How to Start a Boutique Wine Subscription Service Business?

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Thinking about how to start a boutique wine subscription service business? What if you could tap into the booming market of curated wine selections and direct-to-consumer wine sales with a unique, artisan touch? Are you ready to explore the key steps that set successful wine clubs apart?

Wondering how to craft a wine membership program that builds loyalty and stands out in a crowded subscription box business model? Discover practical tips and proven strategies to launch a thriving wine delivery service. Don’t miss our Boutique Wine Subscription Service Business Plan Template to get started right.

How to Start a Boutique Wine Subscription Service Business?
# Step Name Description
1 Develop Your Boutique Wine Subscription Service Concept and Business Plan Define your target market, subscription tiers, and unique selling points while analyzing competitors and projecting finances.
2 Secure Funding and Budget Your Costs Calculate startup expenses, explore funding options like SBA loans or angel investors, and allocate marketing budget with runway planning.
3 Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Ensure Legal Compliance Apply for TTB and state shipping permits, register for sales tax, implement age verification, and consult a beverage law attorney.
4 Establish Supplier Relationships and Source Inventory Partner with boutique wineries, manage inventory starting with 500–1,000 bottles, and secure pricing and exclusivity agreements.
5 Set Up E-Commerce Platform and Fulfillment Logistics Create a subscription website with integrated payment, CRM, and shipping tools, plus partner with licensed fulfillment centers.
6 Launch Marketing and Customer Acquisition Campaigns Generate pre-launch buzz, offer early-bird discounts, build an email list, and track campaign ROI to optimize conversions.
7 Open and Manage Daily Operations Process orders, monitor customer feedback, refine wine selections, and scale operations as demand increases.



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Key Takeaways

  • Thorough market research and a clear unique value proposition are essential to position your boutique wine subscription service successfully.
  • Understanding and complying with complex legal and shipping regulations is critical to avoid costly fines and ensure smooth operations.
  • Building strong supplier relationships and optimizing logistics directly impact product quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
  • A detailed business plan, strategic marketing, and ongoing customer engagement are key to sustaining growth and reducing churn.



What Are Key Factors To Consider Before Starting Boutique Wine Subscription Service?

Before you start a boutique wine subscription service, understanding the market and operational essentials is critical. The U.S. direct-to-consumer wine sales market hit $4.2 billion in 2023 and keeps growing at about 7% annually. To carve your niche with The Grape Escape, focus on your target demographic, unique offerings, and the logistics that keep your wine delivery service reliable and compliant.


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Key Factors for Launching Your Boutique Wine Subscription


  • Identify your core audience: 60% of wine club members are aged 25-44, mostly urban professionals seeking curated wine experiences.
  • Define your unique value proposition with a curated wine selection from artisan wineries, differentiating from mass-market subscription boxes.
  • Calculate startup costs carefully, including inventory, shipping, licensing, and technology; expect an initial investment between $75,000 and $250,000. For detailed budgeting, see What Is the Cost to Launch a Boutique Wine Subscription Service?
  • Understand and comply with interstate shipping laws: 45 states permit direct-to-consumer wine shipments, but each has unique regulations that affect your wine subscription service operations.

What Are Biggest Challenges Of Running Boutique Wine Subscription Service?

Launching and managing a boutique wine subscription service like The Grape Escape comes with unique hurdles that can impact your growth and profitability. Understanding these challenges upfront helps you build a resilient wine subscription business and craft a winning subscription box business model. Let’s explore the critical pain points you’ll face and how they shape your path to success.


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Key Challenges in Boutique Wine Subscription Services


  • Complex shipping laws: Navigating interstate alcohol shipping regulations is daunting; non-compliance can lead to fines up to $10,000 per violation.
  • Inventory management: Improper storage risks spoilage rates exceeding 10%, affecting your curated wine selection’s quality and costs.
  • Market saturation: With over 800 wine subscription services in the U.S., standing out requires sharp marketing strategies for wine delivery services.
  • Customer retention struggles: Average churn rates hover between 30–40% annually, demanding effective wine membership program engagement to build loyalty.
  • Cost-quality balance: Premium artisan wines cost $10–$25 wholesale per bottle, squeezing margins if pricing and sourcing aren’t optimized.
  • Logistics challenges: About 25% of shipments face delays during summer, complicating timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Customer education: Nearly 70% of cancellations cite lack of perceived value, highlighting the need for an educational wine tasting subscription approach.


