Used trailer buy, fix and resell

Homeowners, tradespeople, landscapers, farmers and outdoor hobbyists who want a trailer without paying new prices.

You earn the margin between what you pay for a trailer (plus repairs and cleaning) and the price you sell it for. Cash flow depends on how fast you turn stock.

• Spotting good deals and judging trailer condition
• Basic mechanical skills (lights, bearings, tires, brakes)
• Negotiating and clear paperwork

• Dealer licensing rules for trailers differ by province, and selling more than a few units a year may count as dealing, so check your regulator
• Check each trailer for liens, a clear ownership record and a valid serial number or VIN before buying
• Provincial safety inspection and plate rules on transfer, check what applies where you sell
• Garage insurance or commercial general liability cover, and zoning or home-based business rules for storing stock at home
• Winter slows demand for many trailer types, so plan cash flow for the off-season

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many trailers you buy at first, repair parts, tools, insurance and advertising. Stock is your biggest cost, so start small and reinvest as you sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the trailers you buy, your pricing and how quickly they sell. Winter slows demand for many trailer types, so plan for the off-season.

Check your provincial dealer licensing rules, since selling more than a few units a year may count as dealing. Also check for liens, ownership and VIN details, safety inspection and plate rules, insurance, and home-based zoning for storing stock.