Starting a Tire Shop

What are the most important factors you need to consider when starting a tire store? Learn from our basic guide how to best locate a tire store, the ways to get supplies, what areas will the store have, what added value you can put into the business, and more.

In order to start a tire store, here are some of the most important things you need:

tire shop business

Know-how about tires and vehicle servicing

Wheels and tires are more complicated than they look. They come in different sizes, shapes, utility and prices. There are tires for commercial or industrial trucks, and for sports vehicles. You should be knowledgeable and conversant about them to be able to interact fully with your customers, and be able to give them good advice on their tire needs – services that are of value in this kind of business.

Often, to get the most of a location, tire store owners not only sell tires but also offer services such as oil change, alignment and tune-up. And so, aside from being a tire expert, you should also be a vehicle servicing expert. A background in tire sales or vehicle servicing is advantageous if you want to open a tire store.

Strategic Location

The ideal location for a tire shop is near a busy road or a high traffic area with good visibility, an interstate highway, near some truck stop or gas stations.

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Tire Supplier

You can buy tires direct from manufacturers, from tire distributors or be an authorized distributor of popular tire brands such as Goodyear, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone or Michelin.

Substantial Space

As mentioned, tire stores are usually not just a mere tire store. It would have bays for servicing, an office, client lounge, and showroom. It would also need space for storing inventories and substantial parking space for customers and for suppliers.

Substantial Capital

You’d need this particularly to buy inventories, diagnostic and service equipment and buy or rent a property for the location of the store, servicing bays, and parking. This business requires considerable space to operate, which translates to considerable capital requirement.

Business Strategy

If you are directly competing with another tire retailer, you’d need some strategy to get ahead of the competition or at the least, to survive. If you are competing with a larger store, it would be difficult for you to compete directly on price. To meet this challenge, find a way to enhance and expand customer service, for example by offering home delivery or discounts on customer referral.

System to track and manage payables, inventories, and sales

You also need to keep yourself updated about the happenings in the industry, which is very dynamic and changeable. Most importantly, you need to know information such as tire recalls, and changes in governance policies that affect the tire business.
 

Tire Shop Startup is Explained here, Watch this Video to Learn What Matters while Starting a Tire Shop

