Used lorry broker working from home

Small hauliers, owner-drivers, tradespeople who need a rigid truck, and fleet owners who want to sell on older vehicles.

A commission or fixed fee per deal, or a margin if you buy a vehicle and sell it on quickly. Deals are fewer and larger than in most small businesses, so income can vary a lot from month to month.

• Good knowledge of trucks and what to check on them
• Negotiating and building trust
• Comfortable with phone, online listings and paperwork

• Check whether you need motor trade insurance and whether you must register with DVLA for trade plates
• Check the legal position on selling to businesses versus individuals, as consumer rules may apply; Trading Standards can advise
• Always check vehicle history, outstanding finance, ownership and whether a vehicle has been stolen before any money changes hands
• Payment fraud and fake deposits are a risk, so use secure payment methods and written terms
• Check how VAT, including the margin scheme, applies to your sales
• Check whether working from home is allowed by your landlord, mortgage lender or council

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your insurance, listings, travel and the setup you choose. Because you hold little or no stock, these estimates are far lower than running a yard.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many vehicles you match and the fee or margin on each deal. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week, so results will vary.

Check whether you need motor trade insurance and DVLA trade plates, how consumer rules apply to sales to individuals, and how VAT and the margin scheme work. Always check vehicle history, outstanding finance and ownership, and use secure payment methods to avoid fraud.