This article will show you a side hustle that involves selling used auto parts online for a decent profit. While no business is guaranteed to make money. I say i’ve done this and made money doing it. I have since stopped to pursue other endeavors (like this blog, and my other blog coffeelogik.com.
Contents
Why Sell Used Auto Parts?
Buying and selling auto parts online can be a very profitable business. If you’ve ever had to repair your car or truck, you know how expensive auto parts can be.
Sometimes it feels like they are made of gold instead of steel and plastic. Also, you never run out of customers, as people are getting in accidents every day and needing parts to replace the ones they damaged.
Selling parts online involves initiative, research, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Do not think you can buy a bunch of random parts and hope to succeed.
I did this when I first started and was soon stuck with parts that I couldn’t sell. Learn from my mistakes and keep reading.
Where Do I Get The Parts To Sell?
The first question people ask when starting to sell online is, “where do I get the items to sell?” In this case, used auto parts.
The best place to purchase used auto parts is from automotive salvage yards. The ones that allow you to pull the parts yourself are the best, as the parts are usually cheaper because you do all the work of finding and pulling the parts.
Salvage yards are a modern-day operation; as such many have websites where you can see what cars they plan to put out and the ones they currently have available.
The fastest way to find salvage yards near you is to do a search on Google Maps.
Which Parts Do I To Buy To Sell?
Now the research begins…This is where the research part of the process comes in. eBay is a great tool for this, especially if you plan to sell your parts on eBay. Before going to Ebay start with the salvage yards website. Some junk yards list the cars they have on their yard. This makes it easy to research different makes, models, and parts, before you ever go to the junkyard!
Use the following Procedure to help you find used parts to sell
Goto Ebay.com and search for the information about the automobiles you’ve found on the junkyard website. Search for the year, make, model, and part you want to research.
On the results page sort the listings by used and sold.
These results will be what you need to look at, scroll through the results to get an idea of what parts are selling for the make and model your researching.
Make notes of the ones you see repeatedly; these will be your money makers and what you need to be on the lookout for when in the Salvage yard.
To The Salvage Yard, We Go! What You Will Need & What To Expect.
Each salvage yard may have their own rules and regulations. Some of the more common ones are:
- No open toe shoes (so don’t plan to pull parts in your flip flops).
- No bookbags (they do this to cut down on theft).
- No Jacks in the yard. ( They don’t want you dropping a car on your head).
Most salvage yards charge an entrance fee (usually $1-$4) and core charges on certain parts (alternators, water pumps, etc.).
AVOID CARS WITH BIOHAZARD STICKERS ON THEM.
These stickers mean there was or is blood or other bodily fluid in the car… Selling a part isn’t worth catching a disease.
What Tools Do I Need To Take With Me?
Before heading to the salvage yard, you will need a few tools. Below are the tools I use and recommend. By clicking on the links below, you will be taken to Amazon.com, where you purchase the tool.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Where Do I Store My Parts Inventory?
When you first start pull and selling parts, if you have a spare room or garage, this can be a great place to store your parts. As your inventory begins to build, you may find yourself needing a larger space to store your parts.
One option is to get a storage unit. Small ones are usually aren’t very expensive; make sure to get one close to where you live; driving across town to get a part when it sells will eat into your profits.
Another option is to purchase a build-it-yourself utility shed. (I personally bought an Arrow Steel Storage Shed and a few shelving units. It took a few weekends to get everything put together but works great and saves money on renting a storage unit.
Do I Test The Parts?
This is a question I debated for a while. I finally decided it was better not to test the used parts. Why? I figured doing the research on how to power the equipment on and testing it wasn’t worth my time. The customer who has the car the part fits in will test the part as soon as they plug it in. They will let you know if it doesn’t work. Offer a 30-day return policy, and make sure you keep money set aside for any parts that may come up faulty.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you found this information helpful and will be able to put it to good use. To summarize: Find out what is selling online, go to your local junkyard, pull the parts yourself, list and sell the parts online, pocket the difference.
