Used and refurbished gym equipment seller

Budget-minded home exercisers, new small gyms and studios, and community groups.

The gap between what you pay for used gear and the resale price after cleaning and repair, plus fees for delivery and set-up.

• Mechanical know-how for basic repairs
• Spotting good deals and judging condition
• Negotiating and customer service

• Selling faulty used gear can lead to injury claims, so check insurance cover and be clear about condition and warranty
• Check provincial consumer protection rules for second-hand goods and any licensing for used goods dealers
• Check that you can legally sell items with open safety recalls, using Health Canada's recall database
• Heavy lifting and awkward moves, so plan for help, a trailer or a van
• GST/HST and provincial sales tax may apply, so check with the CRA or an accountant

Estimated startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much gear you buy, repair parts, storage and transport. Use this as a guide and budget for your own sourcing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how much you source and resell and your prices. That is revenue, not profit. Hours start around 12 a week.

Check provincial consumer protection rules for second-hand goods and any licensing for used goods dealers. Check that items with open safety recalls can legally be sold, using Health Canada's recall database, and check insurance and GST/HST or provincial sales tax.