Used equipment trader shipping overseas

Overseas dealers, farms and contractors who want good-value Australian equipment.

You earn the difference between your buying price plus costs (prep, storage, freight) and your selling price to the overseas buyer.

• Judging equipment condition and value
• Negotiating with sellers and buyers
• Managing shipping documents and costs

• Tying up cash in stock that does not sell, so start small
• Used machinery often needs biosecurity cleaning before export, so check requirements with the Department of Agriculture
• Check export and customs rules, plus strategic goods controls and sanctions, for each item and destination
• Check the import rules, duties and age limits on used equipment in each destination country
• Check marine cargo insurance, public liability insurance and workers compensation if you hire
• Check council zoning for storing and preparing equipment at your site
• Check GST treatment of exports and the buyer's payment method before shipping

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your yard or storage setup, and shipping costs. Starting small helps limit cash tied up in stock that does not sell.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the equipment you buy and sell, how quickly stock moves and the margins you achieve on each shipment.

Check biosecurity cleaning requirements with the Department of Agriculture, and export and customs rules, strategic goods controls and sanctions for each item and destination. Also check destination import rules, duties and age limits, council zoning for your site, and GST treatment of exports.