Start a home-based used appliance resale business

Renters, first-time homeowners, landlords and property managers who want a working appliance at a lower price than new.

You buy at a low price, add cleaning and minor repairs, and sell for more. Some sellers add a short warranty, delivery fees or haul-away fees for old units.

• Basic appliance testing and simple repairs
• Negotiating prices when buying
• Taking good photos and writing honest listings
• Safely moving heavy items

• Check your city or county for a business license and any secondhand dealer rules
• Check your state's sales tax registration rules for reselling used goods
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules about storing and selling goods from home
• Refrigerators and freezers contain refrigerants, so check EPA rules before doing any repair on the sealed system
• Check for recalls on used units before selling, and consider general liability insurance
• Heavy lifting causes injuries, so plan for two-person moves and proper equipment

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the equipment you need for storage, testing and moving heavy items. Many sellers store units in a garage, shed or driveway.

Check your city or county for a business license and any secondhand dealer rules, plus your state's sales tax registration rules. Also check HOA or lease rules on storing goods at home, and EPA rules before any refrigerant repair.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many units you source, test and sell. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for purchase and delivery costs.