Online auto body parts broker

Body shops, independent repairers, mobile repair businesses and some DIY customers or small dealerships.

The margin between your supplier price and your selling price on each part, sometimes with a shipping or handling fee. Volume from repeat shop customers matters most.

• Parts knowledge and reading fitment data
• Online selling and basic website setup
• Customer service
• Organizing orders and tracking shipments

• Check your state's sales tax registration and how resale certificates apply to shop customers
• Check whether any state or local license applies to selling used or recycled parts
• Large panels and bumpers have high freight costs and damage risk, so confirm who pays for damaged shipments
• Return policies on wrong-fit or special-order parts can eat your margin
• Check supplier terms on drop shipping and any rules on using their product images and catalog data
• Product liability and general liability insurance, particularly for parts that affect vehicle safety

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your website setup, supplier arrangements and insurance. Distributors ship directly to the shop, so you carry little or no inventory. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on how many shops order and your order sizes. Freight costs and returns on wrong-fit parts can eat into margins. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week.

Check your state's sales tax registration and how resale certificates apply to shop customers. Check whether any state or local license applies to used or recycled parts. Review supplier terms on drop shipping and image use, plus product and general liability insurance.