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281 Comments

  • Rose said on May 21, 2009
    How, What, When, Where exactly do i get all these permits at to start with and can i get the names of all these exact permits i need to get that are mentioned above. THANK YOU for all your time and effort. I'm in Riverside County USA
  • armando said on August 15, 2009
    Do I need a special license or permit to open a tire shop and where do i go?
  • Brinon Kevin Cornish said on August 18, 2009
    I WOULD LIKE TO GET INFO FOR A POTENTIAL NEW DEALER
  • RICHARD said on October 22, 2009
    looking to open a tire shop want to sell used and new. can you give information on where to buy. thank you
  • lonnie said on November 3, 2009
    i'm new in the tire business. whats your opinion on me starting my tire business being mobile until i learn everything i need to know?
  • Hardeep Bola said on November 27, 2009
    I am thinking of opening my own tire and auto repair shop. Need advice. Location - toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • viju said on December 18, 2009
    I want to start a new tire business. Please guide me. india, Kerala, Trivandrum
  • steve said on January 22, 2010
    i live in rochester, nh and want to start up a used and new tire business out of my yard, what is the first step and what are all the necessary steps?
  • chris vega said on January 26, 2010
    Hi i want to open a tire shop. Me and my dad. And i have work at sams club. At the tire shop.. So i have experience on the tire shop.. What u think i should do next to open my tire shop..
  • Alfredo Amezquita said on February 17, 2010
    I would like if there's any school so I can understand more better all this staff, I live in San Jose CA.
  • chanchal said on March 19, 2010
    McDonough Georgia, What kind of leases are needed for tire shops. Any environmental requirements.
  • Rey said on March 20, 2010
    Hi i want to start my own tire and rim business but really dont know what i need to start like permits and how i go about getting a good tire supplier and rim supplier.. all the information you can give me would help thanks. Austin, Tx 78753
  • Jorge said on May 4, 2010
    I would like to open a tire shop in santa ana, CA. 92703. But I have no idea in how to start, can you please help?
  • Imtiaz Ramathoolal said on May 10, 2010
    I would like to start a tire business i own a car wash and valet and have a open work shop and can buy the equipment need good tire supplier. South Africa, Cape Town. Thank you
  • Vic said on May 16, 2010
    new tire distributor in California, any shop owners looking for better tire prices e-mail itires@hotmail.com, i sell only brand new tires, no used
  • Mohammed Iqbal Hossain said on May 23, 2010
    Today it's my passion doing Tire business. I'm 33 years old youngest Tire Industry President in our little country of Bangladesh. I feel proud when called me by Tire President or Goodyear Tire distributor. I think without eating Tire, sleeping with Tire, playing with Tire, bath with Tire, swim with Tire no one can't become a successful Tire business man. Because, it's round, it's endless & finally it's all about our STRENGTH......... National Trading Company (NTC) (Distributor of Goodyear Tires) 1154, H.M.Rahman Plaza, 2nd Floor, D.T. Road, Dhanialapara, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh. www.goodyearbd.com
  • marie kanagusiko said on June 24, 2010
    hello my name is marie and i would like to open a tire shop, i will like to know the expenses, the permits, where will be a good location, everything i need to know about opening a tire shop. Houston TX, USA
  • Ryan said on June 28, 2010
    i am starting a tire shop in bmt texas and need to know what permits or certifications i will need to get started
  • Rashied said on July 3, 2010
    Hi i would like to know if i need a permit & what are the channels i must go through to open a tire shop & need a good tyre supplier. South Africa, Cape Town. THANX
  • jimmy smallwood said on July 8, 2010
    I live in Lula ga. hwy 51 need info starting tire shop & service /eat bar b cue and drink some georgia sweet tea while you wait
  • johnny Phan said on August 19, 2010
    hi i'm about to open a use/new tire shop, please let know me know where is good and cheap tire supplies. San Jose Ca.
  • Kathy said on August 20, 2010
    Could you please tell me what kind of license I need to start a used tire shop in Rockport TX and where to get them. Thank you
  • Melissa said on August 30, 2010
    I want to open a tire shop in Ventura, CA. Where do I get the permits?
  • Sonny said on September 9, 2010
    I am putting together a plan to open a tire retailer. We will sell new tires only.
    1. What’s an average profit margin for a tire retailer?
    2. Where will I order tires from?
    3. What are typical contracts to buy tires from Manufactures and Distributors? What kind of contract is for me to get the most favorable price?
    Houston, Texas.
  • hamid diab said on September 11, 2010
    i would like to open a used tires shop and i need to know if i need a certification, if so, how and where? the location is orlando, florida, usa. thank you.
  • grace said on September 11, 2010
    where can i buy cheep used tires
  • Juliana said on September 22, 2010
    I want to open a tire supply store in Miami, FL, what kind of permits/certifications do i need? Any other information regarding opening a tire shop will be very helpful, thank
  • Lee said on September 24, 2010
    Hi, I want to open a tire shop. But I don't know how to start it, don't know much about tire and don't have experience on tire yet. Is there any school or class in or near Stockton, CA that I can take? Do I need a permit, certificate, license, or others in order to open your own tire shop? Any information I appreciate. Stockton, CA...Thanks
  • Ralph said on September 30, 2010
    Hi, My name is Ralph and I distribute 22.5x8.25 and 24.5x8.25" Forged Aluminum Wheels for heavy duty trucks, We have great pricing and low min. If you have questions on tire suppliers around California or need wheels drop me a line at ralph@septemberforgedwheels.com
  • EYAL salomom said on October 4, 2010
    I am opening a commercial tire shop in Toronto canada what type of permits do I need and do I need to have a license to install tires thank you.
  • hugo a. macias said on October 4, 2010
    i would like to open a tire shop. Do I need a special license or permit to open a tire shop ,if so, how and where? the location is bakersfield CA 93307. is there any school so I can understand more services, such as oil change, alignment and tune-up. and how to operate tire machines. Any information I appreciate. THANK YOU for all your time and effort.
  • LUPE PAEZ said on October 13, 2010
    yes hello...we are interested in starting our own tires shop...selling new & used tires & repairs. does this require schooling or permits of any sort..and do we have to be certified to run the machines. any information would be greatly appreciated . i live in cleburne texas..johnson county.
