Online home winemaking supplies store

Hobby winemakers, beginners buying a first kit, and people who also brew beer or cider at home.

Mark-up on products, plus repeat orders for consumables like yeast and sanitiser. Starter bundles and bulk bottle or cork orders lift the average sale.

• Knowing how home winemaking works
• Online shop setup and basic marketing
• Packing and posting orders
• Customer service and advice

• Selling equipment and ingredients is generally different from selling alcohol, but check with your state liquor regulator that nothing you stock (such as concentrates or kits) needs a licence
• Check rules on home distilling, which is restricted, and avoid stocking or advising on anything related to it
• Check council rules if you store stock at home or run a home-based business
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus careful shipping of glass and heavy items
• Register for an ABN, and for GST once you reach the turnover threshold

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, initial stock and packing supplies. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range and how well you reach home winemakers.

Selling equipment and ingredients is generally different from selling alcohol, but check with your state liquor regulator that nothing you stock, such as concentrates or kits, needs a licence. Also check the rules on home distilling, which is restricted.

Plan on at least around 8 hours a week, as an estimate. Helpful skills include knowing how home winemaking works, setting up an online shop, packing orders and giving good advice. Check insurance and careful shipping for glass and heavy items.