Used tire shop with fitting bay
Sell inspected second-hand tyres from a small unit and fit them for a fee while you build a base of local drivers.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or garage bay where you stock used tyres, check each one for tread depth and damage, and mount and balance them for customers while they wait. Many shops also sell used winter and all-season sets.
Your first three steps
- Visit a few local tyre shops to compare used tyre prices and fitting fees, and note which sizes sell most in your area
- Line up stock sources such as wholesalers, auctions and garages, and price a tyre changer, balancer and compressor
- Check zoning, fire code and business licence rules with your municipality before signing a lease
Who pays
Budget-conscious drivers, students, newcomers to Canada, small delivery drivers, and people who need a quick replacement after a flat or blowout.
How it makes money
Profit on each tyre sold plus a fitting and balancing fee per tyre. Seasonal swap-overs in spring and fall bring the busiest weeks, and some shops add flat repairs and tyre storage.
Skills that help
- Mounting and balancing tyres safely
- Judging tyre condition and tread wear
- Buying stock at the right price
- Straightforward customer service
Watch out for
- Check provincial and municipal rules on selling used tyres, including minimum tread depth and any required inspection or labelling
- Check how scrap tyres must be disposed of in your province, often through a registered hauler or stewardship program
- Commercial general liability and garage insurance, since a bad fitting or faulty tyre can cause a serious claim
- Zoning and fire code limits on how many tyres you can store inside and outside
- Winter tyre demand is highly seasonal, and Quebec has its own winter tyre rules, so plan your cash flow around peak weeks
- Never sell tyres with damage, bulges or age-related cracking, and keep a record of what you inspected
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: used tyre shop with fitting bay
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a used tire shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000 (CAD), depending on the premises you choose, the tire stock you buy and the fitting equipment you need.
How much can a used tire shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock and how many fittings you do. Winter tire demand is highly seasonal, so plan your cash flow around peak weeks.
What rules should I check before selling used tires in Canada?
Check provincial and municipal rules on selling used tires, including minimum tread depth and any inspection or labelling requirements. Also check how scrap tires must be disposed of in your province, zoning and fire code limits on storage, and garage insurance.
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