Online refurbished computer seller
Buy ex-lease laptops and PCs, refresh them at home and sell them online with a warranty.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You source used laptops, desktops and parts, test and clean them, reinstall software and sell them through your own website or online marketplaces from a home workspace.
Your first three steps
- Buy five to ten ex-lease or auction machines and refurbish them to test your margins
- Set up a listing on a marketplace and take clear photos with honest condition notes
- Write simple warranty and returns terms and register for an ABN
Who pays
Students, families on a budget, home workers and small businesses wanting affordable computers.
How it makes money
You earn the margin between what you pay for used stock and your resale price, plus extras like upgrades, accessories and short warranties.
Skills that help
- Testing and repairing computers
- Spotting good-value stock
- Clear product listings and photos
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to second-hand goods, check what you must offer on returns and repairs
- Securely wipe all data and use properly licensed operating systems
- Check your council rules for running a business from home
- Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
- Dispose of e-waste and old batteries responsibly
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: online refurbished computer seller
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start selling refurbished computers online?
Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, the testing tools you need and your home workspace setup. Starting with a small batch of ex-lease machines can keep early costs lower.
How much can I earn reselling used laptops and PCs?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how much good-value stock you find and how many you sell. That is revenue before stock and other costs. Expect roughly 8 hours a week or more.
What rules apply to selling second-hand computers in Australia?
Things to check: Australian Consumer Law guarantees for second-hand goods, including returns and repairs; secure data wiping and properly licensed operating systems; council rules for home businesses; GST registration at the turnover threshold; and responsible e-waste and battery disposal.
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