Neighborhood liquor and bottle shop

Local residents, people buying for dinners and parties, and nearby workers who stop in on the way home.

You buy from licensed distributors or wholesalers and sell at a markup. Extras like mixers, ice, gift items and tastings can add to the margin.

• Retail and customer service
• Stock ordering and cash management
• Knowledge of beer, wine and spirits
• Checking ID carefully and consistently

• Alcohol retail license rules vary a lot by state; some states limit license numbers, and some run retail sales themselves, so check before committing to a lease
• Selling to anyone under 21 or to visibly intoxicated customers can lead to fines or loss of license; set clear ID checks and train all staff
• Check what liability and liquor liability insurance your state, licensing authority and landlord require
• Ask your state alcohol agency whether any federal registration applies to your type of retail store; most package stores deal mainly with state licensing, but confirm this for your situation, and check state and local sales and alcohol tax rules
• Licensing can take months, so avoid paying rent for too long before you can open
• Rules on delivery, shipping, hours and Sunday sales differ by state and city

Startup costs are typically around $75,000 to $250,000, depending on your location, the stock you carry and how you set up the shop. These are estimates, so your own costs will vary. Licensing can take months, so avoid paying rent too long before opening.

Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your location, range and customer base. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and your own results will vary.

Alcohol retail license rules vary by state, and some states limit license numbers or run retail sales themselves, so check before signing a lease. Also check ID rules for under-21 sales, required liability insurance, tax rules, and local rules on delivery, hours and Sunday sales.