Is there still a place for a small independent in this sector or do the big chains have it all sewn up?

Not talking about alloy wheels and tyres *though they could be a useful add-on), just normal fast-fit bits for regular drivers...

 

Yep, definitely mate, i work at an independent one and we are by far the busiest in our town, local ATS just shut down because they did nothing.

We do 1000+ tyres a month i'd say.

 

my uncle has one down here in sunderland and there doesnt seem to be a lot of money in just tyres and exhausts..mainly because there is so many doing it round here. everyone is cutting each others throats. he does other general stuff aswell like brakes etc, but has resorted to taking on welding and other stuff to get by

 

theres way too much competition in the industry, you have kwik fit, national tyre, sts tyre pros, just tyres, and loads more independant ones scattered around here and there, do some research around your area to see what tyre places are around and see how much competition there is! thats the best thing to do!

 

My mate has had his t&e business for about 20years.Since about 10 yrs ago it went really slow.There is a north staffs tyre and battery place around the corner that do okayish and just on from that there is a Hi-Q and they dont seem to do much,more m.o.ts.In all fairness buying stuff off the net from people with no overheads/wages to pay is allways cheaper.

 

Hmmm, strange how different area's seem busier than others.
Most people we get in through our place wont go to main ones (kwik fit, hiQ ETC) due to them being con artists! lol

 

Mobile tyre fitting is increasing in popularity too

 

deffinately worth it,
a close friend of mine is making a killing. he mainly sells used tyres as the profit margin is huge compared to new tyres.

My pal has 3 shops now,
this is his biggest one in enfield.

 

i work at a ats and we are constantly busy, but if the price was right you will take all the business from the top chains they have to many over heads.

 

There's a lot of money to be made in tyres. I remember talking to my college tutor about this sort of thing. He told me that he had been talking to some lawyers and he asked them who makes money these days. The told him tyre fitters can be rolling in it. There's a guy not to far away with me with a collextion of nearly 30 mk1 and 2 escorts. He's a tyre fitter, and they come from Malta, (and its not just base models, good RS shells aswell). Not saying it works out the same for everyone, but the potential is there.