Facing these challenges head-on is essential when you start wine subscription business ventures. For deeper insights into profitability and owner earnings in this niche, check out How Much Does an Owner Make from a Boutique Wine Subscription Service?



What Legal And Regulatory Steps Are Required To Open Boutique Wine Subscription Service?

Launching a boutique wine subscription requires careful navigation of federal and state regulations to operate legally and avoid costly penalties. Understanding these legal steps upfront ensures your wine delivery service runs smoothly and builds trust with customers. Let’s break down the essential permits, licenses, and compliance measures you must secure before shipping your curated wine selection.


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Key Legal & Regulatory Requirements


  • Obtain a federal Basic Permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to legally distribute alcohol across state lines.
  • Secure state winery or retailer licenses in every state you plan to ship to; fees range from $100 to $1,500 per state, reflecting varying regulatory complexity.
  • Register for sales tax permits in all applicable states, since wine taxation varies widely and impacts your pricing and compliance.
  • Comply with direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping laws—45 states allow DTC wine sales, but each imposes unique volume limits and reporting standards.
  • Implement robust age verification systems; failure to verify can result in fines exceeding $5,000 per incident.
  • Acquire business liability and product liability insurance, with typical premiums between $2,000 and $5,000 annually, protecting your boutique wine subscription from legal risks.
  • Follow TTB and state labeling and advertising regulations strictly; violations can halt shipments and damage your brand reputation.


Starting a wine club startup like The Grape Escape means mastering these legal steps early to avoid operational disruptions. For a detailed breakdown of startup costs and capital requirements, check out What Is the Cost to Launch a Boutique Wine Subscription Service? Understanding these foundational elements is crucial for building a compliant and successful wine membership program.



How Do You Create Strong Boutique Wine Subscription Service Business Plan?

Building a robust business plan is your first step to successfully start a wine subscription business like The Grape Escape. A clear plan guides your strategy, aligns your team, and convinces investors. Let’s break down essential components to craft a plan that stands out in the booming wine delivery service market.


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Key Elements of a Boutique Wine Subscription Business Plan


  • Market Analysis

  • Understand your audience and competition. The U.S. consumed 1 billion gallons of wine in 2022, signaling strong demand. Identify niches for artisan selections and direct-to-consumer wine sales.

  • Define Your Service Offering

  • Detail your curated wine selection criteria, subscription tiers, and educational content. This shapes your unique wine membership program and enhances customer experience.

  • Supplier Agreements & Sourcing

  • Secure partnerships with artisan wineries. Know your cost per bottle and apply the industry standard markup of 100–150% to maintain profitability.

  • Financial Model & Forecasting

  • Project revenue, cost of goods sold (COGS), shipping, and marketing expenses. Aim for an average gross margin of 40–50%, typical for wine clubs.

  • Customer Acquisition & Marketing

  • Set clear goals with a target cost per acquisition (CPA) between $30–$80. Use influencer partnerships, email campaigns, and tasting events to build loyalty and awareness.

  • Logistics & Fulfillment

  • Plan for fulfillment partners, competitive shipping rates, and clear return policies to ensure smooth delivery and customer satisfaction.

  • Risk Mitigation

  • Address compliance with legal requirements, spoilage risks, and customer churn to safeguard your wine club startup’s longevity.


For detailed startup cost guidance, check out What Is the Cost to Launch a Boutique Wine Subscription Service?



How Do You Ensure Profitability In Boutique Wine Subscription Service Business?

Profitability is the backbone of your boutique wine subscription's success. To thrive with The Grape Escape’s curated wine selection, you must fine-tune pricing, control costs, and boost customer value strategically. Let’s dive into actionable steps that will keep your wine subscription service profitable and sustainable.


