Online second-hand furniture seller

Households, renters, students and people furnishing a first home on a budget.

You buy pieces cheaply or for free and sell them at a higher price. Profit comes from the gap between what you paid and the sale price, after cleaning and transport costs.

• Spotting good-quality pieces
• Basic cleaning and repair
• Taking good photos and writing clear listings
• Negotiating prices

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business or sell from your property
• Check the rules on safety for items like cots, high chairs and bunk beds, as some second-hand children's products have safety standards (check the ACCC)
• Public liability insurance if buyers come to your property
• Lifting heavy items and moving them safely, and fitting them into your vehicle
• Register for an ABN and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on how much stock you buy, cleaning and repair supplies, and any insurance. Start with a small range and compare your spending against this estimate.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many pieces you sell, your prices and the time you put in. These are estimates, not guarantees, and the idea suits roughly 8 or more hours a week.

Check with your council whether a home-based business needs approval, and check ACCC safety rules for second-hand children's items like cots, high chairs and bunk beds. Consider public liability insurance if buyers visit, and check ABN and GST registration.