Part-Time used bike and scooter dealer

Learner riders, commuters, returning riders and hobbyists who want a cheaper bike than a main dealer would offer.

You sell each bike for more than you paid, after covering repairs, MOT, advertising and storage. Profit per bike varies widely, and a bike can sit unsold for weeks.

• Spotting a good bike and a fair price
• Basic mechanical knowledge
• Honest descriptions and good photos
• Negotiating with buyers and sellers

• Regular buying and selling for profit counts as trading, so check you need to register as self-employed with HMRC
• Motor trade insurance is usually needed to cover bikes in your care, check what your provider requires
• Run a history check on every bike to look for finance owed, theft or insurance write-off records
• Consumer law applies to trade sales, including that bikes must be as described and of satisfactory quality, so check your obligations
• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council if you store bikes at home
• Cash can be tied up in unsold stock

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many bikes you buy, preparation costs and storage. Cash can be tied up in unsold stock, so plan for that.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many bikes you sell and their prices. This is revenue rather than profit, as stock and preparation costs come out of it.

Check whether you need to register as self-employed with HMRC, what motor trade insurance your provider requires and your consumer law obligations. Run a history check on every bike for finance, theft or write-off records.