Quantcast
Jump to content


Used Tires

Mario

By Mario
in Tires and Tire Services

 Share

Recommended Posts

Mario Collaborator

Mario

Posted
Posted

I recently picked up a tire machine and I am getting a balancer as well. In my area, we have a market of customers looking for used tires, I get asked weekly. I currently don't do ANY tires, but I am strongly considering stocking common sized used tires for older vehicles as these seem to be the customers generally asking for them. I believe it would also be a great opportunity to do brake & front end inspections while the tires are off the vehicle and upsell needed repairs.

 

Do any owners sell used tires and what are your sources for obtaining them (recyclers, resellers).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Mario Collaborator

Mario

Posted
  • Author
Posted

My shop is in a working class neighborhood where used tires are in demand for a lot of individuals and families. Even the higher income individuals are still seeking deals for tires on seasonal wheels. Used tire shops are not a rarity around here, but most are run out of small buildings with tire removal done in the parking lot.

 

I bought the tire machine to do new tires on, but I was scoping out other shops a few days ago, and the new tire/light service shops are empty (Monroe, Midas, other independent light service shops), and the few shops doing used tires are packed. I know the used tire shops do not pay more than $5 a tire from the supplier, and sell them installed for $35-$45 for most cars, with larger truck tires obviously being more.

 

I know new tires are a better value, but the market in the area demands what the market in the area demands. I've been swamped all week so I have not had time to even think of searching for suppliers until I put up this post, but I am going to do some research on it hopefully in the middle of next week.

 

The kicker is, when I did speak to one NEW tire supplier, there is more room left for profit in a used tire install then on most new tire installs (based on local rates).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 8 months later...
milesauto Newbie

milesauto

Posted
Posted

I’ve run a general repair shop for 35 years and became a small associate tire dealer about 5 years ago. We do not sell used tires for same reasons most of you have already listed. #1 used tires are a liability that sooner or later will bite you in the butt…….and believe me now days law suits abound. #2 like someone said a used tire customer is not going to allow you to do any other services nor will they likely be a repeat customer. #3 why compete with my own new tire sales? I do not begrudge anyone that wants to sell used tires and I understand there are lots of folks that need to save money the best they can....but I just don't think it fits my business model.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
HarrytheCarGeek Experienced

HarrytheCarGeek

Posted
Posted

I did not like doing tires because the capital I had to tie up was pretty high for a negligible return. I even used to tell my customers to buy the tires from tire rack and had them deliver to the shop.

 

I spoke to a good friend of mine and he suggested to work out a deal with a local tire warehouse. My guy carries the inventory and I mark up the tires 33%. It is working out pretty good so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 weeks later...
MarGar Rookie

MarGar

Posted
Posted

It's fine to sell used tires, but we live in a world where liability is the magic word! Insurance companies hate the used tire industry, I've learned. We repair professional love the word practicality, tho, but we can't let the desire to be practical carry us into a problem situation.

 

We have to come to grips with the way the general public thinks about things like this. Just because you helped them out in a pinch doesn't say they can't sue you for something that is perceived to be your fault!

 

In my shop, we sell a few new tires. Also tire repairs and mounting and balancing the customer's used tires that they roll in. It's a service that we use to connect with existing and future customers.

 

My theory is that if I can keep busy and make a living doing mechanical repairs and servicing without the exposure of a used tire depot, why bother with it?

