Mobile pre-purchase car inspector

People buying a used car, truck or van privately or from a small dealer, plus some buyers purchasing from out of town who want someone local to check it.

A flat fee per inspection, often with higher prices for trucks, EVs or extra checks. Repeat work can come from buyers' groups, used car buyers' marketplaces and small dealers.

• Mechanical knowledge of cars and light trucks
• Clear, honest report writing
• Dealing calmly with buyers and sellers

• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask whether it covers test drives and errors and omissions
• Check whether your province or municipality requires trade certification or a business licence for inspection work
• Make clear that your report is an opinion on condition on the day, not a guarantee, to limit disputes
• Winter weather and short daylight hours can limit outdoor inspections, so plan indoor options or a flexible schedule
• Check if you can inspect on private property and whether the seller agrees to a test drive

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your diagnostic tools, insurance, reporting software and marketing. These figures are estimates, so check what you already own before budgeting for new equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many inspections you complete and the price you charge. Winter weather and short daylight hours can limit outdoor inspections. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Things to check: whether your province or municipality requires trade certification or a business licence for inspection work, liability insurance that covers test drives and errors and omissions, and whether sellers agree to inspections and test drives on private property.