Equipment Export Agent Working from Home

Overseas traders, workshops, farms and small businesses that want good-value UK equipment, and sometimes UK sellers who want help reaching export buyers.

A commission or fixed fee per deal, plus a charge for handling documents and booking transport. You are paid for sourcing and organising, so you take much less risk than if you bought stock.

• Organised and good with paperwork
• Confident negotiating with buyers and sellers
• Working with freight forwarders and customs agents
• Knowledge of a type of equipment helps

• Check whether your goods fall under UK export controls or sanctions rules on GOV.UK before agreeing any deal
• Check customs rules: EORI number, export declarations and correct commodity codes
• Payment risk: consider secure payment methods before goods leave the UK
• Check how VAT applies to export sales, and keep proof of export
• Used equipment may need to meet safety or import rules in the buyer's country
• Consider professional indemnity and goods-in-transit insurance, and check with your insurer

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the software, insurance, travel and marketing you need. These are estimates, and because you never need to own the stock, you can keep upfront costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many deals you complete and the commission you agree. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week to find items and handle paperwork.

Check whether your goods fall under UK export controls or sanctions rules on GOV.UK. Also check customs rules such as EORI numbers and export declarations, how VAT applies to export sales, and any safety or import rules in the buyer's country.