Start a used ATV and quad resale business

Hunters, trail riders, cottage owners, hobby farmers and farms looking for an affordable work or recreation quad.

The margin between what you pay and the sale price of each machine, plus extras like accessories, trailers and winches.

• Judging the condition and value of used machines
• Basic mechanical know-how
• Negotiating and clear paperwork

• Provincial vehicle dealer licensing: some provinces require a licence once you sell more than a few vehicles a year, so check your regulator
• Ownership checks: confirm the seller owns the machine, and check for liens (for example through the provincial personal property registry)
• Commercial general liability and garage or dealer insurance, plus how your insurer treats stock kept at home
• Winter slows sales in most provinces, so plan cash flow for the off-season
• Zoning limits on selling vehicles from a residential property

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many machines you buy, their condition and what servicing they need. Because stock ties up cash, start with a few units and check your numbers.

Things to check include provincial vehicle dealer licensing, as some provinces require a licence once you sell more than a few vehicles a year. Also confirm sellers own the machine and check for liens, check insurance for stock kept at home, and check residential zoning limits.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many machines you sell and their prices. Plan on at least about 10 hours a week. Winter slows sales in most provinces, so plan cash flow for the off-season.