Used Equipment Buy-and-Ship Exporter

Overseas dealers, workshops, restaurants, farms and start-ups looking for good-quality UK equipment at lower prices than new.

You earn the margin between what you pay and your selling price, plus a charge for packing, paperwork and shipping. Profit depends on buying well and moving stock quickly.

• Spotting good-value equipment and judging condition
• Negotiating at auctions and with sellers
• Packing, loading and basic logistics
• Careful record keeping for customs and VAT

• Your money is tied up in stock, so start small and avoid buying more than you can sell
• Check UK export controls and sanctions rules on GOV.UK for the goods and countries you deal in
• Check customs requirements: EORI number, export declarations and commodity codes
• Check how VAT applies to what you buy and sell, and keep export evidence
• Used electrical or gas equipment may need to meet standards in the destination country
• Get goods-in-transit and stock insurance, plus public liability for your unit
• Check your lease or unit terms allow trading and customer visits

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, the unit you rent and your shipping and insurance needs. Starting small helps, as your money is tied up in stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the equipment you trade, how quickly stock sells and which overseas buyers you reach. This is revenue, not profit, so stock and shipping costs come out of it.

Check UK export controls and sanctions rules on GOV.UK for your goods and destination countries. Also check customs requirements such as an EORI number, export declarations and commodity codes, how VAT applies, and whether used electrical or gas kit must meet standards abroad.