Used bakery equipment reseller

Start-up bakeries, home-based food makers moving into a commercial space, cafés adding baking, and small bakeries that need to replace one machine on a budget.

You sell each item for more than you paid plus any repair costs. You can also take a commission to sell equipment for bakeries that are closing or upgrading.

• Spotting good-value equipment
• Basic mechanical know-how
• Negotiating and sales
• Photographing and listing items clearly

• Check which electrical or gas safety certification rules apply to used equipment in your province before selling, especially gas ovens
• Check commercial general liability insurance, including cover for items you sell
• Be clear about 'sold as is' terms in writing, and consider a short warranty on tested machines
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for resale
• Heavy items: plan safe lifting, transport and storage costs

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the stock you buy, storage and transport. Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on what you sell and how quickly. These figures are estimates only.

Check which electrical or gas safety certification rules apply to used equipment in your province, especially gas ovens. Also check commercial general liability cover, GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for resale, and put sold-as-is terms in writing.

Helpful skills include spotting good-value equipment, basic mechanical know-how, negotiating and selling, and photographing and listing items clearly. Estimates suggest at least around 10 hours a week, plus planning for safe lifting, transport and storage of heavy items.