Used tire shop with fitting bay
Sell inspected second-hand tires to budget-minded drivers and charge a fee to mount and balance them.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- 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 small shop or unit selling used tires that still have good tread and no damage. You inspect each tire, mount and balance it for the customer, and handle flat repairs and tire swaps.
Your first three steps
- Visit local tire shops and used tire sellers to compare prices, and find a lease for a small unit with a garage door in a zoned location
- Price a tire changer, wheel balancer, air compressor and rack, and line up wholesale sources for used tires such as tire dealers and auctions
- Check your city, county and state requirements for business licenses, sales tax registration and tire dealer or scrap tire rules, then form an LLC and get an EIN
Who pays
Drivers on a budget, rideshare and delivery drivers, owners of older cars, and small used car lots.
How it makes money
Margin on each tire sold, plus a fee for mounting, balancing and valve stems. Flat repairs and tire disposal add extra income.
Skills that help
- Judging tire condition and safety
- Comfortable with mechanical equipment
- Honest, straightforward customer service
Watch out for
- Some states restrict or set standards for selling used tires, such as minimum tread depth or damage rules, so check your state's rules
- Scrap tire disposal: many states regulate how you store and dispose of old tires and may charge fees or require a registered hauler
- General liability and garagekeepers insurance, because a bad fitting or a failed tire can lead to serious claims
- Keep records of tire age and condition, and refuse to sell tires that are unsafe
- Zoning, fire code and environmental rules for storing tires at your location
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: used tire shop with fitting bay
Researched with live web search for United States: 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?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, equipment and stock. Also check zoning, fire code and environmental rules for storing tires at your location.
How much can a used tire shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock and how many fittings you do. Keep records of tire age and condition, and refuse to sell tires that are unsafe.
What rules apply to selling used tires?
Check your state's rules on selling used tires, such as minimum tread depth or damage standards, and how scrap tire disposal works, including any fees or registered haulers. Also check general liability and garagekeepers insurance.
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