Mobile used tire seller and fitter
Bring inspected used tires and a portable tire changer to customers' homes and workplaces, with no shop lease.
- $10k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
20,250 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
NAICS 441320 “Tire dealers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van or truck carrying a stock of inspected used tires and a portable mounting setup. You fit tires where the customer is, or pick up wheels and fit them at a small storage space.
Your first three steps
- Price a used cargo van or truck and a portable tire changer and balancer, and decide how large a service area you can cover
- Find used tire suppliers and a place to store inventory, and check zoning rules and any HOA or lease limits for storing tires
- Check your city, county and state rules on business licenses, sales tax, tire dealer registration and scrap tire disposal, then set up an LLC and take your first bookings from friends and local online groups
Who pays
Drivers who can't easily get to a shop, rideshare and delivery drivers, small fleets, and used car sellers.
How it makes money
A margin on each tire plus a mobile service fee per visit. Fitting several tires in one visit raises the value of each trip.
Skills that help
- Mounting and balancing tires safely
- Judging tire condition
- Driving and scheduling your day
Watch out for
- State rules on used tire sales and tire condition standards, so check your state's requirements
- Disposal of old tires: you may need to use a registered hauler or recycler, and some places charge fees
- General liability and commercial auto insurance, because personal car insurance usually doesn't cover work use
- Working roadside or in driveways: put safety first and check any local limits on working in public spaces
- Weather and heavy lifting make the work physically demanding
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile tire business?
Estimates put startup costs typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your vehicle, tire stock and portable equipment. Check general liability and commercial auto insurance, as personal car insurance usually doesn't cover work use.
How much can a mobile used tire fitter earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your tire stock. The work is physically demanding, with weather and heavy lifting to plan for.
What rules should I check before selling used tires on the road?
Check your state's rules on used tire sales and tire condition standards, and how to dispose of old tires, since you may need a registered hauler or recycler. Also check any local limits on working in public spaces.
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