Best Businesses Under $100,000 to Buy in Australia

Spend a few evenings browsing business listings and you’ll start noticing something. You don’t actually need half a million dollars in the bank to buy a business. There’s a real market out there for small, profitable operations that go for well under $100,000, and right now, in the middle of 2026, that end of the market is busier than it’s been in a good while.

We hear this a lot at Dealin. Someone rings up thinking they need $300,000 minimum just to be taken seriously, and we have to talk them down from that. It’s simply not the case. The Australian market is huge, a bit chaotic if we’re honest, and a fair bit of it never even makes it onto the big listing sites. Most of the first-time buyers we deal with land somewhere under that $100k mark for their very first go at this.

Where Things Stand Right Now

Small businesses aren’t a niche part of the economy here, they basically are the economy. Around 97% of all active businesses registered with an ABN in Australia count as small, and together they employ more than five million people. Why does that matter if you’re just trying to buy a cleaning business or a small online store? Because it means listings never really stop coming. People retire. They move overseas, start families, or just get sick of the daily grind and want out. All of that keeps pushing new listings onto the market, week in, week out.

Check the big listing sites on any given day and you’ll come across well over 16,000 businesses up for sale. That’s not even counting the ones sitting quietly with brokers, never posted publicly at all. Now, the average asking price nationally sits above $650,000, but don’t let that number scare you off. It’s pulled way up by a run of bigger, more established businesses that have come to market this year. Down at the smaller end, cleaning franchises, mobile trades, home-based e-commerce shops, and small service businesses are still listing for well under six figures all the time. A lot of them land somewhere between $30,000 and $90,000.

There’s also decent momentum behind buyers at the moment, if that’s any comfort. Small business sales grew over 7% year-on-year in early 2026, and businesses are getting paid faster than they used to, with average payment times now sitting under 24 days. Doesn’t sound like much on paper, but if you’re the one financing a purchase and watching cash flow closely in the first few months, that kind of shift actually makes a real difference.

Why This Price Range Is Actually Worth Taking Seriously

Buying small isn’t settling for less. Done properly, it’s a smart way in, and there are a few reasons for that.

Start with the deposit. Lenders usually want somewhere between 30% and 50% cash upfront on a business loan, which means a $70,000 business might only need $25,000 to $35,000 out of pocket. That’s within reach for a lot of people without needing to bring in a partner or investor.

Then there’s the day-to-day. These smaller businesses tend to run simpler, fewer staff, fewer systems, usually just one owner who’s been juggling most things solo, which makes it a lot easier to step in and actually understand what you’ve bought within the first few weeks.

Payback tends to come quicker too. A business priced sensibly can often earn back what you paid for it within a year, maybe two, of trading profit. Worth keeping in mind too, a lot of these aren’t cheap because they’re bad businesses. They’re cheap because the last owner simply ran out of steam, or never had a clue how to market them in the first place. If you’re willing to put in a bit of effort there, that’s usually where the real upside sits.

Where to Start Looking

E-commerce is one worth keeping an eye on. Roughly a quarter of everything Australians spend on retail now happens online, and that number’s only going up. If you find a Shopify or Amazon store that’s already trading, with real suppliers and some organic traffic coming in, you can often grab it for somewhere between $20,000 and $90,000. Try building that same setup yourself and you’d be looking at a lot more money and a lot more time.

Cleaning businesses hold up surprisingly well through most economic conditions, good times or bad. Demand keeps coming back, plenty of clients are already locked into contracts, and the upfront cost for a buyer stays low since the equipment and client base transfer straight over with the sale.

Home-based businesses are another solid option. Bookkeeping, tutoring, small product lines run out of a spare room, none of these need much overhead, which keeps the price tag low too, without necessarily capping how much you can earn from it.

And then there’s the mobile and trade-adjacent side of things. Mobile mechanics, dog groomers, pool servicing, anything route-based really. These tend to combine low overhead with a loyal, repeat customer base, which honestly makes them a pretty forgiving place for a first-time buyer to start.

Before You Sign Anything

A low price tag doesn’t automatically mean a good deal, so it’s worth slowing down and checking a few things properly before you hand over any money.

Ask for the real numbers, not just a summary the seller has thrown together to look good. Two years of tax returns or BAS statements will tell you far more than a glossy one-pager ever could.