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Key Profitability Strategies


  • Optimize pricing: Set your monthly subscription between $49 and $99 for 2–4 bottles, and offer annual prepay discounts to improve cash flow and customer commitment.
  • Control shipping and packaging costs: Negotiate bulk rates with carriers like FedEx or UPS, where wine shipping averages $12–$18 per box, and invest in efficient artisan wine packaging to reduce expenses.
  • Increase average order value: Use upsells such as add-on bottles and tasting kits; wine clubs with upsell options typically see a 15% revenue boost.
  • Reduce churn: Implement loyalty programs and personalized wine recommendations—cutting churn by just 5% can increase profits by 25–95%.
  • Diversify revenue streams: Expand beyond subscriptions with virtual tastings, gift subscriptions, and exclusive member events to enhance engagement and revenue.
  • Monitor key metrics: Track customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), churn rate, and gross margin to make data-driven decisions.
  • Streamline operations: Automate renewals, use inventory management software, and outsource fulfillment when cost-effective to maintain smooth, scalable operations.




What Are 7 Steps To Open Boutique Wine Subscription Service?



KPI 1: Develop Your Boutique Wine Subscription Service Concept and Business Plan

How do you carve out a unique space in the crowded world of wine subscription services? Defining a clear concept and a robust business plan is your foundation for success. This step shapes your brand identity, aligns your offerings with customer desires, and helps you anticipate financial realities, which are critical to long-term viability and investor confidence.

To execute this effectively, focus on pinpointing your ideal customer, designing subscription tiers that appeal to different segments, and identifying what makes your boutique wine subscription service stand out. Combine this with thorough competitor analysis and detailed financial projections to create a plan that is both realistic and compelling.

Concept and Plan Development

Developing your boutique wine subscription concept involves defining your target market—whether casual wine drinkers or connoisseurs—and crafting subscription tiers that offer varying levels of exclusivity and price points. Your unique selling proposition might focus on curated artisan wine selections, educational content, or exceptional packaging. A detailed business plan integrates competitor analysis to uncover market gaps and includes comprehensive financial projections, covering startup costs, monthly expenses, and cash flow forecasts to ensure sustainability.

This step is essential to secure funding and guide your operations. It requires decisions on subscription pricing, marketing positioning, and supplier partnerships, all of which influence your brand’s appeal and profitability in the direct-to-consumer wine sales space.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Define your target market segments and buyer personas for a tailored wine membership program.
  • Create multiple subscription tiers with clear benefits to maximize customer reach and retention.
  • Conduct competitor analysis to identify gaps in the wine club startup landscape and refine your unique selling proposition.
  • Develop detailed financial projections, including startup costs (typically $50,000–$150,000) and monthly cash flow forecasts to manage growth effectively.
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Key Components of Business Plan for Boutique Wine Subscription


ComponentDescription
Target MarketIdentify demographics and preferences of wine lovers seeking curated wine tasting subscriptions.
Subscription TiersDesign pricing and package options such as monthly, quarterly, or premium artisan wine selections.
Unique Selling PropositionHighlight what differentiates your wine delivery service, e.g., exclusive artisan wines or educational content.
Competitor AnalysisAnalyze existing wine subscription services to find underserved niches and pricing strategies.
Financial ProjectionsInclude startup costs, operating expenses, revenue forecasts, and cash flow to ensure financial health.
Sourcing CriteriaSet standards for partnering with artisan wineries, focusing on quality, exclusivity, and sustainable practices.


KPI 2: Secure Funding and Budget Your Costs


How do you ensure your boutique wine subscription service gets off the ground without running out of cash? Securing adequate funding and budgeting your startup costs accurately are critical for long-term success. Many wine club startups falter because they underestimate expenses or fail to plan for a sufficient operating runway, which can stall growth before you even reach breakeven.

To execute this step effectively, start by calculating every cost involved—from inventory and licensing to marketing and insurance. Then explore funding options tailored to your business size and stage, such as SBA loans or angel investors, who typically seed direct-to-consumer startups with $250,000 to $500,000. Allocating 10–20% of your projected revenue for first-year marketing and planning for at least 6–12 months of operating runway will help you maintain momentum.

Budgeting and Funding Essentials

Begin by listing all startup expenses, including purchasing curated wine inventory, obtaining necessary licenses, setting up your e-commerce platform, marketing campaigns, and insurance coverage. Understanding these costs upfront helps avoid surprises and builds investor confidence. You’ll need to decide how much capital to raise based on these figures and your growth projections.

