How to Start a Used Tires Business
Do you know that people are looking for used tires to buy? Where there is a need, there is an opportunity to start a business. There are loads of used tires just laying around and if you have been considering doing something about it, then how about doing the environment a favor while you also make good profit by starting your own used tires business?
Starting a used tires business can be surprisingly cheap and you will get the steps to achieving that and ultimately run a successful used auto tires business in this article.
Why this business is good for you?
Every business has its challenges, a thing or two that could be a turn off and a used auto tires business is no exception. However, this business can be a fun and enjoyable venture if you take a closer look at it. Some of the reasons why it might just be the right one for you are highlighted below.
High demand
In the used tires industry, you won’t have to worry so much about having clients or the actual tires to market. Due to certain laws that guide the use, storage and disposal of used auto tires, and not to forget the health hazards, it is not in the best interest of people to keep used tyres in their houses or garages for too long. Getting used auto tyres is not too difficult; some companies gather tens of thousands of used auto tires weekly. What’s also good to know is that where to sell second hand auto tires are numerous. There are some who will reuse tires for different purposes and you can meet them face to face or online.
You can start small
A used tires business permits you to start small. To keep your business afloat, there are a few things you can do with ease and get something for your trouble. With just a truck, you can start with helping people haul their used car tires to their required destination. This will help you build great rapport with people and get you familiar with the business. You can also make clients from there. Compared to most businesses, it is cheap to start.
Certain conditions favor the business
Another thing that will put your mind at ease is realizing that certain conditions favor the acquisition and sale of used tires. Some of these factors are all around us. Art has given rise to the use of used auto tires in a way that is safe for everyone. Other creative measures are being taken daily to turn second hand tyres into something we can use indoor and outdoor. The most important condition that favors this business is the world’s attitude towards recycling. A lot has been done to encourage the recycling of used objects even in developing countries and used auto tires can be recycled for different purposes. Also, the laws governing storage of used vehicle tyres has also forced people to let go of them.
How to make money off used tires
Recycling
The bigger your used tire business grows, the more you should aim to take it to the next level. As long as you have the space to build a factory or warehouse, buy the machines that will be used, pay the people that will work for you in that area and get the necessary permits, you should take that bold step of recycling used tyres and other used objects. Recycling the used tires will make you money in different ways. You will be saving time, energy and possibly money by recycling where you are than going through the trouble of visiting recycling stations. Other sued tire business owners who sell recycled tire products to companies, or the companies themselves, can approach you directly for the items.
Tire repair
Many big used tires companies also offer this service which is a good way to make extra money. You can offer to check used tires or tires that are still in use to find air leaks among other things that could make them unsafe to be on the road. This service will also involve inspecting previous repairs and giving an overall assessment, advising the owner on how best to use them and how long they have until they find a replacement for them.
In addition, you could offer tire installation services that will see you complete the whole process of assessing, reselling retread tyres and then installing them. Even if the tires were not bought from you, people could still go to you to help install them. Tire installation and assessment can be done with some specific tools and a number of extra hands to help with the processes involved.
Shred tires for sale
As your business keeps growing, you should consider offering extra services to make more money. Shredded pieces of used tires can be used for a number of things. One important use of shredded tires is the making of glue. Glue companies will pay you to supply them with shredded tyres because they know it would cost them extra to have them shredded in the first place. Other companies like rubber shoe makers will also be a good place to sell shredded tires and make money. Shredded tires could also be used for road construction like resurfacing. What you would have to do is to get a shredding machine to grind these thick objects.
Sale of tire rims
Some used tires come with their rims and that alone could make you extra cash. At times, even when car tires get punctured or are no longer fit to be on the road, their rims might still be in good condition. If the rims are in good condition, then they can be resold, but if not, there still are a few other uses for them. Used tire rims are made up of aluminum which can be recycled for other purposes. As a used tire business owner, be sure to know how to negotiate and purchase used tyres with their rims still on.
