...really going back to basics here but...

[Quick_Buck]

Hi guys,

I'm a student at the University and i'm looking to earn some money in an attempt to help cover living costs and if all goes well get some money to persue the business idea i've got locked up in my head!

I know this really is going back to basics but i've got a lot of spare time on my hands at the moment!

The idea is simple, sell alcohol to the people on my campus as there's a lack of off licenses here. I've already done a little bit of market research and there's a lot of interest from potential customers.

I'm wondering if, legally, i'd actually need a license as i would deliver to their door and exchange the cash there. This means it isn't actually on a property, i could essentially be 'buying it for them'?

Am i being completely ignorant?

I really appreciate any responses!

 

[Blow-Me]

As your username states it sounds like you want a quick buck....

Get some leaflets done and drop them to all of the halls / houses. Buy some stock and then wait for the phonecalls.

You will have to deliver till the early hours I would guess if not all night.

There will be all sorts of rules and regs to adhere to but if I was in your shoes I would just try and make a quick buck.

 

[Dizzydiza]

i dont know anything about licensing laws but i cant imaging that you would be allowed to stock it....for shops to sell alcohol they need to have a licence.
I cant see anything wrong with buying alcohol to take to someone else unless you are delivering to someone under the age of 18 (illegal) but again im not sure if you could charge more for it than what you are buying unless you are charging for your service of fetch and carry
the police might be able to advise you on what is legal or illegal

 

[ADW]

I am quite sure (not certain) that you would need a licence and governing if you wanted to do it legite. You need a secure premises for starters to store the stock and lots of forms to fill in.

You need to either fly under the radar or think of another idea unless you are prepared to set up properly.

How about consumables that students use such as paper, pens and the more complicated stuff. You could get all of this wholesale without much trouble.

 

[Cred-X]

You would definitely need a licence for selling alcohol for off site consumption. That's why they are called "Off Licence" - It's a LICENCE to sell alcohol for consumption OFF the premises.
I think you would fall foul of the Police, Customs & Excise, HMRC, The University, the local council and just about everyone else I can think of.

Something "Uni" related sounds a much safer bet

 

[profitxchange]

You will need to apply thru the local court for a licence to sell alcoholic drinks. This may prove very difficult with your status.

I also think you will find there will not be enough margin to cover your real collection and delivery costs.

Once you get known you may also be the target of theft and mugging. both for the booze and your takings.

 

[Songbird]

This made me remember something I read a long time ago. If I remember correctly, it's illegal to sell alcohol without a licence but it's not illegal to give it away as a prize. You can neatly skirt licensing regulations by selling people raffle tickets for, say, £2 each. Every ticket's a winner, and every prize is a bottle of ale.

 

I'm wondering if, legally, i'd actually need a license as i would deliver to their door and exchange the cash there. This means it isn't actually on a property, i could essentially be 'buying it for them'?

You wouldnt have much fun trying to defend yourself just because the sale was made at a doorstep, licensing laws are in place for a reason.

It would be wiser to focus on other legitimate schemes to raise money rather than risk not just prosecution but more than likely expulsion from your Uni.

Possible result if you proceed, yes a few £'s in pocket, but this would not compensate for the criminal record and fubar career prospects in the near future.

 

[Sarah-Ink Promotions]

This is a similar service in my local area, there may be some info of use on their website http://www.afters.biz/

 

[billhilton]

I think you need to look for another business. You've clearly got some get-up-and-go about you, plus you can communicate well. What is there a market for (aside from booze) among other students?

What do students like to do apart from get drunk? Hmmm.... let's think.

How about selling condoms? It's late at night, the vending machine has run out, the garage is miles away, the box is empty. Who you gonna call?

You could have a bulk rate, a day rate for people with the sense to buy in advance, and a special night "callout" rate for emergencies. It's amazing what people will pay when they really want something. They could text their room numbers in halls to you, and you could deliver the merchandise to their doors. Flyers round campus, your number on them, special offers, competition, the world is your oyster.

I notice that www.dial-a-johnny.com is available...

 

[billhilton]

..even better, you could set up a premium rate text service. They text you their room number, the text costs them £3, you drop off 3 of your finest ribbed ticklers, guaranteeing delivery within ten minutes.

www.txtlocal.co.uk
www.textmarketer.co.uk

 

[Songbird]

I think you need to look for another business. You've clearly got some get-up-and-go about you, plus you can communicate well. What is there a market for (aside from booze) among other students?

What do students like to do apart from get drunk? Hmmm.... let's think.

How about selling condoms? It's late at night, the vending machine has run out, the garage is miles away, the box is empty. Who you gonna call?

You could have a bulk rate, a day rate for people with the sense to buy in advance, and a special night "callout" rate for emergencies. It's amazing what people will pay when they really want something. They could text their room numbers in halls to you, and you could deliver the merchandise to their doors. Flyers round campus, your number on them, special offers, competition, the world is your oyster.

I notice that www.dial-a-johnny.com is available...

