Used windsurf gear resale from home

Beginners who want affordable starter kit, returning sailors, and club or lake sailors looking to upgrade.

You earn the margin between what you pay for gear and what you sell it for. Small extras such as fins, harnesses, and repair kits add to each sale.

• Knowing windsurf gear and what it is worth
• Basic repairs such as dings and rigging fixes
• Photographing and describing items honestly
• Friendly selling and negotiating

• Sales tax registration rules for resellers, check with your state's tax agency
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules for storing gear and meeting buyers, check your city or county
• Boards and masts are bulky, so shipping is expensive and local pickup works best
• Be honest about gear condition to avoid disputes and returns
• Cash tied up in unsold stock, and sales that slow down outside the season

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how much starting stock you buy, your repair supplies and storage needs. Treat this as a rough guide and plan for cash tied up in unsold gear.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how much stock you move and the season. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week. Sales may slow outside the windsurfing season.

Check sales tax registration rules for resellers with your state's tax agency. Also check home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules for storing gear and meeting buyers with your city or county, and be honest about gear condition to avoid disputes.