How to Run a Used Tire Shop
Anyone who drives a car obviously will need tires at one point or another. But in a slumping economy, customers are looking for used tires instead of new ones to save money. In order to run a successful tire shop, you will have to find ways to appeal to frugal clients. To double your profits, you could add a repair shop onto your tire shop.
- Obtain a certificate as a tire technician by taking the training class given by the Tire Industry Association. You will learn all aspects of tire care including how to repair tires. You will also learn OSHA regulations and safety guidelines for servicing tires on the road. If you decide to add a repair service, you should hire a mechanic who is certified as an Automotive Service Excellence.
- You don't have to build a new building for your tire shop but instead you can start your business in an old car shop. You want to be sure that the building is zoned for commercial use. Since you are just starting out, you won't have the funds for whole lot of equipment but you will need service bays, an area that stores the tires, which meets local fire codes as well as a sales office.
- Call the Environmental Protection Agency in your state so that you are aware of the regulations that govern scrap tires, repair shops as well as recycling tires. While you are there, you'll need to apply for a waste tire permit. The agency may require that you provide a site plan that indicates the correct tire storage as well as how chemicals are contained and how spills are prevented.
- Obtain equipment to test for tire leaks, tire lifts, wheel balancing machine, shelving to house tires as well as other tools and equipment you will need, depending on what services you decide to offer.
- Call the nearest fire department to find out about fire safety rules and to have an inspection of your facility conducted.
- Call junkyards to purchase a variety of used tires including truck and high-performance tires.
- Call the tire recycling businesses in your area to recycle tires, aluminum and steel that you cannot use.