Quantcast
Jump to content

Does a shop have to do tires?

Sean

By Sean
in Tires and Tire Services

 Share

Recommended Posts

Sean Enthusiast

Sean

Posted
Posted (edited)

Greetings looking for feedback on tires and associated equipment. A shop I am in negotiations to purchase doesn't have any tire mounting or balancing machines or alignment for that matter. The owner claims that due to the big tire chain store in town he feels it is a loosing proposition. The chain store does a lot of free work. I was wondering what others have to say? I wasn't necessarily looking to start selling tires but being able to mount and balance seems like a positive thing. I could see being able to do winter tire switch overs and balancing as ways to get a ROI

Edited by Sean
marista Explorer

marista

Posted
Posted

We do tires at our shop. We got a great deal on some used machines. We are in a high traffic area so we get a lot of walk in business for people with flats, etc. It's an added bonus to be able to offer tires to our customers instead of losing the business to someone else. We just hooked up with a new vendor for tires and we really make a decent profit on tires. We don't stock tires so they need to be done on an appointment basis. I think the profit is worth the investment in the machines.

Having a the ability to balance tires in house is a huge plus. A lot of our customers issues can be solved with just a re-balancing of their existing tires and it's great to be able to do that for them rather than send them elsewhere.

Sean Enthusiast

Sean

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Interesting thoughts here guys. I was considering the tire rack option already and appreciate that being pointed out.

Sean Enthusiast

Sean

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

I spoke to tire rack on the phone this morning and it was a promising conversation. I need to do some research on the types of machines I would need. I don't want to finance a bunch of expensive new equipment so I will be looking for used, refurbished on sale etc. I will avoid super cheap machines that won't last. Any thoughts ?

Edited by Sean
ATSAutomotive Collaborator

ATSAutomotive

Posted
Posted (edited)

I spent about $3500 2-3 years ago on a brand new set of Ranger tire machine and balancer. Ranger is made by Bendpak and is not a top machine like COATS but it has served me well since I've had it with some maintenance.

Edited by ATSAutomotive
Sean Enthusiast

Sean

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good place to purchase the tire machine and changer? I have found some online I was just wondering if anyone has a company they love to do business with?

ScottyP Enthusiast

ScottyP

Posted
Posted

I bought a Coats tire machine and a Snap on balancer used and in very good condition, both for $1000. Found them on Craigslist. I don't sell tires but the equipment comes in handy from time to time.

JimO Collaborator

JimO

Posted
Posted

New tires, seasonal snow tires, balancing tires and tire repairs are a good part of my business. Until recently I always had

Hunter tire machines and balancers. Two years ago I changed to Snap-on and they have been very good. Understandably both Hunter

& Snap-on are expensive but they both offer very good service when needed. I believe Snap-on is running equipment specials right

now and that could also mean that your Snap-on dealer may have info on used equipment if the new is too expensive for you.

oktire Apprentice

oktire

Posted
Posted

I'm the opposite of most shops on here. I'm a tire shop that does auto repair. The only thing that I will say is get a changer and balancer that will clamp on the outside of a 20" rim minimum. You will need it. Also you can make money on tires don't sell your self short. IF you have a Meyers tire supply that services your area the sell their house brand it built by corghi 9824 but has a 10year transmission warranty. worth the money.

  • Like 1
Tires Too Collaborator

Tires Too

Posted
Posted

Corghi was one of the first rim clamp machines available. I had one years ago and had good luck with it. Service was a bit of an issue. I have been using Hunter for the last 15 years because they do have good service available, but we rarely need it.

ATLAuto Rising Star

ATLAuto

Posted
Posted

 

We are installers for Tire Rack, Tire Easy, and were for Discount Tire Direct before Discount Tire came to town. We pick up some addition work and customers from this.

 

Frank, I've been thinking about getting in on this as well. What percent of your tire sales would you say come from these sources?

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      Who Has Changed Their Shop Management Program Recently? Happy? Not so Happy? Or?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Joe Marconi
      Many Shops Have Raised their Labor Rates, But Still Struggle!
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Changing The Industry
      Achieve Your Shop Goals With The Power of Intentional Planning #podcast #autorepairbusiness
      By Changing The Industry
      Achieve Your Shop Goals With The Power of Intentional Planning #podcast #autorepairbusiness
    • carmcapriotto
      Artificial Intelligence: We Have Some Concern! With Dan Vance [E016] - Speak Up!
      By carmcapriotto
      Our world is rushing head first into an A.I. future and we want to encourage our listeners to remain vigilant in these exciting times, as there is some legitimate cause for concern with the changes brought by A.I. Technology.
      Joining us as our guest is Dan Vance from Shop Dog Marketing.
      Craig has known Dan for a few years now and it was at ASTA in 2023 that he first heard Dan Speak Up on the topic of AI to a group of shop-owners on the promise and peril of AI…and he saw Dan deliver a presentation on the topic again at the MARS marketing conference with the Institute for Business Excellence in (beautiful) Ogde, UT earlier this year.
      In this episode Dan acknowledges many of Craig's concerns regarding AI, while they both align on the actual benefits. 
      Craig states regularly that the last skill machines should ever be able to take from us is our ability to communicate interpersonally and … but in some areas - A.I. is far more capable of outperforming certain tasks.  While that is happening - there remains a disconnect between AI’s ability to generate data and present the data in a way that can produce more effective interactions with real people. 
      Our listeners who may share in Craig’s concerns will no doubt appreciate Dan’s calm and reassuring thoughts on the topic.  
      Watch the YouTube Video
      Topics include:  
      Early AI and Machine learning The concept of Human Capital. Authenticity as a new focus Communication tendency becoming less synchronous Efficiency vs. Authenticity and what we lose AI Strengths and practical uses Social Proof - and a word on Reviews and AI Google quality rater guidelines - EAT - Experience Authority and Trust
      Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      Thank You To Our Partners:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Changing The Industry
      Get Ahead with Honest Feedback and Raise Your Game!
      By Changing The Industry
      Get Ahead with Honest Feedback and Raise Your Game!


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 139 views
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 104 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 127 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...