Online used truck and van dealer

Tradies, small haulage and delivery firms, farmers and private buyers who want a work vehicle without buying new.

You earn the margin between what you pay (at auction, from fleets or from private sellers) and your sale price, minus reconditioning, transport and advertising costs. Buying to order for known buyers reduces the risk of stock sitting unsold.

• Knowing trucks and vans, or willingness to learn fast
• Negotiating when buying and selling
• Good paperwork and record keeping

• A motor dealer licence is generally needed to trade vehicles as a business, but rules and premises requirements differ by state, so check with your licensing body
• Run a PPSR check on every vehicle for money owing or theft before you buy
• Statutory warranty, roadworthy or safety certificate rules on sale vary by state
• Heavier trucks may have extra rules (for example under the national heavy vehicle regulator), check which apply
• Tied-up cash: unsold stock and unexpected repairs can eat your margin
• Register for GST if you reach the threshold and check how it applies to used vehicle sales

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on how much stock you buy, licensing and any reconditioning. These are estimates, and unsold stock or unexpected repairs can tie up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many vehicles you sell and their price. This is an estimate only, and revenue is not profit. A minimum of around 15 hours a week is typical.

A motor dealer licence is generally needed to trade vehicles as a business, but rules differ by state, so check with your licensing body. Also check PPSR searches, statutory warranty and roadworthy rules, heavy vehicle rules and GST.