Start a Used Appliances Store: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever thought about starting a used appliances store? It’s a great way to enter the retail world and make some extra money. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to get started. We’ll cover finding suppliers, setting up your shop, and marketing your business. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents


What is a Used Appliances Store?

A used appliances store is a business where pre-owned appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines, are bought and sold. These stores can serve as a cost-effective option for individuals looking to replace their appliances without breaking the bank.

For entrepreneurs, starting a used appliances store can be a profitable business venture due to the high demand for affordable appliances. Furthermore, this type of store may also offer repair and maintenance services for appliances, adding another stream of revenue.

Overall, a used appliances store is a valuable addition to any community, providing functional and affordable appliances for consumers.


Why would I want to start a used appliances store?

If you’re thinking about starting a business, you may be considering a used appliances store. After all, there’s a growing market for refurbished and second-hand goods, and starting an appliance store comes with a lower barrier to entry than some other types of businesses. But is a used appliances store a good investment? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

The Pros of Starting a Used Appliances Store

There are several reasons why starting a used appliances store could be a good business decision. For one thing, the demand for refurbished appliances is growing. According to one report, the global market for refurbished consumer electronics is expected to reach $62 billion by 2025, up from $24 billion in 2017. What’s more, starting an appliance store generally requires less capital than starting some other types of businesses—you may be able to get started with just a few thousand dollars.

In addition, selling used appliances can be less risky than selling new ones. When you sell new appliances, you have to worry about things like obsolescence and changes in consumer preferences. But when you sell used appliances, you can rely on tried-and-true models that have already been popular with consumers. Refurbishing old models can also be less expensive than developing new ones from scratch—another plus for your bottom line.

The Cons of Starting a Used Appliances Store

Of course, there are also some potential downsides to starting a used appliances store that you’ll need to consider before making your final decision. For instance, the margins on selling used goods can be slim—you may only make a few dollars on each appliance you sell. What’s more, the used appliance market is competitive, and you’ll need to find ways to stand out from the crowd in order to succeed. Finally, because selling used goods requires handling returns and exchanges, you’ll need to have robust customer service policies in place.

Starting a used appliances store can be a good business decision—but it’s not without risk. Before opening your doors for business, make sure you understand the pros and cons of this type of venture so that you can give yourself the best chance for success.

A similar business you may want to consider is a used medical equipment supplier. Instead of primarily focusing on consumers, a refurbished medical equipment supplier targets medical firms and hospitals.


How do I start a used appliances business?

If you’re thinking about starting a used appliances business, there are a few things you need to consider.

First and foremost, you’ll need to decide what type of appliances you want to sell. Will you focus on major appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, or will you sell smaller items like blenders and toasters?

Once you’ve decided on the types of appliances you want to sell, you’ll need to find a reliable source for your inventory. Buying appliances from individuals can be time-consuming and unpredictable, so it’s often best to buy from appliance stores or manufacturers directly.

Of course, pricing is always a concern when selling used merchandise. You’ll need to strike a balance between making a profit and attracting customers with competitive prices. Many used appliance dealers price their items 20-30% below retail value, but you may need to adjust your prices depending on the condition of the appliances and the market in your area.

Finally, don’t forget to take marketing into account! Let potential customers know that you’re open for business with some well-placed ads and/or publicity stunts.

Choose Your Niche

When it comes to selling used appliances, there are two basic approaches: You can either sell all kinds of appliances or focus on one particular type. Major appliance retailers like Sears sell everything from microwaves to washers and dryers, while niche stores like The Refurbished frigidare Outlet focus on a single type of appliance. There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Offering a wide selection of appliances gives your customers more choices and increases the likelihood that they’ll find what they’re looking for at your store. On the other hand, focusing on one particular type of appliance allows you to develop expertise in that area and capitalize on customer loyalty. Ultimately, the decision of which approach to take depends on your goals for the business and the demographics of your target market.

Find a Reliable Source of Inventory

Once you’ve decided on the types of appliances you want to sell, you’ll need to find a reliable source for your inventory. Buying appliances from individuals can be time-consuming and unpredictable, so it’s often best to buy from appliance stores or manufacturers directly.Many used appliance dealers get their inventory from bankruptcies, auctions, estate sales, trade-ins, and overstocks; however, these sources can be unreliable and often provide subpar merchandise. If possible, try to find an exclusive arrangement with an appliance store or manufacturer whereby they provide you with first pick of their inventory at discounted prices. These types of arrangements are usually available only to established businesses, so if you’re just getting started in the used appliance business, this may not be an option for you.

