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devin1995's avatar
devin1995
Contributor 2
4 days ago

How do I start a tire shop with limited funds and no supplier contacts?

Hello I’m Devin and I have been working for myself for over three years doing handyman, pressure washing, tree cutting.

Pretty much anything outdoors that need to be done and just burnt out and tired of doing it always wanted to start a new and used tire shop doing oil changes as well.

Little minor things like brakes and windshield wipers and bolt lightbulbs for headlights I finally bought two brand new machines tire changer and balancer got most of the tools that I need lacking just a few things but having a hard time with funds, of course, and trying to find some way of being visible in the community

I’ve tried Facebook and other social media apps haven’t had much luck hardest thing for me is to fork out so much money for used tires at one time and not having the help of knowing who to contact for getting new tires so any insight would be wonderful

thank you in advance 

entrepreneurship
equipment & tools
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2 Replies

  • travisshepherd's avatar
    travisshepherd
    Contributor 4
    4 days ago

    Yo, I got you man. Starting a tire shop with limited cash is rough but doable. Don't go buying a ton of used tires right away — start small. Hit up local wrecking yards, body shops, and fleet places and see if you can pull tires from them cheap or even free.

    For new tires, get your business license and tax ID then reach out to distributors like American Tire Distributors or TBC. A lot of them will set you up with an account so you can order tires as you sell them instead of stocking everything.

    For getting customers in the door, put up some big visible signs or banners. Offer cheap oil changes or free air checks to pull people in. Good work at fair prices is what'll really grow your business through word of mouth.

    You already got the two big machines, that's the hardest part. Just keep it small at first and build it up slow.

  • Tamiami21's avatar
    Tamiami21
    Contributor 2
    18 hours ago

    Devin1995 ...

    Hope you're doing fine, well and blessed !!!   Seems like you are a "Do it all" no offence and I was there done that !!!    Referring to the Tire Business; Have you ever consider doing "The Tire Business" but MOBILE meaning you get or probably have a van or truck and covert it over to SERVICE customers in the field. What you mostly look into is a Tire Changer and a Wheel Balancer along with a Horizontal Compressor and all the needed tools. like jacks, impact sockets and guns plus many other daily use tools. 

    I'm a retired Mobile Tool Dealer in business for 30 plus years and enjoyed being free, earn knowledge, customers and worked for many Big outfits and entities such as Cornwell / Matco Tools (Franchisee) and Snap-On also NAPA Tools and Equipment DSM and finally USA Tools in Tampa as a dealer and Route Developer in Orlando, Florida until retirement day.  I do Woodworking now.

    Having a Tire Shop involves lots of money like Rent, Electric Bill, Insurance and most of all Tire Equipment plus at least one employee. That's why I recommend being MOBILE to start.  If you need guidance just e-mail me and we can chat some ... Regards !!   JR Lopez