What to Consider When Choosing a Tyre Supplier for Your Business
In the tyre business, your supplier is more than just a vendor — they’re a key partner in your success. Whether you're an independent garage, a mobile tyre fitter, or a growing retail chain, the tyre supplier you choose directly affects your pricing, stock availability, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.
With dozens of wholesalers, distributors, and importers competing for your business, how do you know which one to trust?
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when choosing the right tyre supplier for your business.
The first thing to check is the supplier’s range. Can they offer:
• Premium brands like Michelin, Goodyear, and Continental?
• Popular midrange options like Hankook, Falken, and Kumho?
• Budget brands that actually sell?
• Specialist tyres — winter, runflats, 4x4, van or performance?
The more versatile your supplier, the better you can serve your local market without juggling multiple accounts. Having access to the right mix of brands lets you cater to everything from high end customers to cost effective operators.
Tip: Ask for a full product list or online portal access before committing.
It’s not just about how cheap the tyres are — it’s about how consistent and fair the pricing is. A good supplier should offer:
1. Competitive trade pricing
2. Tiered discounts for bulk orders
3. Flexible credit terms (if you qualify)
4. Regular promotions or incentives
Margins are tight in this trade, so even a few extra pounds per tyre can add up over time. But be cautious of rock bottom prices if it means unreliable service or poor product support.
Tip: Do a margin comparison over a 3–6-month period, not just on headline prices.
This one’s non-negotiable: if they can’t deliver, you can’t sell.
• Do they hold decent stock levels across sizes and brands?
• Can they offer same day or next day delivery in your area?
• Do they offer real time stock visibility online?
• How often do you get backordered or substituted tyres?
Nothing frustrates a customer (or a fitter) more than delays or “alternative” tyres that weren’t part of the plan. A good supplier makes your workflow smoother, not harder.
Tip: Trial their delivery service for a couple of weeks before fully switching.
Tyres are a fastmoving product — you need to be able to pick up the phone and get help when something goes wrong.
Look for suppliers who offer:
1. A dedicated account manager
2. Responsive phone and email support
3. Help with returns, warranty claims, or stock issues
4. Honest communication around delays or price changes
Strong support can turn a minor issue into a quick resolution — and that builds trust.
Tip: Try calling customer service before signing up.
Gone are the days of faxing in orders or waiting on hold. The best suppliers have:
• An easy-to-use online ordering portal
• Realtime stock and pricing
• Order tracking and delivery status
• Integration with your garage or POS software
If the ordering process is clunky or outdated, it slows your entire operation down.
Tip: Ask for a demo or login access to test the platform first.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of reputation. Ask around:
• What do other dealers say about them?
• Are they known for reliability, or for cutting corners?
• Do they work with garages of your size and scale?
• Are they locally based, or national/international?
Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more to work with a supplier you can trust long term.
Tip: Join dealer forums or industry Facebook groups — fellow fitters are usually happy to share opinions.
Choosing the right tyre supplier isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a strategic decision that affects your daily operations, customer experience, and profitability. The right supplier helps you deliver on time, every time — while giving you the confidence to grow your business.
Take the time to compare, test, and build relationships with suppliers who see you as a partner, not just another sales figure.
Because in this trade, a good supplier doesn’t just deliver tyres — they help drive your success.
Make a checklist of what matters most to your business — then hold your current or prospective suppliers to it. If they don’t stack up, it might be time to explore your options.