Salvage parts seller from your shed

Independent mechanics, panel beaters, car enthusiasts and everyday owners looking for cheaper second-hand parts.

You pay for the vehicle at auction or privately, then sell parts individually. The profit is the total parts sales minus the car cost, scrap removal and selling fees.

• Mechanical knowledge and confidence with tools
• Knowing which parts fit and sell well
• Photographing and listing items accurately
• Packing and posting bulky goods

• Licensing: dealer, dismantler or second-hand goods rules differ by state, so check with your state's licensing body
• Council approval for a home-based business and neighbour issues such as noise and storage
• Environmental rules for oils, fuel, batteries and refrigerant gas; handling air-con gas may need a licence (check ARC)
• Check written-off vehicle register rules and make sure you can prove a vehicle's ownership and history
• Public liability insurance, and stolen-parts risk: keep clear purchase records

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many vehicles you buy, the tools and storage you need, and your online selling setup. These are estimates, and your first vehicles will be a large part of the total.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the vehicles you buy, which parts sell well and how quickly you list and post them. These are estimates, not guaranteed earnings.

Check dealer, dismantler or second-hand goods licensing with your state's licensing body, and council approval for a home-based business. Also check environmental rules for oils, fuel, batteries and refrigerant gas (air-con gas may need an ARC licence), written-off vehicle register rules and insurance.