Next, evaluate funding sources. Personal savings can cover initial outlays, but for scaling, consider SBA loans or angel investors. The average seed round for boutique wine subscription services ranges between $250,000 and $500,000. Allocate a significant portion of your budget—typically 10–20% of expected revenue—to marketing, as customer acquisition is vital in a subscription box business model. Finally, ensure you have a runway of at least 6 to 12 months before expecting breakeven.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Calculate total startup costs: inventory, licensing, technology, marketing, and insurance.
  • Explore funding options such as personal savings, SBA loans, and angel investors with typical seed rounds of $250,000–$500,000.
  • Allocate 10–20% of projected revenue to first-year marketing efforts to build your wine membership program.
  • Plan for at least 6–12 months of operating runway before reaching breakeven to sustain daily operations.
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Key Metrics for Funding and Budgeting Your Boutique Wine Subscription


#MetricDescription
1Total Startup CostsSum of inventory purchase, licensing fees, technology setup, marketing budget, and insurance expenses.
2Funding Amount RaisedCapital secured from personal savings, SBA loans, or angel investors to cover startup and initial operating costs.
3Marketing Budget PercentagePortion of projected revenue (typically 10–20%) allocated to customer acquisition and brand awareness.
4Operating Runway (Months)Number of months the business can operate before reaching breakeven, generally 6–12 months.


KPI 3: Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Ensure Legal Compliance


Wondering how to start a boutique wine subscription service business without running into legal roadblocks? Securing the right licenses and permits is a critical step that can make or break your venture. Without these, you risk hefty fines, suspension of operations, or even permanent closure, especially given the strict regulations surrounding alcohol sales and shipping.

To navigate this complex landscape effectively, you’ll need a clear roadmap for applying to federal and state authorities, setting up age verification systems, and maintaining ongoing compliance. Consulting with a beverage law attorney early on can save you costly mistakes and ensure your wine subscription service operates smoothly and legally.

Licensing and Compliance Essentials

Obtaining a TTB Basic Permit is your first federal step, authorizing you to engage in direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine sales. Each state you plan to ship to requires separate DTC shipping licenses, which differ widely in application processes and fees. Registering for sales tax collection in each state is also mandatory to comply with tax laws and avoid penalties.

Implementing robust age verification systems is non-negotiable for all shipments to prevent underage sales. Partnering with a beverage law attorney ensures you stay updated on evolving regulations and maintain compliance, which is vital for the long-term success of your boutique wine subscription business.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Apply for the TTB Basic Permit to legally sell and ship wine directly to consumers nationwide.
  • Secure state-specific DTC shipping licenses for every state you intend to deliver to, noting varying requirements and timelines.
  • Register for sales tax collection in all applicable states to comply with tax obligations and avoid fines.
  • Set up age verification and compliance systems on your website and fulfillment processes to prevent underage alcohol sales.
  • Consult a beverage law attorney for ongoing legal advice and to adapt to regulatory changes affecting your wine subscription service.
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Key Compliance Requirements for Boutique Wine Subscription Services


RequirementDescriptionTypical Timeline
TTB Basic PermitFederal authorization required for direct-to-consumer wine sales.3-6 months
State DTC Shipping LicensesPermits to ship wine legally in each state, varying by jurisdiction.1-4 months per state
Sales Tax RegistrationRegistration to collect and remit sales tax for shipped products.2-6 weeks
Age Verification SystemTechnology and procedures to verify customers are 21+ at purchase and delivery.Immediate implementation
Legal CounselOngoing consultation to ensure compliance with changing alcohol laws.Continuous


KPI 4: Establish Supplier Relationships and Source Inventory


How do you secure the wines that will define your boutique wine subscription service? Establishing strong supplier relationships and sourcing the right inventory is the backbone of your wine club startup’s success. This step directly impacts your ability to offer a curated wine selection that delights subscribers and keeps them coming back.

Effective sourcing ensures you maintain a high-quality, diverse inventory while managing costs and exclusivity. To execute this well, focus on building genuine partnerships with artisan wineries, setting up a reliable inventory system, and planning your initial stock carefully—typically between 500 and 1,000 bottles to start.

