Mobile pre-purchase car inspector

People buying a used car privately or from a dealer, including interstate buyers who ask someone local to check it for them.

A fixed fee per inspection, often with a higher price for 4WDs, vans or European cars. Repeat work can come from car buyers' groups, finance brokers and small dealers.

• Mechanical knowledge, ideally a trade background
• Clear report writing
• Confident, fair communication with buyers and sellers

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, because a missed fault could lead to a claim
• Check with your state or territory regulator whether any licence or registration applies to inspecting or reporting on vehicles
• Make clear in your terms that the report is an opinion on the day, not a guarantee
• Your own safety when meeting strangers at private addresses, and the need for an ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the tools, reporting setup and insurance you choose. Because you travel to the car, you do not need a workshop.

Check with your state or territory regulator whether any licence or registration applies to inspecting or reporting on vehicles. Also check public liability and professional indemnity insurance, make clear your report is an opinion on the day, and check ABN and GST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many inspections you book and your pricing. This is revenue, not profit. You can start at around 8 hours a week and build from there.