Side Hustle School Ep. 3163 - Q&A: “Can MacBook arbitrage work as a side hustle?”
Aug 29, 2025
Can you profit from buying and selling Apple computers across borders? This discussion dives into the world of international tech arbitrage, unpacking both its allure and its practical hurdles. While opportunities exist, the challenges often prompt a rethink towards local strategies for reselling electronics. With real-life insights and expert advice, listeners learn about the complexities of turning a tech hobby into a lucrative side hustle.
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Price Gaps Create Theoretical Opportunities
- International price differences for electronics exist due to taxes, duties, and currency fluctuations.
- Those gaps create theoretical arbitrage opportunities but don't guarantee profit.
iPhone Buyers Travel To Exploit Tax Differences
- When a new iPhone launches, buyers sometimes travel from places like China to Oregon to exploit lower taxes.
- This example shows real-world short-term arbitrage happening around popular devices.
Account For Legal And Platform Barriers
- Avoid ignoring customs, import limits, and marketplace rules when reselling electronics internationally.
- Factor in duties, shipping, platform restrictions, and transaction fees before assuming profit.