 

Regards,

Jonny

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Carl Atkinson Rookie

Carl Atkinson

Posted
Posted

I read the entire topic tonight and found a lot of opinion but little in the way of experience. I am sure a case can be made for liability in selling used tires but history proves that more lives have been taken and money judgements rendered where new tires that failed are the root of the case. I really don't understand the politics in the cases for a ban on used tires in Maryland, Florida, New York and Texas. I do know the legislation in Texas is more about the transportation of WASTE tires similar to those rules in most states and in Maryland the case was being made for the date of manufacture of a tire. Unfortunately, legislators have less experience with tires than auto shop owners who might be thinking about selling tires. When I started selling used tires they were made with Rayon cord and had a very short tread life. Nylon made a much stronger tire and doubled the mileage. The sidewall of a nylon bias ply tire could be very cracked from ozone exposure and continue to run for years but averaged about 30,000 miles total. As radials became more popular due to a smoother ride and longer mileage we learned that the sidewalls did not last after some aging began to crack the rubber. The six or seven years considered in those bills is not unreasonable for most radial tires but should not apply to all tires used on or off the highway. Some of the legislation being considered is directed at the repair of tires which I think expose a dealer to much greater liability. I sell repair material to my used tire dealer/customers and insist they take hands on training to properly repair a tire. I do not sell plugs despite my supplier insisting they can be a great time saver.

Someone mentioned a disclaimer in selling used tires and I want you to know my business has been built on a "no questions asked 30 day guarantee". I will not sell any product I can not stand behind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • carmcapriotto
      Are You to Focused at What's Ahead That You Forget Your Past? [E182] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delves deep into the intricate balance between focusing on future goals and reflecting on past experiences. He emphasizes the critical importance of learning from both successes and failures to inform future decisions, ensuring that each step forward is grounded in wisdom gained from previous endeavors. Coach Chris offers a wealth of practical strategies to achieve this balance, such as scheduling dedicated reflection time, maintaining a detailed journal to track progress and insights, and celebrating milestones to acknowledge and appreciate growth.
      He warns against the dangers of becoming too fixated on future ambitions, which can lead to the neglect of valuable lessons from the past, potentially repeating mistakes or missing out on crucial learning opportunities. The episode also includes a special shout-out to the sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros, which specializes in providing innovative marketing strategies tailored specifically for auto repair shops, helping them to thrive in a competitive market.
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:08)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and highlights its focus on business insights and industry updates.  
      Shout-out to Sponsor (00:01:08)
       
      Recognition of Shop Marketing Pros for their tailored marketing strategies for auto repair shops.  
      Focus on the Future vs. Reflection on the Past (00:01:08)
       
      Discussion on the importance of balancing future goals with reflection on past experiences.  
      The Importance of the Past (00:02:09)
       
      Exploration of how past experiences shape current knowledge and decision-making.  
      Reasons to Reflect on the Past (00:03:12)
       
      Outlining key reasons for reflection: context, lessons from failure, celebrating progress, and maintaining perspective.  
      The Journey vs. Destination (00:04:16)
       
      Emphasis on appreciating the journey rather than solely focusing on future achievements.  
      Balancing Forward Momentum with Reflection (00:05:25)
       
      Practical strategies for integrating reflection into business practices.  
      Risks of Forgetting the Past (00:06:37)
       
      Consequences of focusing only on the future, including loss of core values and lessons.  
      Finding Balance (00:07:56)
       
      Encouragement to honor past experiences while pursuing future ambitions for a grounded approach.  
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Do You Rise to the Occasion or Wither Under the Weight of Adversity? [E181] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton discusses overcoming adversity, especially in the auto repair business. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, contrasting a fixed mindset with a growth mindset. Coach Chris offers practical tips for building resilience, such as shifting perspectives, controlling responses, leveraging support systems, cultivating adaptability, and practicing self-reflection. He shares personal experiences to illustrate how adversity can be a transformative experience. Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode highlights the role of effective marketing in business success. Overall, it serves as a motivational guide for navigating and thriving through life's challenges.
      Introduction to Adversity (00:00:04)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the theme of overcoming adversity in personal and professional life.  
      Understanding Adversity (00:01:03)
       
      Discussion on the inevitability of adversity and its various forms in life and business.  
      Mindset Matters (00:02:12)
       
      Exploration of fixed vs. growth mindsets and their impact on handling challenges.  
      Building Resilience (00:03:30)
       
