Wine shop with cellar storage for clients

Local households, wine collectors, gift buyers, restaurants and bars, and people who want somewhere to keep wine they have bought.

Margin on bottle and case sales, wholesale supply to restaurants, tastings and events, and storage fees charged per case or per bottle.

• Strong wine knowledge and tasting ability
• Customer service and recommending wines
• Stock control and buying

• A premises licence and a personal licence holder are normally needed to sell alcohol; check the rules with your local council, as they differ across the UK
• Selling to trade customers may need registration with HMRC under the Alcohol Wholesale Registration Scheme
• Check the lease, planning use class and business rates before you commit
• Insurance for stock, stored client wine and public liability, plus temperature control in the cellar
• Duty, VAT and cash tied up in stock, so cash flow needs careful planning

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £80,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, cellar conditions and opening stock. These are estimates, so plan cash flow carefully because stock ties up money.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on location, trade customers and storage clients. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check with your local council about a premises licence and a personal licence holder, as rules differ across the UK. Check HMRC registration for trade sales, the lease, planning use class, business rates, and insurance for stock and stored wine.