  • Norm said on October 18, 2010
    We are interested in starting our own new & used tire shop. We would sell, mount & repair the tires. Does this require schooling or permits of any sort? Do we have to be certified to run the machines or shop? Any information would be greatly appreciated. We are located in Jefferson county, Alabama
  • Jeremiah said on October 18, 2010
    I would like to start my own tire shop revolving around OTR commercial road service. I have been in the business now for about ten years and have accumulated many certifications in not only the commercial field but also the industrial. i know what i would need to do the work i just dont know where to start any tips to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I am located in St. Louis,Mo
  • christopher said on October 24, 2010
    Avondale,AZ- What's up? What's the total cost to start running a tire shop buisness(inventory,machines, building). Also what experience and permits will I need?
  • roys tires said on October 27, 2010
    hi sonny here looking to sell use tires in the Florida area if you need use tires @mail me at roystires@verizon.net
  • Srinivas said on November 16, 2010
    Hi, This is Srinivas. I would like to start newly Tyre business in my Home town. Please let us know the Tyre Business details like how to get dealership. Awaiting your valuable reply. Regards, Srinivas 9952945642
  • Willy Rojas said on December 7, 2010
    Hi, This is Willy. I would like to start newly Tire business in my Home town. Dominican Republic, Can you please let us know the Business details like how to get dealership. I can be contacted at 617-672-8600. Thanks, ~Willy
  • Jose Mori said on December 11, 2010
    I want to start a used tire business, were I can buy the used tires at? and what tires are the most popular? Georgetown SC Thank You Jose
  • Mirza Baig said on December 12, 2010
    Hartford, CT. what is required and needed from money to permits in the used tire business . Please help me and forward me the information. Regards
  • yogesh said on December 15, 2010
    i want to start new tier business in india please guide me on the same .is it compulsory to take license from government of india?
  • nashat al saheb said on December 19, 2010
    I Live in Amman Jordan I work in tires business and I am planning to open tire shop in canada
  • driss chouait said on December 21, 2010
    Hi, I'm planing to open a tire shop for flat tires selling used and a new tires, please send me some informations. thanks
  • imad said on December 26, 2010
    Hi, i live now in columbus ohio, and i'm planing to move to houston tx to open a tire shop -used and new-tires there, please send me some infromations and requirements i need to start with this business. thanks a lot
  • Junior said on January 1, 2011
    I would like to open a tire shop in Hartford ct I need some info were to get good tire price thank u
  • Phakamisa said on January 14, 2011
    Looking for a tyre selling license south africa,johannesburg
  • april dodd said on January 19, 2011
    houston,texas I WOULD LIKE TO START A TIRE BUSS, PLZ TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO START
  • Scott said on January 19, 2011
    Hi I would like to know if someone has information on where do they give classes to become a truck tire repair men I will really like to learn more about this type of business if any one has information on where do they have these type of classes I will really appreciated. Thanks Scott
  • linjesh said on January 21, 2011
    need a bulk quantity of china tyres
  • Roberto said on January 25, 2011
    What I need to start a tire store in Orlando FL?
  • jesse lopez said on February 2, 2011
    harlingen,tx .. i am a student and i am doing a research project on starting my on new and used tire shop what permits will i need,where do i get them and what cost?
  • justin said on February 3, 2011
    hello i wish to open a tyre service in my country trinidad and i need a list of everything, equipment wise, down to the smallest detail that i will need. such as tyre machine, compressor, patches, jacks everything. the works.
  • Ladi Soyomokun said on February 10, 2011
    I'm in Atlanta, GA. I want to start a used tire business. Can you please tell me about how much money I need to start. Also if you can suggest a company which I can buy all the equipments that I will need. Thank you.
  • Houston Wilks said on February 18, 2011
    I live in St. Louis , MO looking to start "My Own Used Tire Shop . Thus , I found a good location for the business , but need to know what kind of permits I will need ; the name , prices and totals of all equipment , and where to find a wholesaler of used tires for all types of vehicles
  • Benjamin Sapp said on February 28, 2011
    I live in Rome, Ga and am looking to open my own tire shop. I am currently looking for a good business location, but need to know what kind of permits, prices, all equipment required, and where to find a wholesaler of new and used tires. If could could please send me information I would greatly appreciate it.
  • dilovan said on March 6, 2011
    i would like to start a tire shop in nashville tn, can you help me find a wholesaler and how much money i need to get it started
  • Tony Addy said on March 14, 2011
    I am a commercial wheel distributor selling Alcoa and Accuride aluminum wheels and Accuride and Hayes Lemmerz steel wheels looking for potential customers. I ONLY sell medium and heavy truck wheels. If you need a supplier email me. tony.qbrandwheels@gmail.com. I will be sure to get you more information
  • manjeet singh said on March 18, 2011
    hi u people i just wanted to know that i am not a citizen of canada and i would like to established a new tire and alignment workshop and like to deal with tire brand like goodyear, michlen , bridgestone.
  • Gopalakrishnan said on March 19, 2011
    I am keen to start an tire dealership as well as tire alignment and repair shop in a small city in palakkad district of kerala. May I know the full details of machinery to be installed, availability, finance, cost of the machinery, payment system and all other connected details regarding the same at an earliest? Thanking you, with regards, Gopalakrishnan
  • Juhad said on March 20, 2011
    I live in Houston Tx. and I want to start my own used tire shop. I need to know what kind of permits I will need; the name , prices and totals of all equipment i will need, and where to find a wholesaler of used tires for all types of vehicles.
  • Tamra Sparks said on March 24, 2011
    My son who is 18yrs old wants to open tire repair shop does he need to go to school for that? Joplin,Mo USA
  • Ana said on April 14, 2011
    my husband wants to open a tire shop does he need any permit austin tx
  • Evgeniy said on April 20, 2011
    Vallejo, CA, USA. what kind of permits do i need to open tire shop and how much money (approximately) do i need? thank you.
