Start an online used car dealer business from home

Private buyers who shop on online marketplaces and want a fairly priced used car from a licensed seller.

The difference between your total cost (purchase, repairs, cleaning, fees) and the sale price on each vehicle. Selling a few well-chosen cars a month is the aim at first.

• Spotting good-value vehicles
• Photography and writing clear listings
• Communicating with buyers
• Keeping accurate records

• Selling several cars a year without a license can be illegal in many states, so check your state's threshold
• Some states require a physical display area or office, and home use may conflict with zoning, HOA or lease rules
• Title problems, hidden damage and odometer issues, so check vehicle history and title carefully
• Garage liability insurance and how your personal auto policy applies to test drives
• Sales tax and registration rules for dealers, so check with your state
• Tied-up cash if cars sit unsold

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many vehicles you buy up front and how you set up. Cash can be tied up if cars sit unsold, so many people start with just a few vehicles.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many cars you sell and how quickly. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and unsold cars tie up your cash.

Selling several cars a year without a license can be illegal in many states, so check your state's threshold. Also check whether your state requires a physical display area or office, and whether zoning, HOA or lease rules limit home use.