Supplier Partnerships & Inventory Setup

Partnering with boutique wineries means identifying producers whose wines align with your brand’s curated experience. Negotiating favorable pricing and exclusivity agreements can differentiate your subscription box business model and improve margins. Simultaneously, implementing an inventory management system helps track stock levels, avoid shortages, and plan for seasonal variations.

Starting with an initial inventory of 500 to 1,000 bottles balances variety with manageable storage costs. Regular wine tastings with suppliers ensure quality control and keep your offerings fresh and engaging for your wine membership program.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Identify and negotiate partnerships with boutique wineries aligned to your curated wine selection.
  • Set up an inventory management system to track stock and forecast demand accurately.
  • Secure favorable pricing and exclusivity agreements to enhance your wine delivery service’s unique offerings.
  • Schedule regular tastings to maintain wine quality, variety, and supplier relationships.
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Key Metrics for Sourcing and Supplier Management


MetricTarget/BenchmarkImportance
Initial Inventory Size500–1,000 bottlesBalances variety with storage and cash flow management
Supplier Count5–10 boutique wineriesDiversifies wine offerings and reduces supply risk
Pricing Discount10–20% below retailEnsures profitability and competitive subscription pricing
Frequency of TastingsQuarterly or monthlyMaintains product quality and supplier engagement


KPI 5: Set Up E-Commerce Platform and Fulfillment Logistics


How do you ensure your boutique wine subscription service delivers a seamless customer experience from click to doorstep? Setting up a robust e-commerce platform paired with efficient fulfillment logistics is critical to your business’s long-term success. This step directly impacts customer satisfaction, retention, and operational scalability, but it also presents challenges such as managing complex inventory, compliance with alcohol shipping laws, and maintaining product integrity during transit.

To execute this step effectively, focus on building a secure subscription website integrated with inventory and CRM systems. Partner with licensed fulfillment centers experienced in alcohol shipping and invest in branded, temperature-controlled packaging to protect your curated wine selection. These actions will streamline operations and reinforce your brand’s promise of quality and convenience.

Build and Integrate Your E-Commerce System

Creating a subscription e-commerce website is your foundation for selling The Grape Escape’s curated wine selections. Incorporate secure payment gateways and subscription management tools to handle recurring billing and customer profiles. Integrate inventory tracking and CRM to synchronize order fulfillment and personalized customer communications, essential for a smooth wine membership program.

Partnering with licensed fulfillment centers that specialize in alcohol shipping ensures compliance with legal requirements and reliable delivery. Design artisan wine packaging with insulation and temperature control to maintain wine quality during transit, which is vital for customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Build a subscription e-commerce website with secure payment processing and recurring billing features.
  • Integrate inventory management, CRM, and shipping tools to automate order tracking and customer engagement.
  • Partner with licensed fulfillment centers experienced in alcohol shipping to ensure legal compliance and reliable delivery.
  • Design branded, temperature-controlled packaging to protect wine quality and enhance unboxing experience.
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Key Components of E-Commerce and Fulfillment Setup


Component Purpose Best Practice
Subscription Website Handle customer sign-ups, payments, and subscription management Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce with subscription apps; ensure PCI compliance
Inventory & CRM Integration Synchronize stock levels and personalize customer communication Implement tools like ShipStation or Zoho CRM for automation and data insights
Fulfillment Partner Manage storage, packing, and shipping of wine orders Choose partners licensed for alcohol shipping with proven delivery success rates
Packaging Protect wine during transit and reinforce brand identity Use insulated, temperature-controlled, and branded packaging designed for fragile shipments


KPI 6: Launch Marketing and Customer Acquisition Campaigns


How do you create a buzz that turns curious wine lovers into loyal subscribers? Launch marketing and customer acquisition campaigns are the lifeblood of your boutique wine subscription service’s growth. This step is critical because it directly influences your initial traction, brand awareness, and long-term customer retention. Without a strong launch strategy, even the best curated wine selections can go unnoticed in a crowded market.