Find out why they’re actually selling. Retirement or a lifestyle change is common enough and usually low-risk. A quick sale right after a rough quarter, though, deserves a harder look and a few more questions.

Work out what actually comes with the business. Will the customers stick around after the handover, or were they only ever loyal to the old owner? Same goes for contracts and suppliers, some of that stuff is tied to the person, not the business, and it just doesn’t survive the switch. Nobody wants to pay for something and end up with an empty shell.

And if there’s a lease involved, get confirmation it can be assigned to you, and on what terms, before you get too attached to the idea of the place.

Bottom Line

You don’t need deep pockets to become a business owner in Australia, not anymore. Sales activity is climbing, payment times are getting better, and there are thousands of small, owner-operated businesses sitting under $100,000 at any given moment. The opportunity’s real, it’s just going to take some patience and a fair bit of homework on your end to actually find it.

At Dealin, we help buyers cut through the inflated listings and find businesses that are priced fairly for what they actually deliver. If a first purchase is on your mind, start by figuring out which category actually suits your skills and your budget. Chances are, the right business under $100,000 is already out there on the market, just waiting for someone to notice it.

Check Out Dealin — Business for Sale: https://dealin.com.au/businesssale/

Where to Buy Second Hand Phones, Laptops and Electronics in Australia — Dealin Guide 2026

Second-hand doesn’t mean second-best. Across Australia, more buyers are choosing used and refurbished electronics over brand-new ones — not because they’re settling, but because they’re being smart. Whether you’re hunting for used phones for sale in Australia, cheap phones, a reliable second-hand computer, or a full range of electronics for sale, the second-hand market has quietly become one of the best ways to get quality tech without the new-release price tag.

At Dealin, we’ve built a marketplace where buying and selling used laptops, phones, and electronics across Australia is simple, safe, and actually enjoyable — no sketchy DMs, no guessing games. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you buy, plus the myths, red flags, and green flags that most guides never mention.

Why Buy Second Hand? The Real Benefits

Money’s the first reason most people think of, and it’s a fair one. Used electronics in Australia typically go for 30–50% less than retail, and that gap isn’t small change — it’s the difference between waiting three months to afford a laptop and just buying one this weekend.

There’s also the e-waste angle, which doesn’t get talked about enough. Every phone or laptop that gets reused instead of thrown out is one less device adding to the pile — and Australia throws out a lot of electronics every year, more than most people realise.

Then there’s the brand access thing. A MacBook or an iPhone at full retail price isn’t exactly impulse-buy territory for most people. Buy it used, though, and suddenly it’s within reach — same device, same performance, just without the “pay full price to be first” tax.

And honestly, the market itself has matured. A few years ago, buying a used phone off the internet felt like a gamble. Now, with platforms doing proper verification, it’s closer to buying new — minus the price and the wait. Second-hand electronics from Sydney to Perth aren’t the fallback option anymore; for a lot of buyers, they’re the smarter first choice.

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Second Hand Marketplace in Australia

Myth vs Reality: Buying Second-Hand Electronics

Myth: “Used electronics always break faster”
Reality: Not really — check the battery health, run the IMEI, look at the serial number, and a used device holds up just fine.

Myth: “You can’t trust sellers online”
Reality: That was true a few years ago. On a platform with verified sellers and buyer protection, it’s a different story now.

Myth: “Second-hand means outdated”
Reality: Plenty of sellers upgrade every year, so what you’re buying “used” might only be a few months old.

Myth: “There’s no way to check quality before buying”
Reality: A five-minute checklist — screen, battery, ports, IMEI — tells you almost everything you need to know.

Myth: “It’s only cheap because something’s wrong with it”
Reality: Usually it’s just depreciation. The device didn’t get worse, it just stopped being brand new.

Red Flags vs Green Flags When Buying Used

Red Flag: Seller avoids video calls or in-person meetups
Green Flag: Willing to video call or meet in a public place

Red Flag: Price is way too good to be true
Green Flag: Price reflects fair market value

Red Flag: No clear photos or proof of ownership
Green Flag: Clear photos, IMEI/serial number shown upfront

Red Flag: Pressure to pay immediately or off-platform
Green Flag: No rush, open to answering questions

Red Flag: Vague answers about condition or history
Green Flag: Transparent about usage, age, and any repairs

Buying Used Phones in Australia

Phones are the most searched second-hand electronics category in Australia — and for good reason. New flagship phones can cost well over $1,500, while a well-maintained used version delivers the same experience for a fraction of the price.

