Online Auction Seller for Estates and Downsizers

Households downsizing or clearing an estate, landlords, and small businesses with surplus stock or equipment.

A commission on each lot sold, often plus a buyer's premium, with extra fees for pickup or clean-out help.

• Photography and clear item descriptions
• Researching what items are worth
• Organising storage, pickups and buyer collection
• Clear, friendly communication

• Licensing rules can differ by province and apply to online sales too, so check your provincial regulator
• A home-based business licence or zoning limits may apply if you store goods at home, so check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for goods in your care
• Disputes over item descriptions, so write accurate listings and set clear terms
• Possible GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on photography gear, storage, pickup arrangements and insurance. Where you land in that range depends on how much you handle yourself.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many items you take on consignment, what they sell for and your commission. Treat these as estimates rather than guarantees.

Check your provincial regulator, since licensing rules can differ by province and apply to online sales. If you store goods at home, check home-based licence or zoning limits with your municipality, and consider liability and goods-in-care insurance.