Used forklift reseller

Small warehouses, factories, lumber yards, farms, landscape suppliers and other businesses that want a cheaper used machine instead of a new one.

You earn the margin between what you pay for a unit and your sale price, plus extras like delivery, a service check or short-term rentals.

• Judging the condition and fair value of used machinery
• Negotiating with sellers and buyers
• Basic bookkeeping and record keeping

• Check whether your state needs a seller's permit or resale certificate and how sales tax applies to equipment
• Check with your city or county about storing equipment at home and any zoning or HOA limits
• Get general liability and inventory coverage, and ask an insurance agent about liability for equipment you sell or rent out
• Hidden defects, such as worn masts, leaking hydraulics and tired batteries, can wipe out your margin, so inspect before buying
• Used machines may have liens or unclear ownership, so check the title or paperwork and serial numbers
• Buyers' operators need training under OSHA rules, so be clear about who is responsible for it

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many machines you buy, inspection and servicing costs, and your insurance. Hidden defects can wipe out your margin, so inspect before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many units you sell or rent and the prices you achieve. It depends on buying well and judging the condition and fair value of each machine.

Check whether your state needs a seller's permit or resale certificate, and local zoning or HOA limits on storing equipment at home. Verify titles, liens and serial numbers, get liability and inventory cover, and be clear about OSHA operator training responsibility.