US vehicle import broker

Buyers looking for models, trims or prices they can't easily find in Canada, such as enthusiasts and collectors.

A flat service fee or a percentage per vehicle, sometimes with a markup on transport and paperwork services you arrange.

• Researching vehicles and prices across borders
• Organising paperwork and deadlines
• Negotiating with sellers
• Explaining costs clearly to clients

• Not every US vehicle can be imported, so check admissibility before the client pays for anything
• Duties, taxes, RIV fees and provincial inspection costs can change the final price, so give estimates carefully
• Provincial dealer or broker licensing may apply, so check with your regulator
• Money held for clients is risky, so use clear contracts and safe payment methods
• Commercial general liability insurance and advice on GST/HST

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your set-up, insurance and tools. Treat this as an estimate. Your own costs will vary with how you work and how much you invest in marketing and systems.

Check admissibility before a client pays for anything, as not every US vehicle can be imported. Also check duties, taxes, RIV fees and provincial inspection costs, whether provincial dealer or broker licensing applies, insurance, and GST/HST. Use clear contracts and safe payment methods.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many vehicles you handle and your fees. The estimate starts at about 15 hours a week. Skills that help include cross-border research, organised paperwork, negotiating and explaining costs clearly.