To execute this effectively, focus on building anticipation before your official launch and converting that interest into sign-ups. Leveraging social media, wine influencers, and targeted ads helps you reach your ideal audience. Offering early-bird discounts and referral programs incentivizes early adoption. Meanwhile, cultivating an email list enables ongoing engagement and education, crucial for sustaining growth over time.

Kickstart Customer Acquisition

Launching your wine subscription service means turning awareness into paying customers through strategic marketing. Start by creating pre-launch excitement using social media platforms popular with wine enthusiasts, such as Instagram and Facebook, and collaborate with wine influencers to tap into their engaged audiences. Early-bird discounts and referral incentives can accelerate sign-ups by rewarding your first subscribers and encouraging word-of-mouth growth.

Simultaneously, build and segment an email list to nurture leads with educational content about your curated wine selection and the unique experience The Grape Escape offers. Tracking campaign ROI and analyzing cost per acquisition (CPA) alongside conversion rates allows you to optimize your marketing spend and maximize subscriber growth efficiently.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Develop pre-launch buzz via targeted social media campaigns, engaging wine influencers, and paid ads focused on your niche audience.
  • Offer early-bird discounts and referral incentives to encourage sign-ups and leverage network effects.
  • Build and segment an email list to maintain ongoing engagement, share wine education, and promote upcoming shipments.
  • Track campaign ROI rigorously; measure CPA and conversion rates to adjust channels and messaging for better performance.
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Key Metrics to Monitor for Marketing Success


MetricWhy It MattersTarget Benchmark
Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)Measures the average marketing spend to acquire one subscriber.$30–$50 per subscriber is typical for boutique wine clubs.
Conversion RatePercentage of visitors who become paying subscribers.3–5% is a solid conversion rate for subscription box startups.
Email List GrowthNumber of engaged prospects to nurture into customers.Aim for 20–30% monthly growth pre- and post-launch.
Referral Sign-upsPercentage of new customers acquired through referrals.Top-performing programs see 15–25% of sign-ups from referrals.


KPI 7: Open and Manage Daily Operations


How do you ensure your boutique wine subscription service runs smoothly from day one? Managing daily operations effectively is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction, optimizing fulfillment, and scaling your wine club startup sustainably. This step directly impacts your brand reputation and long-term retention, yet it can be challenging to juggle order processing, customer feedback, and inventory adjustments simultaneously.

To execute this step well, focus on establishing streamlined workflows for order fulfillment and customer communication. Use data from customer reviews and retention metrics to refine your curated wine selection continuously. As demand grows, scale your operations thoughtfully by adjusting inventory levels and expanding shipping capabilities without compromising quality or delivery times.

Manage Daily Operations Efficiently

Daily operations in a boutique wine subscription service encompass processing initial subscription orders promptly and coordinating fulfillment with licensed partners. Monitoring customer feedback and retention metrics allows you to identify trends and improve the wine membership program. Adjusting the curated wine selection based on member preferences keeps offerings fresh and personalized, fostering loyalty.

Scaling operations involves increasing inventory from initial levels—typically starting with 500 to 1,000 bottles—and expanding shipping logistics to cover new regions as your subscriber base grows. Maintaining quality control and timely delivery during scaling is essential to sustain customer trust and competitive advantage in direct-to-consumer wine sales.

Breaking Down the Step


  • Process first subscription orders quickly and coordinate with fulfillment centers licensed for wine delivery service.
  • Monitor customer feedback, reviews, and retention metrics to gauge satisfaction and identify improvement areas.
  • Refine your curated wine selection regularly based on member preferences and direct feedback.
  • Scale operations by adjusting inventory levels and expanding shipping coverage as subscriber demand increases.
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Key Metrics to Track Daily Operations Performance


MetricWhy It MattersTarget/Benchmark
Order Processing TimeEnsures timely delivery and customer satisfaction24-48 hours from order placement
Customer Retention RateMeasures loyalty and subscription longevity75%+ annual retention
Customer Satisfaction ScoreReflects quality of wine selection and serviceAverage score of 4.5/5 or higher
Inventory Turnover RatioIndicates efficient inventory management and freshness6-8 times per year
Shipping Coverage ExpansionTracks growth of delivery regions aligned with demandIncremental expansion every 3-6 months