Used vehicle export yard

Overseas dealers and importers who buy regularly, plus private buyers and agents who want a vehicle ready to ship.

You earn the margin between buying and selling prices on each vehicle, with extra from container consolidation and prep work. Figures shown are margin before rent, insurance and other running costs.

• Judging used vehicle value and condition
• Negotiating and building trade relationships
• Managing stock, cash flow and shipping logistics
• Basic vehicle prep knowledge

• A motor car trader licence is likely needed to run a yard, check with your state or territory licensing body
• Council zoning and approvals for the yard, check with your local council
• Money tied up in stock, with vehicles that lose value or fail to sell
• PPSR checks on every vehicle for finance owing or theft flags
• Export paperwork, customs and biosecurity cleaning requirements, confirm with the Australian Border Force or your freight forwarder
• Public liability, stock and theft insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire

Startup costs are typically around $150,000 to $600,000, depending on your yard rent, vehicle stock and preparation costs. These are estimates, and money tied up in stock is a key risk.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $55,000, depending on how many vehicles you sell and ship. Revenue is not profit, and vehicles can lose value or fail to sell.

A motor car trader licence is likely needed, so check with your state or territory licensing body. Also check council zoning, PPSR checks, export paperwork, customs and biosecurity requirements with the Australian Border Force or your freight forwarder.