Fantastic idea. The SU/Guild would almost certainly be falling over themselves to give you some free advertising in freshers' packs too.

 

[billhilton]

It's got potential because of the elasticity of the value of the individual condom. Bought in bulk, with the purchase planned well in advance, their value is quite low: a quick Google suggests around 10-15p each.

But when someone wants one immediately, you could charge a quid a shot and they'd still think it was worth paying.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Lets hope they call you before taking a shot!

 

[billhilton]

Lets hope they call you before taking a shot!

Wa-wa-waaaaaaaah. Thank-you, Basil Brush

 

[c4l]

It's got potential because of the elasticity of individual condom. .

Sorry! hahah

A great idea.

A bad part would be that 'repeat' customers may be embarrased.

However, a text would be discrete. So, they text and pay their 3 quid. You deliver through their door - no face to face dealing required - jobs a good un.

Plus cash up front too - no problem in that you arrive at a student's flat to find they've got no money to pay you!

 

[billhilton]

That's it. It would be like a ferry service: roll on, roll off.

I wonder if the boy's going to come back and actually appreciate the massive mental effort that's going on here. Mind you, I live in a university town, so I might just do it myself.

You could even sell advertising space on the latex of the condoms...

 

[Songbird]

A bad part would be that 'repeat' customers may be embarrased.

I don't know. It could be a badge of honour; you could have a 'top ten' list of your most prolific customers on the website. Plenty of bragging rights down the pub: "I broke the top three on dial-a-johnny" etc.

Maybe sell t-shirts to that effect.

 

[Sarah-Ink Promotions]

You could even sell advertising space on the latex of the condoms...

how would that work exactly????!!!!!!!!!!

 

[billhilton]

how would that work exactly????!!!!!!!!!!

It's simple. It must be possible to print on to latex, surely?

Imagine I'm a student again, and I'm in need of a condom late at night. Dial-a-Johnny delivers one to me, and when I unwrap it, I find it's got this message written along it in 24 point sans:

Try Dave's Chip Shop, The Finest Fish and Chips in North Wales, 5 High Street Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwerndrobwyllllantisiliogogogoch! Cod and Chips, With A Drink and Bread Bun For a Fiver!

(The available ad space might have to be varied for other customers, obviously.)

 

[Quick_Buck]

The condom idea certainly is interesting to say the least! I'll definatly give it some thought! I can't see it being too profitable on a campus with no more than 600 students though (plus visitors ;-D)!

I think i'll steer clear of the alcohol selling though just in case i get in trouble, not worth it really!

For anyone who's interested though Sainsburies and Tescos are selling 3 crates of beer/cider for £20. That works out at 37p per 440ml can which is a bargain! Strongbow, carlsberg, john smiths..........

 

[billhilton]

I can't see it being too profitable on a campus with no more than 600 students though (plus visitors ;-D)!

I don't know - what do students do these days? Work, or something?

Which university are you at?

 

[alcohol_finder]

Hey in response, I actually own a late night delivery service, we operate in South London and Surrey!

Firstly u need patience, getting a license is the first thing u need to do - believe me its tough. Depends on what council you are as to exactly how difficult, mine was Croydon, Surrey

You need to apply for a Personal License as well as a Premises license - you can forget storing it on Campus! You will be causing a disturbance.

You need to take and pass exams, they are easy, just common sense, you should do a course to familiarise yourself with all the key points.

If you need any more help, just ask, happy to help, check out my signature - its a link to my site, give you a good feel for what to offer your customers!

 

[kajdan]

In Poland (because I'm from Poland) you have to get permission to sell alcohol... But its illegal to sell that at the University property I think... Choose something else to do... Delivering alcohol to students is not the best way to earning money I think...

 

[alcohol_finder]

Sorry!! I didnt realise, well take a look at our site, seems others think it is good cos it is straight forward and clear, if you do decide to go ahead with it, by all means copy the format!!

 

[matt.chatterley]

This made me remember something I read a long time ago. If I remember correctly, it's illegal to sell alcohol without a licence but it's not illegal to give it away as a prize. You can neatly skirt licensing regulations by selling people raffle tickets for, say, £2 each. Every ticket's a winner, and every prize is a bottle of ale.

Actually, I believe you still require a license in this situation, unless you are a registered charity (not 100% sure, and can't find a good source to back this up).

It is not worth trying to get around the law though, especially not on alchohol sales. If you get caught out, you will be made to pay for it - literally.

 

[Simon.Culpeper]

Hi quick Buck

I recently graduated from Kent University and we have a company called liquid friends offering the same service but were banned from delivering on campus (although they would deliver to the roads leading onto campus!). As far as I know you do require an alcohol liscence but the amount you can get away with in your pricing would soon recoup the cost. Here's their website liquidfriends.com

Hope this helps

Simon

 

[krunal1284]

yeah dear friend you can sell some condoms, as the thing you can buy from distributor in cheap rates and sell it at good rates no doubt you can earn a lot.

check out this site i hope they will help out you
makeindustries dot com