can you sell car fobs

[LaylaLee]

Yes, you can sell car key fobs, but it's a business with significant legal, technical, and security considerations. Selling a fob as a blank, programmable unit is generally straightforward. However, selling pre-programmed fobs linked to specific vehicles is a highly regulated activity due to the potential for theft and fraud. The core of the modern key fob is its immobilizer system, a security feature that prevents the engine from starting without the correct electronically coded signal from the key.

The process involves three main avenues. First, you can sell brand-new, unprogrammed fobs to consumers who need replacements, often through online marketplaces or automotive parts stores. Second, you can operate as a professional locksmith or automotive security specialist, offering programming services. Third, there's a market for used fobs, typically from salvaged vehicles, but these require specialized tools to reprogram for a new car.

The most critical challenge is key fob cloning. This is the practice of copying the digital identity of an existing fob onto a new one. While a legitimate service when you are the vehicle owner, selling cloned fobs without the owner's consent is illegal. Most states have laws against possessing automotive master keys or programming devices with intent to commit a crime. Therefore, transparency and proper documentation are essential. You must be able to verify ownership of the vehicle for which you are providing a programmed fob.

Consideration	Details	Importance
Legal Compliance	Requires knowledge of state and federal laws regarding master keys and automotive security.	High; illegal sales can lead to felony charges.
Required Equipment	J2534 pass-through programmer, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) interface, and specialized software.	High; proprietary tools are often brand-specific.
Profit Margin	New fobs: 30-50%. Programming service: $50 - $150 per hour.	Medium; varies with vehicle brand and fob complexity.
Technical Skill	Understanding of vehicle communication networks and immobilizer codes.	High; incorrect programming can disable a vehicle's security system.
Security Risk	Potential liability if a sold fob is used for theft.	Critical; requires robust customer verification processes.

Ultimately, success hinges on establishing trust and operating with clear, legal boundaries. It's a viable business for those with the right technical expertise and a commitment to ethical practices.

[ChristianAnn]

Yeah, you can sell them, but it's not like selling a spare house key. The main thing is the programming. Selling a blank fob is fine—anyone can do that online. The real business is in the service of programming it to work with a specific car. That’s where you need the right computer hardware and software, and you have to be super careful about who you're doing it for. You don't want to be the guy who programs a fob for a thief. It's a technical service business, not just a product sale.

[EverlyFitz]

From a business perspective, the market for replacement key fobs is robust, driven by high OEM replacement costs. The opportunity lies in offering a competitively priced alternative. However, the barrier to entry is the significant investment in diagnostic equipment and ongoing software subscriptions for each vehicle manufacturer. Your business model must account for this overhead. Furthermore, your reputation will be built on reliability and security protocols to assure customers you are a legitimate source, not a security risk.

[StEvangeline]

If you're thinking of selling your old fob from a car you no longer own, it's possible but has limited value. A used fob must be professionally reprogrammed to work with a different vehicle, and not all cars accept used fobs. The buyer will need their car's specific programming procedure and likely a professional with the right tools. It's often more hassle than it's worth for the average person. You're better off selling it as a "for parts/repair" item or recycling it.