Used bike flipper selling from home

Students, commuters, families buying kids' bikes and anyone wanting a decent bike without paying new prices.

You earn the gap between what you pay for a bike plus parts and what you sell it for. Kids' bikes and reliable commuter bikes often turn over faster.

• Basic bike mechanics
• Spotting good deals and judging a bike's condition
• Clear photos and honest listings

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning rules about selling from home
• Stolen bikes: ask for proof of ownership where possible, record serial numbers and check local police or registry guidance
• Winter slows demand in many parts of Canada, so plan cash flow and storage for the off-season
• Register for GST/HST with the CRA once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check your province's sales tax rules
• Check whether liability insurance is worth having in case a bike you sold fails

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many bikes you buy up front, the tools and parts you need and any insurance. Treat this as an estimate and start small while you learn what sells.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on the bikes you find, your repair skill, your pricing and the season. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week, and demand may slow in winter.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning rules, how to guard against stolen bikes (proof of ownership, serial numbers, local police or registry guidance), GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and liability insurance.