Equipment Export Agent (No Stock Needed)

Overseas dealers, contractors and small manufacturers who want Canadian equipment, plus Canadian sellers who want a buyer for surplus kit.

A commission or flat sourcing fee per deal, often with a small mark-up on arranging inspection, documents and freight.

• Negotiating and building trust with buyers and sellers
• Careful with paperwork and detail
• Knowing one equipment niche well

• Check CBSA export reporting rules and whether any goods need an export permit through Global Affairs Canada
• Check sanctions and restricted-destination rules before every deal
• Payment risk: consider secure terms such as a letter of credit or escrow, and never ship before funds are confirmed
• Check the destination country's import rules for used equipment, such as age limits and safety standards
• Commercial general liability and possibly errors and omissions insurance; check GST/HST treatment of exports with the CRA

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your setup, how you find buyers and sellers, and how you handle inspections and paperwork. These are estimates, and you do not hold stock in this model.

Check CBSA export reporting rules, whether goods need an export permit through Global Affairs Canada, and sanctions and restricted-destination rules before every deal. Also check the destination country's import rules for used equipment, and GST/HST treatment of exports with the CRA.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the equipment niche, the size of your fees and how many deals you complete. Plan on at least about 10 hours a week. Consider secure payment terms to manage payment risk.