor licensing body for wholesale licence rules and whether your chosen unit is suitable
- Open trade accounts with a few drinks suppliers and compare their minimum orders and payment terms
- Make a list of venues within a short drive and offer a first delivery with a simple price sheet
Who pays
Pubs, restaurants, cafes, bottle shops, caterers and event businesses that need regular, reliable top-up deliveries.
How it makes money
You buy in volume from suppliers and sell by the carton or pallet at a trade price, earning a margin on each order. Delivery runs and standing weekly orders help keep sales steady.
Skills that help
- Sales and account management
- Stock control and ordering
- Driving and lifting
- Bookkeeping and credit control
Watch out for
- Wholesale liquor licence conditions, which vary by state and territory, including storage premises approval
- Wine Equalisation Tax and excise obligations, so check with the ATO and an accountant
- Public liability, stock, theft and motor vehicle insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Manual handling injuries from heavy cartons and kegs
- Tying up money in stock, and customers who pay slowly
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local drinks wholesaler with a small warehouse
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drinks wholesale business?
Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your opening stock, the unit you rent and your delivery vehicle. These are estimates, so get quotes and plan for money tied up in stock.
How much can a small drinks wholesaler earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $30,000 to $100,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers you win and your pricing. Treat this as an estimate, and remember revenue is not the same as profit.
What licences and rules should I check before wholesaling drinks?
Check wholesale liquor licence conditions with your state or territory, including approval of your storage premises. Also check Wine Equalisation Tax and excise with the ATO, insurance for stock, theft and vehicles, workers compensation once you hire, and manual handling safety.
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