Develop a Pricing Strategy

Pricing is always a concern when selling used merchandise. You’ll need to strike a balance between making a profit and attracting customers with competitive prices. Many used appliance dealers price their items 20-30% below retail value, but you may need to adjust your prices depending on the condition of the appliances and the market in your area. It’s also important to remember that pricing is not static; as market conditions change (e.g., supply and demand), so too should your prices. Pay close attention to your competition and adjust your pricing accordingly.

Starting a used appliances business can be a great way to tap into the growing demand for affordable home goods.


How much does it cost to start a used appliances store?

The used appliances market is huge. In the United States alone, the industry is worth $5 billion annually and growing. There are more than 16,000 used appliance dealers in the US, and that number is expected to increase by 3% every year for the next five years.

With such a large and growing market, now is a great time to start a used appliance store. But how much does it cost to get started? Here are some key factors to consider.

The Cost of Renting or Buying a Space

One of the biggest expenses you’ll incur when starting a used appliance store is the cost of renting or buying a space. The good news is that there is no shortage of options when it comes to commercial real estate. You can find everything from small storefronts to large warehouses. The key is to find a space that fits your budget and your business needs.

The cost of commercial real estate varies widely depending on the location, size, and type of property you’re looking at. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per month for a small storefront. If you’re looking for a larger space, such as a warehouse, you can expect to pay closer to $10,000 per month.

The Cost of Inventory

Another major expense you’ll need to consider is the cost of inventory. Used appliances can be sourced from a variety of places, including online auction sites, estate sales, and private sellers. The key is to find reliable sources of high-quality merchandise at competitive prices.

Depending on the types of appliances you sell and the condition they’re in, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per unit. It’s important to remember that you’ll also need to factor in the cost of any repairs or refurbishments that may be necessary before putting an appliance up for sale.

The Cost of Operating Expenses

In addition to rent and inventory costs, you’ll also need to factor in the costs of running your business on a day-to-day basis. This includes expenses such as utilities, insurance, marketing, and employee salaries (if applicable). These costs will vary depending on the size and scope of your business but should be relatively easy to estimate once you have a better understanding of your operating expenses.

Starting a used appliances store can be a great way to tap into the billion-dollar industry. But how much does it cost to get started? The answer depends on factors like commercial real estate costs, inventory costs, and operating expenses. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 just getting started. But with careful planning and execution, your new business could be well on its way to success.


How do I find customers for my used appliances store?

If you’re in the market for a used appliance store, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you find the right customers. Before you start your search, it’s important to think about your target audience and what kinds of appliances they’re looking for. Once you know that, you can start your search by looking in the right places.

Here are a few tips on how to find customers for your used appliance store:

Know Your Target Audience

The first step in finding customers for your used appliance store is to know your target audience. What kind of appliances are they looking for? Are they mostly interested in refrigerators, dishwashers, or ovens? Or are they more interested in smaller appliances like coffee makers and toasters? Knowing the answer to this question will help you focus your search and find the right customers for your business.

Look in the Right Places

Once you know who your target audience is, you can start looking for them in the right places. If you’re targeting homeowners, consider placing ads in local newspapers or on websites like Craigslist. If you’re targeting businesses, consider placing ads in trade publications or online directories. placement will help you reach your target audience and find potential customers for your business.

Offer Competitive Prices

Another way to attract customers to your used appliance store is by offering competitive prices. Many people are looking for a good deal on used appliances, so be sure to set your prices accordingly. You can also offer discounts or coupons to help attract customers and close sales.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Finally, don’t forget that customer service is important when attracting customers to any business. Be sure to treat every customer with respect and courtesy, and take care of any problems that may arise quickly and efficiently. By providing excellent customer service, you’ll show potential customers that you’re a business they can trust—and that’s sure to attract more business!

By following these tips, you’re sure to find the right customers for your used appliance store—and soon, you’ll be on your way to success! Just remember to focus on your target audience, look in the right places, offer competitive prices, and provide excellent customer service at all times. With a little effort, you should have no trouble attracting plenty of new business!

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.