Do you need a license to buy computer scrap in bulk?

Answer 1

No! Not in NSW Australia. But you do need one to resell after half a dozen market fair sales and Garage sales as the governments want TAX, and the used reseller licnese for a wide range of goods new and used, and they are there to protect the industry, new and used from shoddy and not so ethical used parts sales people. You may even need a license to scrap the parts for the precious metals you can get. When you attend the Market fairs or sales you are asked to fill in a declaration form that is sent to the Police. They ask what electrical, jewellery, food, DVD or CD media as well as other items are being sold. They require you Drivers License and signature on the form.

Some ten years ago it was a good side line to be in. Not any more. There are even restrictions for internet sales like eBay.

Even if you buy from businesses and Auctions (The auctions do not need a used dealers license as far as I know they have been exempted, but you need to keep your receipts as proof of purchase just in case the Police want the details. The Fair Trading Department can fill you in with legal requirements.

You can trade under your own name or a business name if you want to register one. However, these days this is not a profitable venture unless you are dealing in rare and vintage items with good buyers. The general public want to get $1 to $5 dollar deals and often do not care if the items are new, used or cost $1,000.00 if they can get a bargain most will try. With Computers they want it to work, and have software usually the latest versionand then they will try to get it without regard for your time and Labor, and in most cases without regard for the Licensing regulations such as Microsoft software, as they often think that if you are reselling you must be trying to offload the parts or computers for nothing. And if you sell AS IS items they may even complain if the items cost $5 but are found to be faulty.

Think of it this way, if you are trained in I T or Electronics, and test items before sale, there are sellers that sell items that are not tested and in most cases the buyers will compare your items to theirs and the prices. The time and skill it takes to test your parts will often be unrewarded.

A few will return if they need working parts but most will try and hunt down the cheapest bargains and take a risk. Customer loyalty is rare these days.

From experience as I used to do this as a side line for refurbished and purchased computers from Business suppliers and Auctions...

You can get more information from the Government departments that control these licenses in NSW it is The Fair Trading Department. The Police Service may also have additional information regarding the used goods resale requirements. They want items to be registered on their website for clearence checks, for this you need the software and the time to do this. Imagine having to list serial numbers for every part in one desktop computer. Hope you have help and are fast and organised, then you have to resell and try to make some money for your labor.

Answer 2

In general, you do not need a license to buy computer scrap in bulk for personal use. However, if you plan to handle or process the scrap in a way that involves hazardous materials or electronic waste, you may need special permits or licenses depending on your location and local regulations. It's advisable to check with your local government or environmental agencies for specific requirements.