Used barrel broker for local brewers and wineries

Craft breweries, small distilleries and wineries, plus some cideries and meaderies looking for barrels to age and finish their products.

You earn a margin on each barrel, with extra for delivery, sorting by previous contents and size, or arranging pickup. Repeat orders from the same producers are what make it work.

• Sales and relationship building
• Knowing barrel types, sizes and what they held before
• Organising freight and pickups

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your cover includes stored stock
• If importing used barrels from the US, check CBSA customs rules, duties and any CFIA requirements for used wood
• Check your provincial liquor regulator about barrels that still contain residual alcohol
• Barrels weigh a lot and need a forklift or lift gate, so plan freight and lifting safely
• Barrels can dry out or go mouldy if stored badly, so check storage conditions and inspect each lot before buying

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many barrels you buy, freight and any small storage spot. Check whether your insurance covers stored stock.

Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, CBSA customs rules, duties and any CFIA requirements if importing used barrels from the US, and your provincial liquor regulator's position on barrels with residual alcohol.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many barrels you sell and your margins. Inspect each lot before buying, as badly stored barrels can dry out or go mouldy.