Small warehouse drinks and water supplier

Hotels, motels, restaurant groups, corporate offices, convenience stores, caterers and event companies.

You buy full pallets at a lower price and sell by the case or bottle to many accounts. Volume, regular contracts and efficient delivery runs drive the margin.

• Sales and account management
• Stock control and ordering
• Managing drivers or helpers
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing

• Rent, vehicle and wage costs can outweigh thin margins, so test demand before committing to a lease
• Check with your local council about zoning for the unit and any food storage requirements for packaged drinks
• Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire, so check your state scheme
• Check the licence class required for the vehicles you plan to drive, especially larger trucks
• Large customers may pay slowly, so set clear payment terms and watch cash flow
• Manual handling injuries are a real risk, so plan equipment and training

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $70,000, depending on your rented unit, pallet stock and delivery vehicles. These are estimates, so test demand before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your customer mix and range. Rent, vehicle and wage costs can outweigh thin margins. The estimates start from about 35 hours of work a week.

Check with your local council about zoning for the unit and food storage requirements for packaged drinks. Check your state's workers compensation scheme before you hire, and the licence class needed for the vehicles you plan to drive, especially larger trucks.