Business idea · E-commerce
Surplus Technology Reselling
Surplus Technology Reselling is a business that acquires surplus technology from local government agencies and schools, such as computers and monitors, and resells them at a profit through online marketplaces. It was pitched on Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner, in the episode "He Copied My Episode With $70. Now He Does $15K/Month - Ep. #351" (aired November 10, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Chris Koerner |
| Episode | He Copied My Episode With $70. Now He Does $15K/Month - Ep. #351 |
| Aired | November 10, 2026 |
| Category | E-commerce |
| Real companies on the episode | eBay, TikTok Live, Facebook Marketplace, Cocoa Deals, Mindy's Book Reselling, Public Surplus |
The problem it solves
Many organizations have excess technology that they need to dispose of, while consumers often seek affordable refurbished tech products. This business bridges that gap.
How it makes money
One-time purchase model where customers buy refurbished technology, potentially with a warranty or return policy for added trust.
Skills you need
Technical knowledge of computers, e-commerce skills, and negotiation skills for acquiring surplus equipment.
The market, and why this works now
eBay's recent push for sustainable products has created a favorable environment for surplus technology reselling. A viable first-revenue move is listing refurbished devices on eBay's electronics section, targeting budget-conscious consumers. In the first year, the founder will face challenges in sourcing consistent inventory from local agencies, as fluctuating supply levels can complicate the ability to maintain stock.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- eBay
An online auction and shopping website where people buy and sell new and used items.
- TikTok Live
A live streaming feature within the TikTok platform that allows users to sell products directly to viewers in real-time.
- Facebook Marketplace
An online platform for individuals to buy and sell goods locally.
- Cocoa Deals
A reselling business that utilizes TikTok for selling various items, including food and other products.
- Mindy's Book Reselling
A business model where individuals buy pallets of books at low prices and resell them for a profit.
- Public Surplus
An online auction platform where government agencies sell surplus items, including technology and equipment.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner
Episode: He Copied My Episode With $70. Now He Does $15K/Month - Ep. #351
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.