  • reginald said on May 10, 2011
    I want some advice on the things that are required to open a used tires shop. do i need a certificate to change the tires and to work with the machines?
  • Dana said on June 4, 2011
    Hi, I am wanting to start a used tire shop in the DFW area, but am having a problem finding a used tire distributor. Any help would be appreciated.
  • Cassandra Fitch said on June 13, 2011
    I would like to start a tire and rim Business in Washington, D.C. Need all the info. to get started .can you please help.
  • Tina said on June 24, 2011
    schoolcraft, Michigan. I am researching license, location and stock requirements for a tire repair shop. It will be located along a major highway(131). Any information or websites that you feel may be helpful would be appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Tina Ray
  • jazmine said on July 13, 2011
    live in Santa Clara county (California). Looking to open a business selling new and used tires adn rims. What kind of permits do I need? What type of a business license do I need?
  • vernell Johnson said on July 25, 2011
    i am an inventor of the night glo safety tires u.s. patent no more bald tires no more penny/quarter testing .need your help .
  • Richard Marler said on August 18, 2011
    I want to start a tire business and need a business plan. I have already came up with a location, tools, vendors. just need a written plan.
  • Sergio said on September 15, 2011
    How much is it to get a license or permit , for used tires
  • Dilip said on October 9, 2011
    Hai I am thinking of opening my own wheel alignment shop and tires shop. What type of permit and license should i get. Need advice please. Cuddalore, tamilnadu.
  • Dilip said on October 9, 2011
    I am keen to start an tire dealership as well as tire alignment and repair shop in a small city in Cuddalore district of tamilnadu. May I know the full details of the machinery be installed, availability, finance, cost of the machinery, payment system to the customers and all other connected details regarding the same at an earliest? Thanking you, with regards, Dilip
  • moises said on November 1, 2011
    HOUSTON TX ,WHERE CAN I FIND THE LOWEST PRICE OF TIRES 11R22.5 AMERICAN & CHINA ANY IDEA WHAT PRICE IF THERE IS BELOW $200/PIECE, THANK YOU
  • victor said on November 21, 2011
    i am wanting to open up a tire shop and what license permits do i need and how to get them oakdale louisiana
  • Sphiwe Ngwenya said on November 28, 2011
    I'm keen to open a tyre, wheel alignment shop and a service centre, in a new developing township. May I please be assisted with the full details of the machinery to be installed, availability of finance, cost of the machinery, payment system to the customers and all other connected details. I don't want to go for a franchise but starting something that I will start and develop it into a major successful company. Midrand(South Africa)
  • Brandon said on December 3, 2011
    HEllo was just wondering the same like everyone else where can a get a license to begin with trying to buy tires at a better price or even work at a tire place thanks
  • Ali said on December 13, 2011
    Hi I would like to open a Alignment and brake shop, please let me know what kind of permit I need? Thank you
  • suleman said on December 18, 2011
    HI I WANT TO OPEN A TYRE SHOP(TRUCK TYRE)IN DUBAI.. I NEED TO KNOW THAT SHOULD I NEED ANY KIND OF PERMIT OR LICENSE FOR IT ? THANK YOU
  • steve said on December 22, 2011
    i've been in the tire business since i was 13. here is a good piece of advice. don't start one save yourself the trouble and ulcers and heart ache. it's a horrible business choice and the government has got it all fucked up. take it from someone who's been living a 30 year nightmare.
  • Arun c v said on January 4, 2012
    I would like to open a tire shop in Kottarakara, Kollam(Dist), Kerala. I need some information were to get good tire price and what r the procedures for stating a new tire firm? i am a fresh person in this field and what is the difference B/W wholesale And Retail business?how much amount deposit for each business? so Plz give each and every details of tire business. I will be sure to get you more information. tanking you with best regards, ARUN C V
  • nzuma said on January 6, 2012
    Please email me a tire business plan. I'm new and plan to open one in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
  • thabile Maphosa said on January 17, 2012
    I want to start this business but have no training.I am living in Boksburg , South Africa . Where can I receive training on tyre repair , fitting , balancing , alignment and everything about this . Getting capital to start and where to start it would not be a problem to me.
  • bryant burdine said on February 12, 2012
    I am opening a tire shop and already have the shop and everything i need but not sure what kind of legal stuff i need to do so that i'm legal and aint going to get in trouble. could you please help me? i'm in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Kevin said on February 20, 2012
    I live in Roff Oklahoma , Pontotoc county. What permit or license do I need to open a tire shop.
  • Kevin said on February 23, 2012
    I'm looking to start a tire shop and would like to know about what Permit or license I need to get started. Pontotoc county Oklahoma.
  • tim said on February 27, 2012
    i would like to think you for the info you have given, but i am starting a used tire shop and wanted to know are these some of the same guidelines that i would have to follow or will i need different ones. And if so what would they be.
  • mike said on March 8, 2012
    hi am opening new tire business and i want to know what machines do i need to have for the store. bata, guinea equatorial
  • Pete said on March 13, 2012
    Hi I live in Pomona CA im doing an online tire business i currently sell used tires but i want to get into selling new tires and i want to become a dealer. I have a permit but for used tires only. I was told i need a different one for new tires. Please if you can explain this more clearly it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
  • Warren said on March 14, 2012
    I live in bakersfield,ca. 93308. I talked to a person who will help me in loans or grants. I need to know what all I will need to give this person to make a good business plane. Prices for equipment, service truck, tools, insurance and anything else I will need to get my truck tire road service out of my own home, up and running. Thank you.
  • Ezra said on March 16, 2012
    I'm planning to start a tire exporting business. I'm in Johannesburg South Africa and I will be exporting refurbished, used and new tire to Zimbabwe Bulawayo. Plz assist with tips and where I can get tire at a lesser cost.
  • sunny beginner adviser said on April 4, 2012
    I have all the experience you need when its comes to tire business. having spent over 15 years in the business.

