Sell-my-car broker

Photograph, list and sell cars for private owners who want a good price without the hassle.

Car sales advisor shaking hands with a customer beside a vehicle.
Startup costA$1.5k to A$7.5k
Monthly revenueA$1.2k to A$6k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$1.5k-7.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

You handle the sale for the owner: prepare and photograph the car, write the ad, answer enquiries, host test drives and manage the paperwork and payment.

Your first three steps

  1. Contact your state's licensing body to find out whether selling cars for others needs a motor dealer or similar licence, and what it costs
  2. Draft a sales agreement that sets out fees, who holds the keys and how funds are paid
  3. Take good listing photos of a few friends' cars as samples, then offer a first sale at a reduced fee
Who pays

Owners who are time-poor, selling a higher-value or specialist car, or nervous about scams and time-wasters.

How it makes money

A flat listing fee, a commission on the sale price, or a mix of both once the car sells.

Skills that help
  • Good photography and ad writing
  • Pricing cars by checking the market
  • Handling buyers and negotiating
  • Careful with paperwork and money
Watch out for
  • Selling cars for others is often a licensed activity, and rules differ by state and territory. Check before you start.
  • Rules on holding client money, so you may need a trust account
  • Public liability, plus insurance cover for cars in your care and on test drives
  • Check each car for finance owing (PPSR), and make sure the seller is the legal owner
  • Roadworthy or safety certificate requirements for the sale vary by state

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: sell-my-car broker

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a sell-my-car broker business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your equipment, insurance and how you set up. These are estimates, so confirm your own costs before you begin.

How much can a car sale broker earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many cars you sell and the fees you charge. That is revenue before costs. The estimate assumes at least around 10 hours a week.

Do I need a licence to sell cars for other people in Australia?

Selling cars for others is often a licensed activity and rules differ by state and territory, so check before you start. Also check rules on holding client money, insurance for cars in your care, PPSR finance checks and roadworthy requirements.

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Photo: andreas160578 on Pixabay

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