Online automotive business ideas you can start in Canada
20 ideas
These 20 ideas let you sell to drivers, riders and trades without a traditional shop. They suit people with some product knowledge, whether from a garage, a hobby or years of owning a truck or RV, who want to run things from a website and a storage space.
Online trailer parts and accessories shop
Sell trailer parts and hitches across Canada through your own website, shipped from a garage or from your supplier.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online wheel and winter wheel package seller
Sell alloy and steel wheels online to drivers and garages, shipped from your supplier or a small home stock.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online electric scooter dealer with demo rides
Sell electric scooters online from home, with demo rides and local delivery, and no shop rent.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online used motorcycle sales and consignment
Sell used motorcycles through online listings and consignment, with a small storage space instead of a full showroom.
- C$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online towing and recovery equipment shop
Sell tow hooks, winches, straps and chains online to tow operators, garages and off-road drivers across Canada.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online truck accessories store
Sell box covers, lights, racks and other truck and van add-ons online, with orders shipped from suppliers or a small home stock.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online RV parts and accessories shop
Sell RV and motorhome parts, accessories and care products online to owners across Canada.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online used work van and truck dealer
Source used vans and trucks from auctions and sell them through online listings, with little or no showroom.
- C$40k-120k
- Part-time
- Online
Vehicle lease broker for businesses and drivers
Find the best vehicle lease deals for small businesses and drivers, and earn a fee for arranging them.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Online
Plate frame supplier for online resellers
Supply licence plate frames to online sellers, shipping direct from a partner so you hold little or no stock.
- C$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online race and track-day car broker
Sell track-day and race cars on consignment for owners and teams, with no big stock to buy upfront.
- C$1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online auto accessories trade supplier
Sell car accessories in bulk to small retailers and garages through an online trade catalogue, with little or no stock held.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online racing and performance parts store
Sell performance and racing parts online to local drivers and club racers, shipped from home or direct from suppliers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online car care products store
Sell car wash, polish and maintenance products online to motorists and detailers, shipped from home.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online used car dealer, by appointment
Sell a few carefully chosen used cars and vans online, with viewings by appointment and no big lot.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Online
Online tune-up parts shop
Sell spark plugs, filters, belts and ignition parts online to local DIY drivers, with stock from wholesalers.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online-first used motorcycle dealer
Buy pre-owned bikes and scooters, tidy them up and sell to riders online from a garage or storage unit.
- C$15k-50k
- Part-time
- Online
Powersports consignment seller
List and sell riders' used quads, bikes and sleds for a fee, with little stock of your own to fund.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online racing parts and gear store
Sell racing parts, accessories and apparel online to a niche like karting, drift or rally, shipping across Canada.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online used diesel engine reseller
Source used and reconditioned diesel engines and sell them online to owners, repair shops and small fleets.
- C$25k-90k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
Options range from an online RV parts and accessories shop to an online wheel and winter wheel package seller, which fits Canadian conditions well. Others, such as a powersports consignment seller, involve handling higher-value items. Start by deciding what you can source reliably, where you will store stock, and how you will handle shipping, returns and fitment questions. Check which licences or registrations apply to vehicle sales in your province, and look at how much capital the stock will tie up before you commit.
Questions
Do I need a licence to sell vehicles or parts online in Canada?
It depends on what you sell and where. Selling vehicles often requires dealer registration or licensing in your province, while parts may not. Check with your provincial vehicle regulator and your municipality before listing anything for sale.
How do I reduce returns when selling auto parts online?
Wrong fitment is a common cause of returns. Check that your supplier provides accurate compatibility data, ask customers for vehicle details before purchase, and write a clear returns policy. Test your product listings against real vehicles where you can.
What should I think about for shipping bulky automotive items in Canada?
Wheels, trailer parts and accessories can be heavy or awkward, and distances are long. Compare carrier rates for your typical parcel, check how freight is handled for large items, and consider whether local pickup or regional delivery suits your customers.