      Key strategies for cultivating resilience during tough times and learning from adversity.  
      Shifting Perspectives (00:04:39)
       
      Importance of viewing adversity as part of personal growth and embracing discomfort.  
      Control Your Response (00:05:51)
       
      Emphasizing the need to focus on controllable aspects during adversities.  
      Leverage Support Systems (00:06:08)
       
      Encouragement to seek help from mentors and loved ones when facing challenges.  
      Cultivating Adaptability (00:06:30)
       
      The necessity of being flexible in thinking and actions to thrive through adversity.  
      Self-Reflection (00:07:08)
       
      Encouraging regular self-reflection on lessons learned from past adversities.  
      Personal Experience (00:07:30)
       
      Coach Chris shares his journey of transitioning from shop owner to coach amidst challenges.  
      Pressure and Growth (00:08:08)
       
      Discussion on how adversity shapes character and fosters personal and professional growth.  
      Key Takeaways (00:08:30)
       
      Practical advice on acknowledging, acting, embracing uncertainty, and reflecting on adversity.  
      Final Thoughts (00:09:10)
       
      Encouragement to choose resilience and transformation in the face of life's challenges.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • champtires
      Take-Off Tires Available
      By champtires

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Why Did the Auto Shop Owner Cross the Road? To Get to Profit First! [E180] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into a range of strategies designed to help auto repair shop owners elevate their business operations through the implementation of the "Profit First" methodology. This approach is centered around the critical aspects of cash flow management, profitability enhancement, and the adoption of effective financial practices. Chris underscores the significance of establishing separate accounts specifically for profit, taxes, and operating expenses to ensure a clear and organized financial structure. He also highlights the necessity of having supportive financial partners, such as banks and accountants, who can provide valuable guidance and support.
      Furthermore, Chris encourages shop owners to take proactive steps towards improving their financial health by engaging with educational resources, such as watching a webinar or seeking additional guidance tailored to their specific needs. This episode is proudly sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company dedicated to providing specialized marketing strategies aimed at boosting the visibility and success of auto repair shops. Through their sponsorship, Shop Marketing Pros underscores their commitment to supporting the growth and development of businesses within the auto repair industry.
       
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:04)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business strategies.  
      Importance of Profit First (00:01:01)
       
      Chris discusses the significance of adopting the Profit First mentality for auto repair businesses.  
      Webinar Promotion (00:02:20)
       
      Information about an upcoming webinar on implementing the Profit First system is provided.  
      Understanding Cash Flow (00:03:24)
       
      The necessity of managing cash flow for successful auto repair operations is emphasized.  
      Challenges with Traditional Accounting (00:04:35)
       
      Critique of traditional accounting methods and their inadequacy for auto repair shops.  
      Profit First Methodology Explained (00:05:46)
       
      Overview of the Profit First approach and its application in the auto repair industry.  
      Setting Up Separate Accounts (00:06:58)
       
      The importance of establishing separate accounts for profit, taxes, and expenses is discussed.  
      Bank and Accountant Collaboration (00:08:02)
       
      Challenges in getting banks and accountants on board with the Profit First system are explored.  
      Incorporating Dave Ramsey's Principles (00:10:16)
       
      Integration of financial control principles from Dave Ramsey is highlighted for better financial management.  
      Results of Implementing the System (00:11:27)
       
      The positive outcomes of using the auto shop profits and cash flow system are outlined.  
      Call to Action (00:14:44)
       
      Chris encourages listeners to take proactive steps in managing their shop's finances effectively.  
       
       
      https://autoshopcoaching.com/
      https://connect.autoshopcoaching.com/profits-cashflow-webinar-form
       
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Brake & Suspension Clearance Event
    • Changing The Industry
      The Secret to Getting Job Authorizations In Your Auto Repair Shop #podcast
      By Changing The Industry
      The Secret to Getting Job Authorizations In Your Auto Repair Shop #podcast


  •
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,989 views
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,796 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,811 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...