Start an online-led used car and van dealership

Private buyers who shop online and want a straightforward purchase, often for budget cars, utes or vans.

You earn the margin between purchase price and sale price after repairs and costs. Lower rent means you keep more of each sale, but you sell fewer cars at a time.

• Spotting good-value cars at auction or private sale
• Photography and writing clear online listings
• Negotiating
• Organising paperwork and viewings

• Licensing and premises rules differ by state, and dealing without a licence can bring penalties, so check before you buy and sell
• Council approval may be needed for a home-based business or storing cars
• Consumer law and statutory warranty duties on used vehicles
• Checking for finance owing, stolen status and write-offs before buying each car
• Online scams from fake buyers and payment fraud, so use secure payment methods

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the stock you buy, licensing, insurance and whether you rent a small secure lot or storage space.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on how many cars and vans you sell and their prices. This is revenue before stock and running costs.

Check licensing and premises rules in your state, as dealing without a licence can bring penalties. Also check whether council approval is needed for a home-based business or storing cars, consumer law and statutory warranty duties, and finance, stolen and write-off checks.