Used vehicle exporter with a small yard

Overseas dealers and importers who buy regularly, plus private buyers who want a specific vehicle shipped to them.

You sell vehicles at a markup over your purchase, prep and shipping costs, and may charge extra for container loading, storage and documentation.

• Judging used vehicles and buying at auction
• Basic mechanical know-how
• Managing cash flow, paperwork and shipping schedules

• Check your state's dealer licensing rules, bonding and zoning requirements for a vehicle lot
• Money is tied up in stock, so a bad purchase or a delayed buyer can hurt cash flow
• Check with your forwarder on CBP export document rules and timing, and on destination import rules and duties
• Verify titles and liens carefully before buying
• Insurance for stock on your lot, general liability and workers' compensation if you hire help
• Check export control and sanctions rules for each destination country

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your yard and your insurance. Money is tied up in vehicles, so a bad purchase or delayed buyer can hurt cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many vehicles you ship and your mix of overseas dealers and private buyers. Revenue is not profit, so plan for your own costs too.

Check your state's dealer licensing, bonding and zoning rules for a vehicle lot. Ask your forwarder about CBP export document rules and timing, destination import rules and duties, and export control and sanctions rules. Verify titles and liens before buying.