Wheel shop with fitting bay

Local motorists upgrading or replacing wheels, 4x4 and car enthusiasts, and garages and body shops that need wheels or fitting work.

Margin on wheel sales, fitting and balancing fees, and add-ons like wheel nuts, centre caps and tyres. Trade accounts with garages bring regular volume.

• Wheel and tyre fitment knowledge
• Sales and customer service
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Council zoning and planning approval for the premises and any fitting work; check with your local council
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Check state rules on modified wheels and what customers may need to get approved
• Tyre and waste disposal rules vary by state, so check with your environmental authority
• Stock and equipment tie up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving sizes
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, fitting and balancing equipment and how much stock you carry. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving sizes can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, stock range and how much fitting work you do. That is revenue before rent, stock and other costs, and the work usually takes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check council zoning and planning approval for the premises and fitting work, your state's rules on modified wheels, and tyre and waste disposal rules with your environmental authority. Also check public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation once you hire.