![How to plan and track the budget of your beer store [template]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-budget-1_af2d1e06-86be-4185-a51c-89a8ba82b3d6.png?v=1715856350&width=1100)
If you don’t plan and track your beer store budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for beer store owners, we saw a lot of beer store owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having substantial revenue.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your beer store's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for beer stores
Most beer store owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for beer stores
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a beer store, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for store space | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for refrigeration and lighting | $600 | $7,200 |
| Water | Water usage | $100 | $1,200 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $80 | $960 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $400 | $4,800 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Store Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Assistant Manager | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Sales Associates | 3 | $2,000 | $6,000 | $72,000 |
| Stock Clerk | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
3. Inventory Costs
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Inventory | Craft beers, imported beers, domestic beers | $15,000 | $180,000 |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Sodas, water, non-alcoholic beers | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Snacks & Accessories | Chips, nuts, beer glasses, openers | $500 | $6,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Paper Goods | Napkins, paper towels, to-go bags | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $400 | $4,800 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $150 | $1,800 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $100 | $1,200 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of refrigeration units | $300 | $3,600 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and aprons | $100 | $1,200 |
| Licenses & Permits | Liquor licenses, health permits, etc. | $150 | $1,800 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $300 | $3,600 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $50 | $600 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $100 | $1,200 |
Some beer stores make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best beer stores in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a beer store?
Be mindful of these critical expenses. Here are five major costs every beer store owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Inventory CostsBeer inventory can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with products that have a shelf life, and prices can vary based on seasonality, supply chain issues, and brand quality. To keep these costs in check, focus on inventory management, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by stocking too much or opting for premium brands that don’t offer enough return on investment.
- Staffing CostsYour staff is essential for running your store smoothly, but wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a certain number of employees to provide good service and manage operations. Optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor customer service.
- Rent and UtilitiesPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more customers. Utilities like electricity, refrigeration, and water are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too upscale for your needs.
- MarketingGetting the word out about your beer store is crucial, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we recommend. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Store Equipment and Maintenance CostsThis includes everything from refrigeration units to shelving and point-of-sale systems. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, energy-efficient equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your beer store?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a beer store owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Beer Inventory | Partner with local breweries for bulk purchases and exclusive deals. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration units. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your beer store and collaborate with local influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular equipment checks and servicing. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Packaging | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging and offer discounts for customers bringing their own growlers. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and recycle bottles and cans. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional refrigeration units and utilize inventory management software. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan delivery routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital order systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music and host local musicians during off-peak times. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
Copy the tactics of the best beer stores in the world!
There are beer stores that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Expenses that are just useless for a beer store
Yes, some expenses for your beer store are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or enhancing the customer experience.
| Beer Store Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Overly Fancy Shelving | High-end shelving units don't necessarily attract more customers and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Beer Brands | Unless you cater to a niche market, most customers are satisfied with popular mid-range options. |
| Excessive Beer Varieties | Stocking too many varieties increases inventory costs and can lead to more expired products. |
| High-End Refrigeration Units | Top-of-the-line refrigeration units are not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your beer store. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by customers. |
| Exclusive Ingredients for Homebrew Kits | Using rare ingredients can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by customers and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Glassware | Personalized glassware is a minor detail that most customers overlook, and it can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most customers are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Delivery Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Store Displays | Elaborate displays are often ignored by customers and add to the cost. |
| High-End Tasting Room Equipment | Luxury tasting room equipment is prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by customers. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Label Designs | Frequently redesigning labels is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Event Equipment | Specialized event equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your beer store!
Managing a budget for a beer store when funds are tight can feel like a nightmare. It's like being in a jail where any unexpected expense can drown you.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to spend.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of beer stores just like yours. Get them now!
Make your beer store more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best beer stores in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