Selling your used tires
Being a used tires business owner does not make you any less of a potential used tire seller. As long as you have used auto tires that are no longer useful to you, you can sell them. It is a good way to make money and it is the easiest way to get second hand tyres for sale because they are yours to begin with. Another advantage to this business is that whenever you get new tires for yourself (or retread), you know that you will make money off them by the time you are done with them.
Reselling used tires
Just like selling the tires you bought for yourself, this will involve purchasing and reselling tyres you got from others. Only a fraction of the tyres you use will ever be sold therefore you can in no way rely on that. Purchasing and reselling second hand tyres is not the most difficult task in the world but it still requires some skill. You need to be able to talk your way through almost everything. From acquiring the tires to reselling them, it must be done with some salesmanship skills. In the end it pays off as a lot of companies are thriving in this business already.
Haulage
This is probably the simplest and easiest area of the business. Every used tires business starter must look at the advantages including the leeway of simply helping people move their used tires from their homes, offices or workshops to either other buyers or the recycling sites. All you need is your truck; you wouldn’t have to worry about servicing, inspecting or making efforts to resell if you can’t or do intend to. Carry them to their destination and get paid.
Read Also: How to Start a Moving Company
So, where can I find used tires?
Used tire owners
One of the most hassle-free ways to get used tyres is either purchasing them or simply collecting them from the original owners. If you have marketed your business effectively and have become known, second hand auto tires owners could call you up to come collect their tyres. Sometimes, they could be the ones to bring it to you. These tires could still be in good shape because most of the time, the fit-to-be-retread tyres come from the ones the original owner sells. Most sources of acquiring used tires may not have “retread material” and these types have more value when they are resold.
Junkyards
A lot of things can be found at the junkyard including some valuables on rare occasions. Some of the familiar objects that you can find in a junkyard are used tires. Some dealers have even made a habit of siting persons around junkyards to get used items that can still be polished and sold at a good price. second hand tires dealers do this also as it is another cheap way of getting tires for sale. One thing to note is that you can hardly find good enough tires to retread in a junkyard but other tyres of less value that can most certainly be recycled or used for other means can be gotten from a junkyard.
Recycling centers
Recycling sites get all sorts of tires and some of them are still too good to be recycled. Most tires that are taken to be recycled are usually the ones with very low quality but sometimes they end up there anyway and you could get them before they get crushed. You could start by assessing the tyres they have at the recycling center to determine which one is fit to be retread and which one is not before you take them back to your storehouse. In some cases, recycling sites pay people to get used tires off their hands provided they will put it to good use, while in other cases you will not be paid but you would still be allowed to take the tyres with you.
Recycling websites
There are a number of websites dedicated to buyers and sellers of items that are set to be recycled. This is a good place to start looking for used tires if you don’t want to go through the trouble of paying junkyards and stores a visit. It could also serve as a productive use of your time off or whenever you are on a break. These websites and online communities will sell these items, including tyres, at a very affordable rate, while some might give them out for free. Websites like these can be useful in the future whenever you are also looking to sell second hand auto tires therefore you must pay more attention to them.
Automobile shops
Tire shops and automobile servicing shops are also places where you can easily get second hand tires free of charge. Some of the cars that go to auto repair shops were involved in accidents which may have caused some damage to the tires thereby making it unsuitable to be retreaded. In this case, you will have car repairers who would be happy to see you walk through their door and even pay you to take the tires out.
Steps to starting a used tires business
There are a number of processes involved in launching a used auto tires business. Some of the most important ones include:
Planning
Every business must be planned first before kick-off. The risks of not having a predetermined blueprint for a second hand tires business could be more severe than expected. The way you choose to go about the day to day running of the business and what you would like to name the business is really important. The name must ring a bell and definitely sound like one that has a connection with tires or automobiles. You will also do well to select the areas you would like to specialize in as there are several ways you can be of service and also make sales in the used auto tires industry. Start by choosing one or two areas you are comfortable with and when you are capable, expand.
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Register and secure business
Registering your used tires business is one of (if not) the most important security you could ever provide for it. Doing this won’t only keep you on the side of the law, it will also give your business more credibility and here’s why. The laws guiding the usage and disposal of second hand auto tires can be strict and people cannot just dump used auto tires anywhere they see fit. Anyone would be grateful to have used auto tires taken off their hands but if the ones who collect these tires violate the law in doing so, both parties could be in trouble. That’s why people wouldn’t like to give it to individuals; they would rather give it to a registered company.