Before you buy a used phone, always check:

• Battery health — anything below 80% may need replacing soon
• IMEI number — confirm it isn’t blacklisted or reported lost/stolen
• Screen and body condition — cracks, scratches, water damage
• Original accessories — charger, box, proof of purchase (if available)

Whether you’re browsing cheap phones in Australia or searching specifically for phones for sale in Sydney, Dealin lets you filter by location, price, and condition — so you find exactly what fits your budget and city.

Buying Used Laptops and Computers

Laptops and computers are the second-most in-demand category for second-hand buyers — especially among students, freelancers, and small businesses looking to cut costs without cutting performance.

What to check before buying a used laptop or computer:

• RAM and storage — enough for what you actually need (browsing vs. editing vs. gaming)
• Battery cycle count — lower is better; high cycle counts mean reduced battery life
• Ports and connectivity — test USB, charging port, and Wi-Fi before purchase
• Performance under load — ask the seller to run a few apps to check for lag or overheating

Whether you need a laptop for study, work, or gaming, second-hand computers in Australia offer serious value — especially when bought through a platform where sellers are verified and listings are transparent.

Buying Other Used Electronics

Beyond phones and laptops, Australia’s second-hand electronics market covers a wide range of devices:

• Tablets — great for reading, browsing, and casual use
• Cameras — DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for content creators
• Smartwatches — fitness tracking at a fraction of retail price
• Accessories — chargers, cases, headphones, and more

A quick gut-check before you buy any used electronic:

• Does it power on and hold a charge?
• Any damage that actually affects how it works, not just cosmetic wear?
• Can the seller show you they actually own it?
• Does the price line up with the age and condition — not too cheap that it seems suspicious, not so high it defeats the point of buying used?

How to Buy Safely on Dealin

Nobody wants to feel like they’re rolling the dice when buying second-hand. Here’s what actually makes it safer on Dealin:

• Verified sellers — reducing the risk of scams
• Clear listings — photos, condition notes, and pricing upfront
• Safe meetup guidance — meet in public, verify before you pay
• Direct messaging — ask questions before committing to a purchase

Why Choose Dealin for Second-Hand Electronics in Australia

Dealin is a purpose-built marketplace designed for individual users — not big retailers, not resellers running bulk operations, just everyday Australians looking to buy and sell honestly. That focus shapes everything about how the platform works.

• Local and national reach — from Sydney to every corner of Australia, so whether you’re browsing nearby or casting a wider net, you’ll find listings that match where you are
• Easy filtering — search by category, price, condition, and location to skip the noise and get straight to what you actually want
• Trusted community — real buyers, real sellers, real deals, with no bots or bulk-listing resellers crowding out genuine individual sellers
• Zero listing fees — post your item without paying a cent upfront
• No success fees — when your item sells, you keep what you earn; Dealin doesn’t take a cut
• List up to 10 items per month — enough room to clear out old devices or run a small side operation, without the platform treating you like a commercial seller

This combination is rare in the second-hand electronics space. Most marketplaces either charge listing fees upfront, take a percentage once your item sells, or bury individual sellers under a flood of professional resellers. Dealin was built specifically to avoid that — keeping the marketplace fair, affordable, and genuinely useful for people who just want to buy or sell their own gear without extra costs eating into the deal.

Whether you’re upgrading your phone and want to sell the old one, clearing out a drawer full of unused electronics, or simply looking for a better price than retail, Dealin gives individual users the tools to do it properly — without middlemen, hidden charges, or unnecessary friction.

Ready to Buy or Sell?

The second-hand electronics scene in Australia isn’t really a niche anymore — it’s just how a lot of people shop now. A used phone that’s been properly checked, a laptop that still has years left in it, these aren’t compromises. They do the same job as something brand new, minus the price tag that comes with the word “new.” The only real skill involved is knowing where to look and what to check before you hand over the money.

That’s exactly what Dealin was built for. No listing fees eating into your sale, no success fees taking a cut when you finally close a deal, and no confusing process standing between you and the buyer or seller on the other end. Just a straightforward, individual-first marketplace where Australians can buy and sell electronics the way it should be — fairly, safely, and without unnecessary cost.

So whether you’re hunting for your next phone, searching for a dependable laptop, or finally clearing out the electronics gathering dust at home, Dealin is where that next deal is waiting.

