Used and refurbished appliance shop

Homeowners on a budget, landlords furnishing rentals, students, new Canadians setting up a home and people replacing a broken unit in a hurry.

You buy used units cheaply from trade-ins, landlords, renovators and auctions, then sell at a margin. Delivery, installation help and haul-away fees add extra income.

• Basic appliance repair or willingness to learn
• Sales and haggling
• Lifting and handling heavy goods safely
• Simple stock and record keeping

• Check provincial rules on handling refrigerant in fridges and freezers, as certification may be needed
• Check how your province handles disposal and recycling of old appliances, which varies
• Consumer protection rules on selling used goods and what your warranty promises
• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for fire risk from faulty electrical units
• Check GST/HST, PST or QST registration and whether you must charge tax on your sales
• Gas appliances usually need a licensed gas fitter to install, so check your provincial rules before offering installation
• Budget for first and last month's rent, a deposit, fit-out, a delivery vehicle or dolly equipment and opening stock, which together can use up most of your start-up funds

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $45,000 to $120,000, depending on rent and deposit, fit-out, a delivery vehicle or dolly equipment and opening stock. These can use up most of your start-up funds, so budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your stock, pricing and how many units you sell and deliver. The estimate assumes about 30 or more hours a week.

Check provincial rules on handling refrigerant, and how your province handles disposal and recycling of old appliances. Also check consumer protection rules and your warranty promises, insurance, sales tax registration, and whether gas appliance installation needs a licensed gas fitter.