    Tire Shop Consultant

  • Juan said on April 6, 2012
    I live in San Antonio Tx i am looking into opening a used tire repair shop is there a place to buy used tires and how much overhead do i need to start a business like this
  • michel said on April 9, 2012
    i have mechanical background i just want to know where can i enroll for tyre fitter course in WA
  • omar said on April 11, 2012
    i am in new york,ny i have 25year in the business. and now i want to know how can i get the money i need to get start on my tire shop who i need to talk to and how can i get the paper work email me back asp
  • jose martinez said on April 11, 2012
    My business is in new braunfels, texas. U.s I wanna put a tire shop for new and used tires. And I was wondering where I could get used tires and new tires and where I could go to dispose of tires. Also what type of permits do I need, and how long does it take to get those permits? Thanks. For take you. Time. .
  • Kathy Rose said on April 23, 2012
    I have started up a used tire shop. We don't mount tires because I'm not sure what kind of certification or insurance you need. can you help me?
  • Bella said on April 23, 2012
    I am in South Africa, Gauteng. I want to open up a tyre and fitment place of my own, but trade under a franchise name. what should i do, i never owned a business before.
  • Fanie said on May 7, 2012
    I am staying in South Africa and i want to start a tire changer/selling/ alining tires. what procedure do i need to follow for compliance purposes with South African legislation. Kind Regards Fanie Ranku
  • abdul said on May 10, 2012
    I have long retail business experience but now I am interested to open new and used tire store for the cars and suvs where can I get initial training and how much the lowest potential store can make? Your advice will be appreciated

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