• Browse phones, laptops and electronics on Dealin today
• Got something to sell? List it on Dealin in minutes — free, with zero success fees

Check Out Dealin Marketplace: https://dealin.com.au/marketplace/

Buy smart. Sell easy. Choose Dealin.

Dealin — Best Classifieds Sites in Australia

Best Tips to Find Hidden Bargains Online Before Anyone Else in Australia

There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from finding something genuinely good before anyone else gets to it. A near-new espresso machine for sixty bucks. A leather couch someone’s offloading because they’re moving interstate. A set of tools still in the box going for a fraction of retail.

It occurs more frequently than one would believe. But it doesn’t happen by accident.

Finding the Best Online Deals in Australia takes a bit of strategy, a bit of patience, and knowing where most people aren’t looking. Here’s what actually works.

Set Up Alerts and Check Them Early

Most serious bargain hunters will tell you the same thing: timing matters more than anything else. A great listing posted at 7am on a Tuesday is often gone by lunch. If you're just shopping in the evenings after work, you are already late. 

The fix to find bargains before others is simple. Set up saved searches or keyword alerts on whatever platforms you use. Most classifieds sites let you do this. When something matching your search gets listed, you get notified. You’re not waiting — you’re being told.

Also get into the habit of checking first thing in the morning. A lot of sellers list things the night before or early in the day. The window between a listing going live and ten people messaging about it can be surprisingly short.

Search Like a Buyer, Not Like a Browser

Most people type in obvious search terms. “Couch.” “iPhone.” “Bicycle.” OK, but you are in competition with everybody else that's doing the same thing.

Imagine the possibilities of trying to describe things without being able to use the correct word. Search for misspellings. Search for brand names combined with suburbs. Search for vague descriptions like “moving sale” or “clearing out” — these often pull up listings where someone is offloading multiple items fast and pricing things to go.

On local classifieds sites especially, sellers aren’t always experienced. They’ll list a vintage item without knowing its value, or price something low just to clear space. Those listings don’t always have polished titles. The people who find them are the ones searching creatively, not just typing the obvious.

Don’t Sleep on the Newer Platforms

Everyone knows Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. And because everyone knows them, competition on those platforms is intense. Popular listings get flooded with messages within hours.

That’s exactly why it’s worth spending time on newer or less crowded local classifieds sites in Australia. Platforms like Dealin have been building up solid listings across categories like marketplace, motors, property, jobs, and services — and because they haven’t hit the same saturation levels as the big names yet, good listings sometimes sit a little longer without being picked over.

Less competition means more breathing room to negotiate, more chance of being the first to respond, and a better shot at actually securing what you’re after. Keeping an eye across multiple platforms — not just the obvious ones — is one of the more underrated local classifieds shopping tips going around.

Learn to Negotiate Without Being Annoying About It

Most prices on classifieds platforms are soft. Sellers list high expecting to come down, or list low just to move something quickly. Either way, there’s usually room to talk.

The key is being genuine and straightforward. Don’t lowball aggressively — it wastes everyone’s time and sellers will just move on. Instead, ask if they’d take a slightly lower offer, explain you’re ready to pick up quickly, and mean it. Sellers respond well to buyers who seem organised and reliable. “I can come today or tomorrow, would you take X?” is a far more effective opener than a single number with no context.

Speed and reliability are often worth as much as the price itself to someone who just wants the thing gone.

Start with Categories, NOT Just Items!

If you are only looking for items that you already have then you are restricting yourself. The most savvy shoppers search categories in a general way and keep their eyes open for items that they can use, give away, or even sell. 

Consider consciously what you are delaying to purchase. Tools. Kitchen appliances. Garden furniture. Sports equipment. If you know you’ll need a lawnmower before summer, start looking in autumn — you’ll find better prices and have more time to be selective rather than desperate.

Checking “moving sale” or “urgent sale” tags regularly is also useful. These are people under time pressure, and time pressure often translates to better prices for buyers.

Be Ready to Move Fast

All of the above is useless if you’re not actually prepared to act. Have your payment method sorted. Know roughly what things are worth before you enquire. Be available to pick up within a reasonable timeframe.

The people consistently finding the best online deals in Australia aren’t necessarily smarter or luckier. They’re just faster, better organised, and looking in more places than everyone else.

That’s really the whole game.