How to Start a Barrel Making Business

A barrel making business, or cooperage, as traditionally named, is a business which specializes in the crafting and construction of wooden barrels and casks.

Learn how to start your own Barrel Making Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a barrel making business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Barrel Making Business
  2. Form your Barrel Making Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Barrel Making Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Barrel Making Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Barrel Making Business
  7. Get Barrel Making Business Insurance
  8. Define your Barrel Making Business Brand
  9. Create your Barrel Making Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your barrel making business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Barrel Making Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your barrel making business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a barrel making business?

Initial costs for opening a barrel making business will mainly reflect tools, materials and, potentially, a rental space as a workshop and storage facility. Wood and metal banding can be relatively inexpensive, with pricing depending on the type of wood used and availability in your region. The tools needed will be a mix of hand and power tools with circular and mitre saws, jigsaws, planers, and sanders representing many of the power tools and hammers, chisels, and other woodworking and finishing hand tools comprising the hand tools. You will also need a fire source, such as a propane cooker or small flamethrower, for the “toasting” process of the barrels, in which the inside is fired to help seal and flavor the barrels. Additionally, you will need insurance for the business and yourself or workers, a business license, rent, and utilities for your workshop and a few delivery and work vehicles for hauling raw materials, as well as finished products.

What are the ongoing expenses for a barrel making business?

Material and shipping costs will comprise a majority of your overhead, as well as rent and utilities, as needed.

Who is the target market?

Your target market will mainly consist of breweries, wineries and distilleries. By creating products these companies are looking for, you wildest likely fill a niche, which has little competition.

How does a barrel making business make money?

The wholesale and retail sales of barrels and casks generates the revenue for a barrel making business.

How much can you charge customers?

Individual barrels will often run between $350-450, with more specialized wood, such as French oak fetching upwards of $1500 per barrel.

How much profit can a barrel making business make?

With the demand for quality wood barrels on the rise, the potential for earnings can be quite high. If a barrel business averages $400 per barrel and sells 400 barrels per year, their gross returns will be $160,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Although a majority of your barrels will go to liquor manufacturers, there is also a residential and commercial application for barrels as furniture and themed installs, such as table bases, chairs and coffee tables. Some older or damaged barrels may also be resold as planters for flowers and gardens. Finally, there is also an industry in refurbishing or reselling used barrels. If a barrel is of a certain wood, it may be more profitable or cost-effective to repair or refurbish for resale. Many craft beer companies are also using bourbon, scotch, and cognac barrels to flavor and infuse their brews. This trend is starting to cross-pollinate to numerous types of spirits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your barrel making business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a barrel making business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A barrel making business is generally run out of a workshop or factory. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a barrel making business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your barrel making business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Labor Safety Requirements

Because barrel making involves the use of potentially dangerous tools, it is important that you and your business follow all labor safety requirements which can be found here

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Barrel Making Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Barrel Making Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a barrel making business

Online blogs, a website, and social media outlets are some of your best initial marketing steps. Then, beat the street and make personal connections with the alcohol companies. Once you establish yourself, consider local billboards or a sign outside your warehouse. Your products will draw customers, once you become more well known but, remember that your business will always rely on the reputation you cultivate, which is why every customer, either long term or potential, needs to receive your best, most professional attitude and outward appearance.

How to keep customers coming back

Professionalism, courteous interactions, and quality products, delivered on time and as requested will usually keep most customers loyal to your business. Especially considering the demand often exceeds the supply options, you simply need to maintain a reasonable production number and never over-promise what you can’t deliver.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Experienced or knowledgeable woodworkers and carpenters are excellent fits for a barrel making business. Since most barrels are used in the packaging of different beers, wines and liquors, beverage industry experience would also be a bonus for a barrel making business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a barrel making business?

Since the focus of a cooperage is to make barrels, much of the day to day business will consist of the forming and carpentry of barrels, as well as the finishing and aging processes. The bending of the wood slats, in addition to the gathering of materials for barrel construction, will also occupy a good amount of the daily schedule.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful barrel making business?

As barrel making is hands-on wood crafting, carpentry skills are necessary. Experience in steaming or soaking and bending wood is also necessary to help successfully get started with minimal training. Banding and finishing the barrels also takes a careful touch and should be performed by someone with an eye for detail and meticulous craftsmanship. It is also advisable to be knowledgeable in small business management, as you will more than likely be creating and steering this ship with only a few resources to guide you. You will need to be well-spoken and able to address potential clients with a clear and concise message about the virtues of your products and company.

What is the growth potential for a barrel making business?

The demand for barrels for craft beer and wine, as well as liquors, is on the rise. More and more spirits companies are returning to wooden barrels for storage and aging of their products. Fortunately for barrel makers, the demand is growing, but the field of cooperage companies is small, which means a barrel company may be able to position itself as the barrel supplier for quite a few businesses. And, since demand is growing, so should the potential for growth in this field.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a barrel making business?

A majority of your revenue will stem from sales to beer, wine, and liquor companies. You should familiarize yourself with the various breweries, wineries, and distilleries in your area. Set up meetings with owners or representatives and take some samples of your work. Your initial push will be to create outlets for your creations. Without buyers, your barrels will simply gather dust. Research local and regional beer, wine, and spirits organizations and industry trade shows. Find out who your high end craft spirits companies are, as many of these companies will often be looking to add a more traditional flare and flavor to their products. Finally, create an online presence for yourself and constantly push content to keep your name and reputation known and relevant.

How and when to build a team

As you begin your new barrel making venture, you will more than likely want at least a few other assistants or partners to help shoulder the burden of production. Barrel making is a craft, so you will need individuals who equally possess woodworking experience and related skills. The quality of your work needs to be consistent, so set up a training regiment and production quality standards for all employees to adhere to. As you grow in size, bring on more barrel constructors, which will allow you more time to market and promote and focus on the financial aspects of a growing business.

Useful Links

Real World Examples

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