Used barrel broker for craft drinks makers

Craft breweries, small distilleries, boutique wineries and cideries that want barrels for ageing but don't buy in bulk from cooperages.

You buy barrels at one price and sell at a margin, with extra for delivery, sorting by size or previous contents, and sourcing on request.

• Sales and building trade contacts
• Organising stock and deliveries
• Learning barrel types, ages and condition

• Public liability and goods-in-transit insurance
• Barrel quality: mould, spoilage or leaks can mean refunds, so inspect before buying and describe condition honestly
• Check with the ATO whether handling barrels that held spirits or wine has any excise or permit implications
• Council rules on storing stock at home and on delivery vehicles visiting your address
• Barrels are heavy: plan safe lifting and a tail-lift, trolley or forklift hire

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you handle deliveries and any equipment hire. You only hold a little stock at a time.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many barrels you sell and your margins. Barrel quality problems such as mould or leaks can mean refunds, so inspect before buying.

Check with the ATO whether handling barrels that held spirits or wine has any excise or permit implications. Also check council rules on storing stock at home and delivery vehicles visiting, plus public liability and goods-in-transit insurance.