Wine storage lockers for collectors

Private collectors, people with no cellar at home, and wine club members who have outgrown their wardrobe or garage.

Regular monthly or annual rental fees per case, bay or locker. Extras can include inventory lists, pick-up and delivery, and a small set-up fee.

• Organised record keeping
• Customer service and trust
• Basic knowledge of how wine should be stored
• Comfortable with simple sales and marketing

• Check with your local council whether the unit's zoning allows this use, and whether you need any approval
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for the stored wine; check who is responsible if power fails or stock is damaged
• Check with your state liquor licensing body whether storing other people's wine needs any licence or permission, especially if you add sales or delivery
• Power cuts and equipment failure: consider temperature alarms and a backup plan
• Clear written terms covering value of stock, access hours and what happens if fees are unpaid

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the unit, the climate-controlled fit-out and how many lockers or bays you build. Get quotes for your own situation before committing.

Things to check include whether your local council's zoning allows this use and needs approval, and whether your state liquor licensing body requires any licence or permission to store other people's wine, especially if you add sales or delivery.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many lockers you fill and what you charge per case, bay or locker. Estimated time commitment starts from about 8 hours a week.