Small Tire Fitting Shop

Local drivers, small fleets, taxi and delivery operators, and nearby garages that outsource tire work.

Fitting and balancing fees, margin on tires sold, repair charges and seasonal storage fees, with fleet accounts giving steadier work.

• Tire fitting and wheel balancing
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Customer service and quoting
• Basic bookkeeping

• A municipal business licence, zoning approval and environmental rules for storing and disposing of used tires are usually needed, so check with your municipality and province before you open
• Commercial general liability and garage keepers insurance for customers' vehicles
• Provincial tire stewardship fees and registration, plus any winter tire requirements in your province
• Heavy seasonal peaks and quiet periods, and money tied up in stock
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, equipment such as a tire changer, balancer and lifts, and how much stock you hold. Money tied up in stock is a key risk.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, the mix of new tire sales, fitting and storage, and the season. There are heavy seasonal peaks and quiet periods.

Check a municipal business licence, zoning approval and environmental rules for storing and disposing of used tires. Also check provincial tire stewardship fees and registration, winter tire requirements, garage keepers and liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire.