Used horse trailer buy-and-sell from home

Recreational riders, hobby farms, small boarding stables and trail or rodeo competitors who want a good trailer without paying new prices.

You earn the difference between what you pay and what you sell for, after repairs and costs. Selling a few trailers a month at a sensible margin is the aim.

• Judging trailer condition (floors, axles, brakes, tyres, frame)
• Negotiating buying and selling prices
• Basic mechanical and cleaning work
• Online listings and clear photos

• Check whether your province or territory requires a dealer licence or registration once you sell more than a few trailers a year
• Check for liens on every trailer you buy (provincial personal property registry) and confirm the VIN matches the paperwork
• Check the provincial rules for safety inspections, plates and transfer of ownership before selling
• Check GST/HST and any provincial sales tax rules, and register once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Check with your municipality about storing stock or having buyers visit a home-based property
• Hidden floor rot, brake and axle faults can cost a lot, so inspect carefully before buying
• Check insurance for stock on your property and for test-hitching or towing by buyers
• Demand is seasonal: buying often suits fall and winter, selling is usually busiest in spring

As an estimate, startup typically costs around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many trailers you buy, repair needs and storage. Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on stock and the season.

Check whether your province or territory requires a dealer licence or registration once you sell more than a few trailers a year. Also check for liens on every trailer, confirm the VIN matches the paperwork, and review provincial rules on inspections, plates and ownership transfer.

Useful skills include judging trailer condition (floors, axles, brakes, tires, frame), negotiating buying and selling prices, basic mechanical and cleaning work, and writing online listings with clear photos. Hidden floor rot, brake and axle faults can be costly, so inspect carefully before buying.