Trailer dealership with a small yard

Tradies, farmers, small businesses, caravan and camping owners, and households buying a trailer for hauling.

You earn a margin on each new trailer, a bigger margin on trade-ins and used sales, plus extras like accessories, tie-downs, spare parts and sometimes servicing.

• Sales and customer service
• Knowledge of trailer types, ratings and towing needs
• Stock buying and cash management
• Basic mechanical know-how

• State or territory motor dealer licensing, which may include premises and fit-and-proper checks, so confirm with your licensing body
• Council zoning and approval for a yard and signage
• Opening stock is the biggest cost: a yard of new and used trailers, plus fit-out, bond and licensing, can run well into six figures unless suppliers offer consignment or floor plan terms
• Stock finance or floor plan costs, and cash tied up in slow-moving stock
• Insurance such as public liability, stock and property cover, and workers compensation once you hire
• Compliance plates, registration and consumer law duties on every sale
• Seasonal swings in demand and competition from online sellers

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $120,000 to $350,000, depending on stock levels, fit-out, bond and licensing. Opening stock is the biggest cost, unless suppliers offer consignment or floor plan terms.

Check your state or territory motor dealer licensing, which may include premises and fit-and-proper checks, so confirm with your licensing body. Also check council zoning and approval for a yard and signage, plus compliance plates, registration and consumer law duties on every sale.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your stock, the season and local demand. Keep in mind stock finance or floor plan costs, cash tied up in slow-moving stock, and seasonal swings.