Get equipment and a haulage vehicle
After you must have secured your business and registered it, you should look at equipment that would help you work better. A used tire business involves the acquisition, maintenance, haulage amongst other things therefore you must go out and get the appropriate tools. The most important piece of equipment you will need is a truck. A haulage truck will make your life much easier. Haulage is one of the easiest and simplest aspects of this business and you will need to move tires from one end to the other. Other essential equipment in the business will depend on what aspect you wish to specialize in.
Get a storage unit
This part of the business is one which you must consider carefully as you start. Due to the nature of second hand tires and the laws regarding storing these objects, some of those you wish to resell to may not have enough room to store them thus preferring to take only a few off your hands. That will sometimes leave you with a lot of big round objects to deal with. There could also be times when you will collect a lot of tires, maybe more than a hundred in one day, with almost no one to sell to immediately; you would have to find a place to keep them. It could be in your garage at first, but as your business grows you should consider owning your own store or warehouse.
Make yourself reachable
Now that you have set yourself up to start making money in this business, you must make yourself available and reachable to customers and others who you’ll be working together with. Establish different channels through which you will receive calls and requests. Have a business line where you can be reached, an official mailing system and an online presence. The more you are reachable across different platforms, the better your chances of getting and retaining clients and business partners are. When you get a call, be there to answer it, and get updated with new environmental laws, especially the ones that affect your business.
Market your business
The good thing about a used tires business is the fact that it is one of the cheapest when it comes to marketing. One good reason is that there is demand for it. People literally pay cash to get used auto tires off their hands, so imagine how they would jump at the chance of finding someone who would do it for them. That being said, it does not mean that you will get a heavy pile of second hand auto tires at your doorstep each morning you wake up; you still have to go out of your way to market your business. Talk to people, go to car garages, auto body shops and even new tire stores and let them know what you do so that they can do business with you one way or another.
Who wants to buy used auto tires?
There are many institutions, individuals and businesses in need of used tires for different reasons. Some of them are for recreational purposes.
Parks, playgrounds and schools
Many parks have quickly taken up the habit of using unique materials to both beautify and give visitors a good experience. Swings and other fun rides are now being made out of used tires. This also goes for other playgrounds and schools where instead of an all metal or plastic playground, tires have become an alternative due to the fact that it is soft compared to other materials.
Artists
Almost anything can be made into a work of art by highly creative people. A lot has been made out of used tires by artists and painters. Some second hand auto tires have been used as frames to hold portraits while others have been redesigned to hold light bulbs in public places.
Woodworkers
This is a mixture of carpentry and art. It is a trending development that is being copied all around the world. Nowadays, we see furniture made with used tires of different sizes and they are really good to look at. There are some that are meant to be used outdoors while some are tailor made to beautify the interior of a building. As long as they are stuffed with soft cushion and well repainted, they will serve their purpose.
Retread tire dealers
If you are just starting out and you cannot do everything that is involved in the business all at once, you could sell the retread ones to dedicated retread second hand tires dealers. These dealers are always looking for used auto tires that can still be safe for travel to resell. They will do the necessary assessments and if there is any need to make a few adjustments, they certainly will but the amount you will get from them depends on the quality of used auto tires you give them.
Horticulturists and landscapers
Used car tires are also used for holding flowers and adding a nice look to the landscape of the area. A lot of sites and public places have developed the attitude of using flowers as a way of decorating the premises and used auto tires have become another unique alternative to a flower vase. In many cases, it is up to the ones in charge of planting the flowers to get all they will need for it and they are the ones who will come for the used tires. After some repainting, they can be put to very good use.
Conclusion
From recycling centers to car dealers, mechanics and car owners, you will have no shortage of where to get used tires from and whom to sell to. Now that you have seen the different ways you can make money in this business, why don’t you start already? If you follow these steps, all that will be left to do is to keep yourself updated with what’s going on in the industry and you are on your way.