Small ATV dealership with service bay

Recreational riders, hunters, farmers and ranchers, landscapers and families, plus existing customers who return for repairs and parts.

Margin on each vehicle sold, plus labor on servicing and repairs, parts and accessories, and sometimes financing or protection plan commissions.

• Sales and customer service
• Mechanical skills, or the ability to hire a good technician
• Managing stock, cash flow and suppliers

• State motor vehicle or powersports dealer license, surety bond and approved location rules, which vary by state
• Manufacturer franchise agreements and any state franchise laws, so read terms carefully
• Inventory financing: unsold stock in slow seasons can strain cash
• General liability, garage liability, garagekeepers and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales tax, title and registration paperwork, and environmental rules for fluids and waste disposal
• Emissions or other equipment rules in some states (for example California), so check what you can legally sell
• Youth ATV sales rules and safety requirements, which need checking at federal and state level

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on whether you sign with a manufacturer or start with used and independent brands, and on your lot, showroom and inventory. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $20,000 to $100,000.

Check your state's motor vehicle or powersports dealer license, surety bond and approved location rules, which vary by state. Also check any manufacturer franchise agreements and state franchise laws, plus youth ATV sales rules and emissions equipment rules where you sell.

You'll want sales and customer service skills, mechanical ability or a good technician to hire, and the ability to manage stock, cash flow and suppliers. The idea assumes at least about 40 hours a week.