Online refurbished mower and parts seller

Budget-minded homeowners, first-time buyers with small yards and neighbours who want a reliable used machine or a quick repair.

Profit between what you pay for a used machine plus parts and what you sell it for, plus fees for repairs, tune-ups and blade sharpening.

• Small engine repair
• Spotting good used machines
• Online listing and photos
• Customer service

• Home-based business licence and zoning rules, check with your municipality
• Home or commercial liability insurance, as standard home policies may not cover business activity
• Safe handling and disposal of fuel, oil and batteries, check local rules
• Sell used machines clearly as used, and check consumer protection rules in your province
• Noise and storage limits that neighbours or your landlord may object to
• Sales peak in spring and summer, so plan for a quiet winter or add snow blower repair

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the tools you need, the used machines and parts you buy, and how you set up your listings or website.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many machines you repair and sell. It can start at around 8 hours a week. Sales peak in spring and summer, so plan for a quiet winter.

Check home-based business licence and zoning rules with your municipality, and whether home insurance covers business activity. Check local rules for fuel, oil and battery handling and disposal, and provincial consumer protection rules for selling used machines. Neighbours may object to noise.